Van Buren Middle School

Wow I think I may be one of the few that is unhappy with this school. The teachers are not perfect but they are great, especially given the number of kids they have to deal with and the lack of teachers' assistants. They are most of them stuck with a loud chaotic class. The lunches are not healthy and so you are better off having your child take their lunch. A nurse is not on staff and is at the school sporadically throughout each month, but tries to make it in twice a week, but she is divided between Van Buren and Fairmont High. The principal, asst. principal, and counscelors are not reliable in protecting children from bullies, as we found out the hard way last year. Little to no support for the child that is being bullied. A lot of the kids have some hardluck stories, and the behaviours to go along with that. We do not find the curriculum advanced at all, and are supplementing at home. We are actually thinking to go to homeschooling for the 8th grade because of it.
--Submitted by a parent

Van Buren is a great school. this is my first year in this school and i havent had any trouble with the teachers or students. Van Buren has excellent teachers that really seem to care about their students.

Van Buren is the best school I've ever been to. The teachers are fantastic and really care about the students. The principal is really nice and always talks with students and doesn't just stay locked up in his office. He also is very anti-bully and stays true to his word when he promises things. I'm in 6th grade and I've never seen anyone bullied. There are very nice full-sized lockers and there is very "high-tech" equipment like i-pads and i-pod touches. There is also a computer lap with 40+ newly bought computers. There are great unified arts and gifted classes. Also there are many great after school programs. I recommend this school to anyone looking for a great school with good test scores and fun activities and don't take their students for granted.

Amazing school. I moved here for only for the ratings this school got. It has really let my kids express themselves.
--Submitted by a parent

Both my boys got a very good education at that school
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are awesome! Our family appreciates the kindness and caring offered as well as the help with our nontraditional family.
--Submitted by a parent

What makes this a great school are the teachers and parents who work together in the best interest of the children
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school really help me understand more things better.
--Submitted by a student

Excellent school. The staff is professional and effective. The principal leads the building using the latest research and proven techniques. ALL students can be successful at Van Buren.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been thoroughly impressed with Van Buren staff and students in the 6th grade. Matt Rugh has done an outstanding job with the staff and their willingness to work as a team. He is firm and yet fair. I attended Kettering Junior High in the 1980's and went onto Fairmont and I believe the Kettering school district has gotten stronger and many great things are being accomplished.
--Submitted by jennifer Sullivan, a parent