Cedar Ridge Middle School

Cedar Ridge has it's ups and downs. Some of the teachers are awesome, and I wish that I could have multiple classes with them. However, some of the teachers don't seem very good at empathizing with the kids. Also, the principle yells at the wrong kids. He yells at people in the halls if they failed the OAKS Test (The State Test) because they didn't get the answers right, but lets the kids who failed because they don't care just continue with their own agenda. The cafeteria food is cheap and not nutritious, and the kids who are over hyper get sent in the hall to "calm down" instead of actually trying to figure out if they need help (such as if they have ADD or ADHD).

Given the incredible and continually declining support of schools by the state, it's remarkable that any schools are even "good." The fact that CRMS is doing well is a testament to the teachers willingness to work very hard and very long for any student who wants the help. Let's face it...not every student does. This is rural (farm/ranch/mountain) community which has a slowly growing professional component...so kids are not, generally motivated toward college. And yet the opportunity is there...CRMS has tremendous,motivated and young teachers, participates in a national pre-engineering program (Project Lead the Way), has had several recent winners in national poetry and writing contests...all of which are encouraged by teachers giving greatly of their own time. Communication is stellar...particularly among the 6th grade staff, and continues as a point of pride through 7th and 8th.
—Submitted by a parent

The 8th grade Social Studies teacher is crazy! He makes students cry! he is in serious need of a therapist!! He is constantly lossing papers then blaming students for his mistake! Stay away fro this teacher... that's all i can say.
—Submitted by a parent

The last few ratings reflect well my judgment. The principal is excellent, the teaching staff is young and energized. Test scores have jumped dramatically, now exceeding the state averages in almost every category, and in some by a large margin. They are strong in sports, and have numerous extracurricular activities. Sadly, budget cuts bring an unknown quality to the future, but Cedar Ridge, as it stands now, is doing a heck of a job with very little.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree that Cedar Ridge is on its way up! I receive DAILY emails from several of my daughter's teachers, and the others are quick to respond to my inquiries. My daughter loves her school as well, which goes a long way in helping her be successful. It seems that the staff is continually looking for ways to help EVERY child succeed. Sure there's a few staff members who aren't exactly 'into it,' but you have to work around that. And yes, we finally got a sports program.
—Submitted by a parent

It's not just the school, it's all the schools in Sandy. Having a child that came from a different district and always having straight A's, shortly after attending Cedar Ridge was failing. There is absolutely no communication from teachers to home even when it is requested numerous times. By the time you can actually talk to someone regarding your child's important education it is too late.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a horrible school! They do absolutely nothing for their TAG students. The quality of education at this school is very poor. I have pulled my student out of this school and will not send her back. I believe the problem to be with the administration not the teachers. Their hands seem to be tied. I wish them luck with their strike.
—Submitted by a parent

This School Rocks! we have a great choir and band program and lots of really dedicated parents. We have fantastic teachers who really work to make sure every student learns the material and does well.
—Submitted by Stephanie, a student