Drexel Hill Middle School

As a student currently in DHMS, I can safely say that the school is great. The problem in the school isn't the staff or the curriculum, it's the students. There are a lot of good kids in the school, but unfortunately, just as many (if not more) of us act out all the time. Because of this, they don't learn much at school and the kids who actually are interested need to hear the teachers constantly disciplining the students (to no avail) and deal with the same material being drilled into their heads even though they learned it 2 years ago. The school really isn't at fault here. They do provide great activities for the students. Our musical program is top notch, with so many different areas to get involved in (many singing programs, a few band programs including orchestra, a yearly musical), quite a lot of sports for all grades and both genders (inter-mural sports for 6th graders and interscholastic for 7th and 8th), and various other extracurricular activities. As a child in the gifted program, I can say that it is very helpful to academically advanced kids. Unfortunately, there isn't much else for gifted kids. Students can be in an advanced math program with high enough scores.

I am currently in 8th grade @ dhms and i ma loving every second. Only problem is the new principal mr manfre. He is not involved in the school and has taken away all of the that our former principal mr ross set for us. i pity the students coming in next year because they will have to deal with this terrible principal. The last problem is Mr. Mark Jordan... pray your child does not have him for math in 8th grade. he teaches and talks way too quickly. other than that, good school overall. would highly reccomend it

I just want to say I am very grateful to have MOVED AWAY. The teachers are somewhat "decent", though many spend more time having to discipline the class instead of focusing their energy to teach. There's also alot of bullying and discrimination that also goes on within the school and the principal shows no empathy and seems to neglect many of these cases. Test scores are also pretty poor and many of the classes focus on reviewing and re-teaching the same PSSA material year round when that time could actually be put to use. If you want to provide what's best for your child, there are plenty of outstanding districts in the surrounding area.

DHMS has consistently been ranked as one of the top middle schools in our state. The students win national awards in areas of technology, science, and more! The curriculum is great and there are some fabulous teachers who really make the kids want to learn - like Mr. Landmesser. I am very satisfied with the level of her education and the overall achievements of the school. I am sure with any new principal, things can be rough - change is not easy - but Mr. Ross has improved the school's PSSA's - a big step in a good direction. Like most schools, you get out what you put in!
--Submitted by a parent

My child loves DHMS as well; however, we have been forced to deal with many kids from lower socio-economic backgrounds after coming from Aronomink and Mr. Ross has been neither empathetic or sympathetic with respect to the issues that have arisen. The bullies are in full force and Mr. Ross has been nonchalant in his response. There are a lot of good kids, but Mr. Ross and his lack of control (and no recess for kids to dispose of extra energy) have forced to us to choose private school. I would love to know how someone like Jon Ross is nominated for Principal of the Year. We need a principal with more experience!
--Submitted by a parent

I don't know anyone whose kids haven't loved DHMS. They go above and beyond to make the experience great. The teachers are so nice and push the kids to do well. As for Mr. Ross, not only did he get the school to make passing scores on the PSSA, he also won state Principal Of The Year! I think people trashing him are probably upset that he wouldn't let their kid get away with stuff. My kids love him. He is also one of the only principals to actually live in UDSD. All the haters should think about those facts.
--Submitted by a parent

I think the Principal is clicky with parents if you are in the click you are a shoe in if you aren't he has no Time for you. My son had a problem went to Mr. Ross what a joke that was. He never, ever did anything to find out who the person was causing the problem. Oh don't get me wrong my son is no angle but however he isn't trouble either unless provoked. Not only did our son have a bad time there we as parents did too. I have never met a principal like him(not a good thing). I am so happy he is out of there. We as parents have never been so disappointed in a as this one. Watch out if you aren't in the click or snobby you won't be heard
--Submitted by a parent

DHMS is quickly becoming one of the most notable Middle Schools is PA, our principal Jon Ross has just been selected as one of 3 finalists in the state for principal of the year for elementary and middle schools. In addition we have become recognized by the PA Dept of Ed. for having the most innovative and advanced RTI (response to intervention) programs and have become partners with select universities to assist them with their education programs. This is an up and coming school in the state of PA. I am proud to say my child attends this forward thinking institution.
--Submitted by a parent

The curriculum and extra-curricular activities are great. Unfortunately, manyof the teachers are overwhelmed by the number of students in each class and the leadership is young, inexperienced and abrasive. Most notably, the principal, Jon Ross as proven to be an ineffective leader and not willing/able to take the school to the level the students and parents deserve.
--Submitted by a parent

I think Drexel Hill middle school has a great curriculum. The Teams work well together and the school keeps the parents involved with the children progress via email or phone calls.
--Submitted by a parent