Portsmouth Middle School

My daughter had a wonderful experience at the Portsmouth Middle School. She is currently a sophmore at PHS and PMS prepared her well, both academically and behaviorially. She was challenged academically and the rules and consequences were clear and fair. She was givien the opportunity to have classes in many 'special' areas such as: computer graphics, ceramics, cooking, and wood shop just to name a few. Well done PMS!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at this school and I am a teacher in Portsmouth. I find the faculty and administration to be unsupportive and uncooperative. Extra curricular activities are lacking and academic areas need to be upgraded.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children in PMS. Although we have been disappointed in the extra curricular activities; sports options are limited (please bring in field hockey for girls!) and the music program is not comprehensive (but at least there is one!), PMS has managed to keep some options open, as well as having a late bus for kids to stay after for extra help since all of my kids' teachers have been available for extra help. I am satisfied, but more importantly my children like the school and their options.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in the 5th grade. I haven't been impressed by PMS so far. The faculty hasn't been terribly warm or friendly. I don't feel welcome when I visit. During the parent orientation there was a definite sense of 'us' against 'them' between the parents and the teachers rather than a spirit of cooperation. The school organizes the daily schedules calling the days A, B, C, rather than Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. This is so confusing to kids and parents. This school would be a lot more user-friendly if the faculty attempted to put themselves in the parents' shoes. I also feel that the teachers should discipline the children rather than sending notes home. If a child misbehaves in class, (s)he doesn't learn a thing if (s)he isn't punished for it immediately.
--Submitted by a parent

We have a 7th grader. Over all we were disappointed in the Middle school. We have been in many different school systems both public and private. The most important thing is that they do not have an Honors Program. Next is that they should have enough books, so that the kids would be able to take home on a daily basis without having to check them out. Last but not least not enough extra curricular activities. We realize some of this is due to the money issue that school system is having. With all of that said we would not choose to let our child stay if we were going to be in RI longer. We have children in the Elementary school and the High School too. Some how the Middle school got lost ??? We are pleased with the Elementary and High School.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher at this school, as well as parent of a student currently at this school, I am extremely dissatisfied with the lack of leadership and uniformity within and across grades and curriculum. My child will not return to this school next year.
--Submitted by a parent

Portsmouth Middle School is an excellent school. The teachers are all highly qualified and put every ounce of energy into every student. The students are wonderful, respectful, and polite boys and girls. This is a great district that will enhance your child's education and abilities.
--Submitted by a staff

Portsmouth Middle School is a source of pride within the community. The administration and parent groups work well together to provide an effective, but fun learning environment. I attended this school in the 70's and my children attend now. Taxes are high, but well worth the quality education they provide. If only all citizens agreed, we would be able to provide more programs. Programs that would provide enrichment to all students at all levels, not just the lower achieving but the high achieving as well. We also need our intermural sports program back. It is a loss to the community. To sum it up. Portsmouth Middle School is a great school, but it is limited because it is not given the financial resources it deserves. With talented teachers, and motivated administrators, it hasn't neared the potential it has to provide a first rate education.
--Submitted by a parent