R C Edwards Middle School

We moved from South Carolina to Washington State where my son was tested and was a full year behind. He had to take 7th grade over. He was NOT ready for 8th grade in Math, Science and English. If your child is attending this school make sure they do all they can to acheive good grades in those subjects and try to do more if possible. Make sure they read!
--Submitted by a parent

We, too, are from another state and very displeased with the educational system in SC . After PASS Testing, school books are taken up and no more school work happens. The teachers show movies and let the children play games all day for weeks after PASS Testing. There is very little instruction going on from the teachers at any time during the year. Most hand out worksheets and while the children work on those, the teachers play on the computers that are in their classrooms. The teachers have two planning periods a day which is unheard of at most schools. With all the "planning" that is going on, you would think the rest of the day they could teach what was planned. One teacher had the children listen to books on tape everyday instead of instructing them with a proper lesson. There is a reason SC schools are ranked #49.
--Submitted by a parent

We relocated to South Carolina 3 years ago & were told that this is the best school in the area. My child has just completed the 6th grade at this school & I am happy to say that we are relocating. I highly recommend that if you are considering sending your child to this school that you visit the facility. It is in poor condition and has not been maintained consistently. The administration falls short in providing the best opportunities for their students. If a student is in the band, orchestra or chorus they are not elligible to take a foreign language. This is possible elsewhere. Teachers have been enjoying in school vacations with their students since May by showing movies. The office staff is unkind to parents & students. Academic achievement awards are not in fact awarded to students with the highest average. Strong leadership & change is badly needed.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter was placed in an advanced 6th grade math class that all but skipped the 6th grade standards. The rest of the class had to be in a special math class for 7th grade to undo the damage. We moved out of state last fall, where my daughter soared this year, and had a caring math teacher that helped her regain her footing. She was so happy to leave a school where the bathroom doors are falling off and the halls dingy. The teaching is for the most part pedestrian and too-structured for passing tests. Last year, the principal changed twice. This school needs better leadership and creative teaching from more teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

Academic expectations are high but teacher quality of instruction is very one-dimensional with little engaging instructional opportunities for students. Lack of visionary leadership has been an ongoing problem for teachers and students but with a new principal coming on board for Fall 2007 expectations are high for improvement. Two award-winning elementary schools feed into this one with an award-winning high school following. This school could be stellar with the right leadership for both teachers and students.
--Submitted by a parent