Hand Middle School

Hand Middle School is a wonderful school! My child is happy to go to school everyday! The principal and the teachers are the best we have ever experienced. Every time I enter the doorway I am greeted with a smile from all of the staff. My child is challenged with rigorous classroom experiences. I was thrilled that they offer Chinese as a language elective.
—Submitted by a parent

My sweet AP sixth grader started out a bright eyed, enthusiastic kid at Hand only to become academically and socially frustrated, having been subjected to rampant bullying, nasty racial comments from kids and sexist ridicule from teachers. Violent fights occur on a regular basis as do highly inappropriate conversations--all in class! Yes, a few truly outstanding teachers, but serious issues erupt right under the school's nose with no responsible administrative response. The school specializes in maintaining a clean public profile while keeping parents in the dark. In my experience the real story is one of an unresponsive, phony institution that failed our child. Given the formative importance of the middle school years, I find the lack of any real honest leadership at Hand to be deplorable and these glowing reviews to be naive. One guidance counselor for every 300 students in a school with over 900?--no surprise they prefer to sweep problems under the rug. We will be dealing with the discouragement Hand caused our child for quite some time. If you are considering another option, do so with a view of the real Hand Middle, not its image. Trust me, there is an elephant in the room!!
—Submitted by a parent

Faculty experience and credentials. School size Academic Programs and Activities Child enjoyment.
—Submitted by a parent

I am continually impressed with the high standards and dedication of the teachers and especially the principal. They strive to create a safe and focused environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Such a great school, my child is learning so much there!
—Submitted by a parent

They give my daughter the special attention she needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Hand continues to hire quality teachers and stress the importance of a quality education. They support the community and care for about the well-being of each child. I highly recommend they be voted 'America's Favorite School!' Pam Marino Meacham

Hand Middle school have the best teachers and really care about teaching their students and making sure they learn
—Submitted by a parent

My favorite thing about Hand Middle School is everyone seems happy to be there!
—Submitted by a parent

Our family now has four generations of Hand students. My Dad (age 90) was in the first class at Hand. I attended Hand, my daughters attended Hand, and now two of my grandchildren are students at Hand. The faces of the teachers have changed, but the quality of education remains the best.
—Submitted by a parent

the school has very experienced teachers
—Submitted by a student

We have the best staff around!!
—Submitted by a parent

Hand Middle School has always had an outstanding reputation for academics and the arts. It is an outstanding school in an otherwise problematic school district and the state as a whole.
—Submitted by a parent

They are the best bot academic and the arts the produce our future leaders
—Submitted by a parent

hand is the best middle school I have every been to in my life. Every thing is so clean and they have the best staff in the entire world.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is in the 7th grade at Hand. It is one of the best schools in Columbia. It is one of only 2 racially diverse middle schools in Richland One which is very sad. She has had many opportunities at Hand. Communication with the faculty is great. She stays busy with homework, afterschool activities includeing sports. The principal is awesome. The kids are well behaved.
—Submitted by a parent

I go to Hand and love it so much. The performing arts programs are the best. I take Dance and Drama and our teachers are the best. I love Hand Middle School!
—Submitted by a student

Our daughter has had a wonderful experience at Hand. She especially enjoys the dance program and Latin. Her 6th grade world history and English teacher was outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

I love going to this school! It never runs out of things to do and learn. It is a great school and though it is great academicly it is great with its art programs such as dance, drama, art, chorus, and orchestra.
—Submitted by a student