Alcoa Middle School

Bullying at it worst! Administration bullying students and parents, especially the AYP secretary and the vice prinicipal. I moved to this area for the Alcoa schools, and I trusted the safety rating on sites like this one. I'm pulling my children out of this war zone and putting them in a safe, privat school.
--Submitted by a parent

What a phenomenal school and school system. Parents that make comments about teachers caring obviously are ignorant about today's educational practices. Teachers are under more stress than ever with the mounting evaluation and rigor of standards. Teachers wouldn't put up with the increased workload, strenuous evaluations, and students who are raised to disrespect teachers if they didn't care. I find it laughable that parents use sites or newspapers to disrespect these people who spend all their time and resources for the betterment of their students. You should be ashamed.

We are so dissappointed for the last 2 yrs that AMS has gone down hill as far as the quality in the education. Our 7th grader is suffering. The teachers are not caring enough if the students are getting the material & this being such a hard grade this yr due to the TN state highering their standards. They are teaching 9th grade material in the 7th grade & our child is struggling. The teachers JUST DON'T CARE ANY MORE:(
--Submitted by a parent

Socially, my child has been bullied severely by students, and the school does NOT have an effective anti-bullying program. We have reported bullying multiple times, and were advised to put my child in a self-defense course. I cannot show my name on this review for fear of repercussions on my child from the staff. Alcoa Middle School rates very highly academically, and my child has benefited from their high educational standards.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school--my daughter has been very lucky to go here and have the incredible teachers that work there. I feel like I am part of the school community. For it being a 'small' school, they have many opportunities for the students. My only complaint, and I think this is nationwide, is bullying. The staff do take care of bullies but it still goes on.
--Submitted by a parent

I LOVE going to Alcoa they will help you if you need help,have at least 3 people helping in the class rooms.I think they care more about the students then sports like if you are faling a class they will just take you out of it like that,untill they get there grades up.
--Submitted by a student

I LOVE going here. It's such a diverse school and we always have tons of fun learning. We learn a lot and all the teachers are just great. I love this school.
--Submitted by a student

Diverse and innovative. The needs of the individual student are the number one priority. The small size of approx 480 students in grades 5-8, makes for a homey atmosphere where individuality and teamword count. The principal, Jim Kirk, was named 2002 TN principal of the year. He leads a faculty that is dedicated to results. 100% of the teachers have at least a Masters Degree and almost two/thirds have a specialists degree in education (ED.s).
--Submitted by a parent