E. A. Cox Middle School

. Everyone has been so harsh on the E.A. Cox s principle! I have talked to her a few times and she does have a hard shell. However she really does care that s why she is so strict. A few people have made great comments about the special ed/resource program; these are all because of the principle. Her goal is to get every child into the regular classroom before high school. This truly makes or breaks a student's future. I guarantee if you go to the school and ask the principle if there is anything you can do to help out you will see another side of her. Everything she does is for the students. There is no way the school board is going to take her out of the school and I wouldn t either.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is exellent for my child. There is maybe only two teachers I dont like the rest are pretty amazing.
—Submitted by a parent

Cox has a few great teachers that seem to really care about the kids. I am not pleased with the principal. She doesnt have very good communication skills with the kids or the parents. I wish this school would find a new one. Over all this is the only reason why Im not pleased. My childs teachers have all done a great job. The other thing that worrys me as a parent is the lack of supervision.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is in dire need of a principal-one who is concerned about addressing problems with workable solutions. There are some extremely good teachers at this school-it's the leadership that needs to be corrected.
—Submitted by a parent

Awful. Absolutely no structure and discipline is inconsistent. The overall focus of the school is is not on helping the children thrive and most definitely not on the students safety.
—Submitted by a parent

I'll echo the great band, music and sports programs. My son has been involved in all and has learned so much.
—Submitted by a parent

Great band, music, art, athletic programs. Academically one of the best in Middle Tennessee. Could use more teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at E.A. Cox and one of them is special needs. Her teacher was great with her and has moved her out into the regular curriculum with much caution and concern. I feel the Special Education teachers are doing their best with what they have to be able to help the children. I wish that the Maury County Board of Education had a summer program to help the children that are slower than normal. Especially a program for reading that helps instead of discouraging children by the scoring on tests that comes from the AR program. I have been discourage from the tutors and special education teachers that this program discourages the children instead of making their reading experiences more pleasurable and encouraging.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a wonderful first year at Cox but it was all due to the teachers that my child had. As for the leadership I would give anything to see the assistant principal take the lead as he is so much more of a communicator and a fair leader. The communication leaves much to be desired but for the most part the kids who are there listening and behaving everyday, and who have strong family support are learning and that is the goal.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Coxx for about 9 months and so far it seems to be a pretty good school. We came from Nashville public school system, so this has been a refreshing change. I do agree with what one of the other parents said about all being punished for actions of a few, we have seen that on several occasions. My daughter made the cheerleading team for next year so I'm sure I will get much more 'aquainted' with the staff and students in the coming year. Hopefully it will be a good expereince for the both of us.
—Submitted by a parent

I was astonished when I came across these reviews! It is reassuring to know that I am not alone when it comes to my opinion about the leadership at E.A. Cox Middle School. I must say that Cox Middle school is by far the worst educational experience we have had to endure. Of course there are a 'few good teachers' who truly care about their students, but there are far more bullying dictators than teachers. The principal is a total disgrace to our educational system. It seems as many parents who have complained about her the Board of Education would further investigate and reprimand. Something is not right about the situation and obviously I am not the only one with my eyes wide open!
—Submitted by a parent

Only one word can sum up EA Cox and its principal.terrible!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child in the seventh grade at E.A. Cox. I must say after almost two years of dealing with this school, my disappointment grows weekly. I feel the principal is more concerned with dress code violations than actual learning processes. I have had a conversation with her over an academic issue. She was less than helpful, and in fact, acted surprised I cared. I don't feel this is the way a principal should react to a concerned parent. I will say the conversation never turned ugly, but I do feel I was talked down to! Anything fun for the students is seemingly discouraged. I realize they are at school to learn, but this is not a concentration camp. Lastly, I must say that the all are frequently punished for the actions of the few.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children currently in E.A. cox both in the 8th grade. Compared to Florida schools they are doing really well in the Tenn. school. I dislike some of the things the principal does. But I know that when my children have troubles in school they take care of it and they've been very helpful to my children. They are doing really good as of right now.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended E.A. Cox Middle School for three years. We experienced many problems with Cox. If it was up to me, E. A. Cox Middle School would have a new principal. The teachers are rude and don't care about teaching the children.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is now a freshmen in Johnson City Schools after one year of E.A. Cox we had an opportunity to move and took it partially in search of better a school, because we could not withstand another two years.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 boys go through the school and one currently. It is a decent school,however only if you are tough. With my first son (adhd),I had to pull him out and home school until HS. The regular teachers did not seem willing to put forth the effort. My second son was fine because he was a very tough young man. My third who is very easy going was harrassed in the bathrooms and halls by bullies. This is what is happening to my last child. He is not tough and cries very easlily so he is an easy target for bullies. He doesn't want to ride the bus anymore and when he lashed out to scream at a boy who was tormenting him on the bus, he was suspended. Other than that, it's a good school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 boys currently in E A Cox. My older one in the 8th grade is doing well after a difficult year last year. My younger son in the 6th grade is add. I am having a very difficult time getting the teachers to stay in contact with me about his progress. My experience with the principal is that she is more task oriented than people oriented. The special ed teachers are the ones that I have been impressed with however. They have been the most understanding and willing to help. For the most part, the other teachers I've dealt with seem to see it as a burden rather than a priveledge to teach children. I would like to know if there are other parents who have had the same difficulties at E A Cox.
—Submitted by a parent

I had 2 daughters go through this school with one currently in the school for her second year. I am thoroughly disappointed with the leadership and example some of the teachers set for our children. I trust the the school leaders would set good examples at all times. This is not the case with Cox Middle school. There are good teachers there but some teachers that are very poor examples and use there athority to be nothing more than County employed bullys. I can't speak for any other school but Cox is just a step above a dictatorship on how it leads it's other activities other than teaching.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here last year and at first I was nervous about my daughter going to school here because I heard bad things about it. But now that she has gone here for a year I don't know why people talked bad about it. Yes the dress code is strict and some things are to touchy but I feel kids our so focused on showing skin now days that it takes away from education so I'm all for the dress code. I do feel that they should have a better choice of elective classes other than band and Teen Living but maybe that can progress as the years do. I feel the security and friendliness of the school is great. We felt so welcome when we moved here.
—Submitted by a parent