Houston Middle School

As an alum of this school (over a decade ago), I would like to bring to attention the fact that this was one of the most hierarchical schools I have attended. Under the radar bullying and name-calling occurred consistently, particularly if one did not belong/was an outsider, and no teacher stepped in to hold students accountable. Additionally, in my grammar class, teaching was mainly absent. Each day was spent working alone in our workbooks with minimal grammar instruction. The rest of class time was spent on "Brain Quest" games. I do want to give kudos to the parent volunteers, particularly volunteers who assisted with student clubs, such as Odyssey of the Mind. Parent volunteers at this school were dedicated and enthusiastic about education that occurred outside of the classroom. I do hope that the school environment (whether social or academic) has changed such that each student is cared for and taught with excellence as the school's reputation asserts.

Excellent academics and a nice atmosphere. School is very structured, which is good. Almost no discipline problems
--Submitted by a parent

Houston Middle School is probably the best public middle school in Shelby County, Tennessee. The teachers are interested in teaching and are very good with the students, the parents are very supportive of the faculty effort, and the students seem to really enjoy learning. Sadly, that is not the case in many of the public schools in the Memphis area.
--Submitted by a parent

The system is unorganized but otherwise it is a great school for academics and a little bit for sports
--Submitted by a student

I have found the school to be wonderful for acedemics. Most of the teachers use creative and traditional methods of conveying information. Both of my children (one in 6th and one in 8th) are thriving at their interests. I feel that my 8th grader is more that prepared to meet the challenges of high school.
--Submitted by a parent

great school. teachers are very nice and helpful. they do not punish you for something you did. food is 'ok'. they offer after school tutoring which is nice. overall a great school.
--Submitted by a student

First off, I'm an 8th grader here at Houston. All I can say is, I've been here for 3 years and the school is completely and thoroughly unprepared to bring us into highschool. They care less about academics than extracurriculars, which is super, but their share of extracurriculars barely balance our needs. Also, the school is--well cheap. School foods are horrible and the cafeteria staff cheat money out of students faster than rabbits. The teachers themselves get better lunches than the students and the repairment levels of the school are horrible. Some teachers are also really well, unsufficient. Our gym teachers practically find something out of a book for us to do and sits there while they shout out commands of running, exercising and other things while they, themselves are always on the computer, barely watching us.
--Submitted by a student

Well for starters ive gone to houston for 3 years now am a current 8th grader and i dont like this school. academic programs are out the window. if your behind they leave you behind. Extracurricular activites hahaha well you have to be a snotty cheerleader for that. no softball, no soccer, and volleyball a mom made our jerseys and we had 3 games and our coach never showed up. My bff quit. my parents are not involved and nobodys parents are.
--Submitted by a student

I just graduated from this school today.I think its a great school.The onlt problem I had was that there wasn't enough after school activities. I'm a softball player and they didn't have softball.If you want to be in choir there is an amazing teacher. Come to this school.Trust me i graduated and you'll love it !
--Submitted by a student

Well, I am currently a 6th grader at this school. This school is great for many reasons. one that the teachers are really nice to you if you do what your supposed to do. (Everyone loves Mrs. Thomas, I have her for first period and she is one of the nicest teachers I have ever met in my life) Next year they are having Excel courses that are really awesome like forensics, neuroscience, dancing, survival courses etc. So awesome! Many parents involve all the time. They are basically walking the halls as we learn. It's just a great school if you know how to handle it.
--Submitted by a student