Hixson Middle School

New principal is a strong leader. This school seems to be improving. Teachers seem to be working hard.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school my child has been to in a long while. The teachers are exceptional, the students are great, and the facilities are amazing! Hixson middle school is getting better and better every year!
—Submitted by a parent

HMS is not a great school. They score very low on everything, from tests to teachers and principal. They do not have time for parents or students either for that matter. Some would rather give an assignment and not explain it. That's why they have failing grades on the T-Cap test. Teachers do not teach so that a child can learn. I wish that teachers got paid according to students test results. Maybe then they would be better teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Hixson Middle is great, communication is key here and they are on top of it. My son loves his school, and the kids are great. The staff and teachers are very open to meeting you on any given day of the week to work out any concerns you may have with your student. All I have to do is call and I know if they are busy they will call me back the same day
—Submitted by a parent

I don't have a child in Middle School yet, but she does attend an Elementary school in Hixson. What I CAN tell you is that Tennessee raised their standards considerably this past year. Its going to get worse before it gets better as far as that goes. When it comes to public schools in the greater Chattanooga area, Hixson has some of the best ones. It doesn't matter what school you send your children to, there are going to be issues like race to deal with. What I can tell you is to get involved in the school, check out the standards on TN.gov yourself so you can make sure your children are keeping up with what is required of them, and give them a friendly nudge to get involved in activities. Middle Valley has a super Youth Association that offers all types of sports activities. Hope this helps to put you at ease a little.
—Submitted by a parent

I am moving to the Chattanooga area too in June 2011.. Kinda worried about the testing scores and the race issue I have read?? Does anyone have anything they can help me with? Very scared!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am moving to the Chattanooga area soon. All schools have social problems; I want to know if anyone has an explanation as to why HMS scores below the Hamilton School District and the State in the core subjects of math & science? I had to leave a rating to submit my question and the rating is based on test scores and stats.

This is my oldest son's 2nd year at HMS and my youngest son's 1st year. I have been impressed with the Principal and teachers so far. They are open to communication with parents and students. I've had quick responses from email from both Principal and teachers. This 2010-11 school year so many people have "hardshipped" to HMS. Something has got to be going well for so many people to want to go there!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the worst school my child has evey been to the have race issue's thay let the kids hit other students the teachers and principle don't do any thing about it if your child is from a mix family or a black family. They are just really bad I hate this school and hate that my child has to attend this school!!!!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I think that HMS is a great school. At all schools, bad things happen such as bullying and things, but HMS is not bad. The teachers are excellent and so is the principal. I disagree with the other reviews on the school because they are wrong. HMS is probably one of the best schools in the Hamilton county area.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been teaching for 35 years and have been at HMS for 7 of those years. It needs to be noted that we made more gains than any other middle school in the system this past year. There is always room for improvement, but overall we do a very good job. Bullying is a problem; however, it is a problem that is common in middle school age children. We do the best we can and I don't know of any teacher who just doesn't care. Our principal is one of the most student centered principals I have ever worked with.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am very disappointed in this school, There is alot of bullying and the teachers dont seem to do anything about it, I requested a meeting with the principal 3 times and never got a return call, my daughter gets made fun of EVERYDAY and it seems to me that ANYBODY cares. I dont believe we will be living in this school district next year.
—Submitted by a parent

When we first moved in Hixson we asked our realtor to take us in a area where the best schools are. We ended up in Hixson wrong this school has a problem with bullying and some of the teachers just don't care anymore about teaching. Sports are no good except basketball. Good luck in this school because any student who attends will need it. Fights are a problem here as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I go to Hixson Middle school! I Love it there! I think my teachers were really supportive, and understanding. I think that we have a lot of Related Arts classes for a wide virate! I hope they keep it up for the next year!
—Submitted by a student

I am a grandparent who has volunteered at HMS through my grandson's 6th, 7th and yes I will be there for his 8th grade year. What a wonderful school HMS is! I have seen great things happen in that school and it comes from the love, caring and understanding of all involved. The principal, Mr. Boles and the assistant principal, Mrs. Barnwell are a dynamic duo! They really care for the students. I have spent many volunteer hours at this school and I have had the wonderful pleasure of observing and enjoying all the wonderful things that go on at this great school. Just like any other school HMS needs parent participation. I would encourage any and all to make time to volunteer and help make a difference. Together we can do it all to ensure our children and grandchildren get the education they all deserve. Welcome to Hixson Middle School!
—Submitted by Cindy Chamberlin, a parent

The school has the potential to be a great school. The school is desperate for parental involvement, organization of schedules, qualified teachers in every subject, and cosmetic and structural improvements.