I. T. Creswell Arts Magnet Middle School

I saw that there hadn't been an update for this school in over a year, and so felt compelled to comment. This school has seen a lot of change in the past few years, and the emphasis on integrated arts curriculum and parent/student involvement grows by leaps and bounds. Dr. Murcray, the current principal, is very involved, and all of the faculty I've met or worked with have been exceptional. (I rated at four stars only because I've yet to meet all of the staff!) My child and I both love this school, and I look forward to watching as it continues to grow!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school compared to the school my chilldren use to attend. Teachers are very nice.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year at Creswell. He is a 5th grader coming from a terrible elementary school. Ms. Greco in 5th grade has made a world of difference for my son and the communication is 100% better than his elementary school. I email her and she responds within 2 hours or less. I am very pleased so far with Creswell.
—Submitted by a parent

My impression of the professionalism of the staff is very positive. However, the biggest problem that I see is the fact that auditions are not required for admission. An arts magnet school should provide unique opportunities for students who are able to demonstrate some aptitude, or at least interest, in art. In my opinion, there are too many students who are there because they live close by and not because they are serious about art.
—Submitted by a parent

I am excited about Creswell! Over the years, I have seen tremendous growth of the principal, teachers and staff. Everyone is involved in the instructional day of the students. I have come to recognize that the Arts schools seem to bring many different voices from various communities and there is a great effort made to accommodate everyone. While the school is predominately African-American, there is a community feeling there among the teachers and students, with extra effort given to helping impact the cultures of everyone. The 8th grade teachers assert particular efforts to help students prepare for high school. The teachers come with a vast knowledge of not only their subject matter, but they are equipped to handle additional needs of the schools. I love this school, the teachers and administrative staff. They are making a true mark on the community.
—Submitted by a parent

This was the worst school any of my children ever attended. Kids are out of control, wander the halls at will, and the principal is terribly controlling and excessively authoritarian. Very little learning is going on here, except in some of the arts classes. Eighth graders at this school think that 'Arts' magnet means that they will learn to be cosmetologists! I have worked in many schools and had my children in quite a few, and this school is truly unacceptable and has a terrible atmosphere as well.
—Submitted by a parent

i go to this school and its okay but art wise it could be better we could be in to more of the metro competitive activitys
—Submitted by a student

I selected 3 Metropolitan Nashville Public Magnet Middle Schools to enter my daughter's name on the school lottery. After careful consideration, I chose I.T. Creswell. So far, I am very pleased with the school and feel that no other Middle school would be a better option for her. Although I am only familiar with the 5th grade teachers, there is a great sense of warmth that I get from the other staff....regardless if I know them or not. Yes some of the students there do have attitudes, however, there are very few issues related to behavior.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is academically sound. It's the kids attitude that is the problem. Although the teachers and principles can be a little stubborn sometimes and some need to lighten up sometimes.
—Submitted by a student

It is a terrible school to enroll your child in if they are very serious about their future art career. Since a lot of students that attend that school did not go through the lottery, there is a lot of students that don't care about the arts and distract and make fun of children that actually make good grades.
—Submitted by a student

I decided to enroll my child at IT Creswell because of the different arts programs it offered. I like that the students has options. The school is clean and the design is very nice.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the principal Dr. Gunn can be more friendly . Not only with the children but with the parents also. She also need to be more positive all children are not bad give them a chance, smile at them sometime show you care. Thank You
—Submitted by a parent

Creswell is an excellent school for children who really want to learn and exceed in life. The teachers are there to do the jobs that they love doing and are intrested in assisting the students in their interest of study.....
—Submitted by a parent

The leadership at Creswell is excellent. After having a problem with a teacher's style Dr. Gunn handled it very professional and quickly efficiently. I believe that there would more parent involvement if the PTO meetings were held in the the evenings at least a 3 times a year. Overall I believe Creswell is great choice for my daughter.
—Submitted by Zora Lee, a parent

Perhaps I am a bit prejudiced since I work at Creswell however, I do believe in my school, my principal,. my parents, and the wonderful staff that I work with. I am encouraged everyday when I go to school. This is not a 'job' for me, it is my 'calling', my anointing to be here. I have the benefit of a wonderful group of students from 5th to 8th grade that I love to see everyday. I have a classroom that is large and airy and filled with things I need to successfully perform my teaching duties. As a teacher, I am informed on all levels regarding what I need to know. I have at my disposal talented and caring people who support me in all areas. I am allowed to grow, and incooperate my talents and life experiences in the classroom. I look forward to each year with excitement!
—Submitted by a teacher

Wharton (Creswell) Arts Magnet Middle School is an excellent academic and arts school, and starting with the 2006-07 school year it will be even better with a new school. The current principal is very fair and there are far less problems at Wharton than my childrens zoned school. All the teachers and staff are great and are very dedicated. The students think so, just ask any student at Wharton! They also have a large number of parent volunteers.
—Submitted by a parent

its not a bad school its just in a bad area. Fights are also a problem at this school, and they arent always taken care of properly. maybe that will change when west end moves into wharton and wharton moves to the new rebuilt I.T. cresswell.
—Submitted by a student

Wharton is a wonderful school. I have son that is not only an excellent student academically but also shares a love for dance. In looking for a school that could both educate him academically and incorporate the educational component with the artistic component Wharton is a blessing. My son had the best of both worlds which made him enjoy school even more. Wharton s teachers are very committed to their students having the Best of the Best to teach our kids in both the academic and artistic department. Middle school is a crucial time for children and the staff at Wharton genuinely showed concern and a commitment to the students and parents on a daily basis. The parents at Wharton school are very supportive believing and knowing that it is important that we not only invest in our own children but in every child. At Wharton the motto It Takes A Village to raise a Child was demonstrated on a daily basis with not only the staff but with parents as well.
—Submitted by Kennettha, a parent