Dowell Middle School

My Daughter loves Dowell, and we do as well! From the front door to the back portables and all the classes in between. The Athletics coaches and teams are great! More parents could possibly help with concesions...but otherwise..I am blessed to have a kid who wakes up everyday and not only wants to but loves to go to school!! Thank you Dowell!! The Band is super wonderful as well!!! Thank you Mrs. Lisko!!
--Submitted by a parent

I had an issue with a couple of teachers at this school and wrote the principle and he has not once tried to contact me back. Teachers loose papers and give kids zeros. I have to copy everything my kids do so I know they did it even if teacher loose their work. I pay a lot of money in taxes to have great teachers that care, but I feel I am not getting my monies worth. NO TEXT books, PP videos, is not teaching my kids. I don't want them watching movies everyday we can do that at home. WAKE UP--- get some younger teachers who are excited about teaching and replace the older ones that have lost interest in the school and the kids. YOU know who you are.
--Submitted by a parent

I have only wonderful comments regarding this well run school. The leadership from Dr. Farris and his Assistant principles is outstanding. The focus and expectations are clearly set for the students from the top down. The school is producing 21st century thinking and the success rate will continue to soar based on this process in my opinion. The teachers put in 100+++% effort to insure the success of every student. Tutoring is encouraged for all students not just for those who are having difficulties. Even the students who are doing well in the subjects are present in order to reinforce their learning and growth. The programs that are being used to teach students are engaging and exciting, which only brings students to the best expected results!!!!!! Bravo and job well done,to Dr.Farris,the Assistant Principle's and fabulous teachers who are each the best any parent could ask for.
--Submitted by a parent

The school has had a new principal since 2008-2009, and he is excellent. He has vision, leadership, and knowledge. He expects excellence and is fair regarding teachers, parents, and students. This year, all of the teachers had to start using their websites to post assignment information and documents. It has been great. The GT program is very good.
--Submitted by a parent

There's a great education, which should be recognized. Most of the time, I believe that a majority of the problems spawn from the students, though certainly not all, who are poorly behaved. That simply means that the faculty must find better methods of handling these problematic students, instead of slapping the generic label of troublemaker or rebel on them. The principals seem to be up in space when it comes to dealing with children who are bullied, and do not seem to have a clue as to how major the issue of bullying is. The teachers can be lax, and in some classrooms for required classes, I've seen kids just do nothing all day; the teacher stands helplessly in the front, not saying a word. Therefore, I return to say that the school has a major issue with the kids, who handles them and how they are handled.
--Submitted by a student

This an OK school, but needs some serious reformation. The restrooms are horrible, and discipline is revolting. Many of the students, who would do very well in preAP, are instead in academic classes and pick on everyone else. The actual education is excellent, but the rules must be enforced much more. There are fights in the hallway half the time I walk through them! While the teachers and education are good, the hygeine and enforcement are in need of much reformation.
--Submitted by a student

Really concerned with lack of leadership, discipline. Teacher's are not consistent with their learning plans. Principal and counselors seem to lack involvement or acknowledegement
--Submitted by a parent

This is, in my opinion, a school in need of a dire recreation. The halls and bathrooms are disgusting, punishment is given much too often, and sometimes you may get punished for something you didn't do or or something very minor. Some of the staff are rude (I won't name names.), and there it seems the staff is doing nothing against this school's problems.
--Submitted by a student

This school is very good! It has alot of security so I feel safe about my child going there! The peprallys are great and it has been a delight being in the Dowell family!
--Submitted by a parent

There is a serious lack of discipline which causes a major concern for the safety of our children. Students are not often held accountable for their actions by both the school administration or their parents. My child has been lucky to have caring teachers and has excelled academically. If we are all wondering why Dowell's accountability ratings have dropped.
--Submitted by a parent