Dowell Middle School

I know the 7th grade science teacher Ms. Baker. She's nice and I heard from someone that this school steals........ Doesn't mean that they do though.... I just heard it from some guy.

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

i love my school i never want to leve it i mean like thares a copple of mean techs but i dont care i love them enyways! i meanly like mrs. harris the math tech i love her!!! my mom and dad like the school to and i tink it should have more then 5 stars..... every one is nice and cool! and if you dont get something rite they dont yell at you! and they know almost every thing that we are doning enry minnet ane every secned! well ya by by!
—Submitted by a student

Most kids and teachers care and want to excel. The principal seems lax or oblivious to the value of discipline and hard work.My child took all Pre-AP classes and made an A in everything, played sports and has lots of friends.
—Submitted by a parent

Dowell was once one of the top middle schools in the area, however since the current principal has taken the reins, the school has become a haven for behavior problems. DMS has had a very high teacher turnover rate since she has been principal which has resulted in many of the top teachers and teacher leaders being replaced by less experienced teachers. I have had the opportunity to watch this school from the best of days (when Danny Bryan and Gavan Goodrich led the campus) to being only a shadow of itself.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends Dowell and I have to say I am not impressed. The Principal is the only person in administration that listens. One of the Assistant Principals has a habit of talking down to both the students and parents. Safety is not a valid concern for some of the teachers and most of the office staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Dowell is over crowded and has a very big problem with discipline. I'm a very involved and see what takes place. My child has attended Dowell from 6-8 this being the last year. I think the teachers are good and try, but the leadership from the principle and up lacks in a very big way. It seems that being over crowed and having to discipline constantly takes away from Dowell providing a good school for the everyday student. I will not miss it!
—Submitted by a parent

I use to go to DMS and it is a great school, the teachers are wonderful and the extracurricular activities are awesome! Most of all the best part of my experience was the way they teach you!
—Submitted by a former student

While I find the teachers great and super committed to teaching and to the kids, the overpopulation of this school is ridiculous! HIgh taxes paid by the school surroundings are not compensating since kids are bused from all over the region into this school, as well as others, hence creating an environment of 'street smarts' that most parents don't necessarily want their kids exposed to!, At least I don't! The violence that is going on is outrageous with kids in ages ranging from 11-15!
—Submitted by a parent