Eastmont Middle School

Middle school was the worst three years of my life. While I was trying to do my best at being nice, everyone else around me (including teachers and staff) made it impossible. Everyone I know that has gone there would never go back there even if someone paid them a million dollars.

We have had our children in Sandy public schools for 13 years and Eastmont has the BEST program I have ever experienced. I needed to send my son here for a cluster program (which he has now graduated from) and I was AMAZED at the school. The students have pride in their school, the music/theater program is TOP NOTCH and there is a safeguard system that does not let students fail. If a student falls behind, they are given a ZAP ticket to sit in a special quiet area of the lunchroom to get caught up. There is also private tutoring offered before and after school. There are in school activities that the students earn the privilege to attend by their grades. The staff are amazing and the administration is caring and VERY involved. I wish all Utah schools would use their system, it is SUPERIOR!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am not at all impressed with Eastmont Middle School. Teachers take more to certain cliques and they have ridiculous ways of punishing the students. If someone wears too much of one color, they will assume they're in a gang and tell them they aren't aloud to wear that color anymore. Ever heard of uniqueness? We all have our own likings. We may like a certain color more than others. That doesn't necessarily mean they're in a gang. Everyone is judged. I, myself, have never fit in at Eastmont. The students were extremely rude and did not have a problem with hurting another person with their words. The teachers are not good teachers. They're strict, intolerant, and they take everything too seriously. School should be about learning, but the staff, faculty, and students should make more of an effort to make every student's middle school experience something fun to look back on. This should be a time to remember- the time of your life. Not something to dread. Not something anyone should be afraid to look back on. Tsk tsk.

I have seen this school operate for the last 20 years and it has only gotten better each year. The administration is pro-active in solving problems before they become issues. The administration , faculty and staff are caring people who really do want the best for their students, and not just on an academic level. They seek out those students who may have other "issues" going on at home or otherwise in their life and truly try to make a difference. I have worked on the PTSA board for many years and it has become a big part of the student involvement. Eastmont is a Great School and students look forward to going there.
—Submitted by a parent

If you want your child in the best middle school in Utah, place them at Eastmont! The staff and faculty really care about each student and have all the tools in place to teach effectively as evidenced by the fantastic test scores from the past few years. They have increased each year at an incredible rate and the students feel like they can achieve great things! You won't find a better arts program or a better community. The PTSA offers many wonderful opportunities for student AND parent involvement. Parents are encouraged to be classroom volunteers and be present at school. Students have opportunities for leadership and school spirit with PTSA Student Board, Senate and Riots Spirit Clubs. This is an incredible school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am so impressed with Eastmont Patriots! The faculty and staff are genuinely concerned about the students' performance academically. They have awesome programs to help when there is misunderstanding in a subject. Students get "ZAPPED!" and have to go to the front of the lunch line and then head to the class where they have a missing assignment to make it up. They have "Patriot Time" where any student can go into class and get extra help or do fun, extra learning activities during this time in a subject of their ineterest. Their school play is phenomenal and a lot of effort is put into many activites here at Eastmont. The PTA is very supportive and involved at this school and Parent Day is one of the highlights for me.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just finished his first year at Eastmont and he had an excellent experience. I was so concerned that he would have a tough transition into middle school but he absolutely thrived. There seems to be classes and activities that appeal to a variety of students. The teachers are very reachable. He's sad school is out for the summer!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent learning environment. This school encourages academic achievement not just a "push through" attitude. Students are encouraged to master concepts and are given the opportunity to do so.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Eastmont Middle School and felt it was a great school. The administration, staff, and faculty are fantastic. There are programs in place to help students who struggle as well as opportunities for students who excel. The school offers a wide variety of electives, honors programs, and wonderful performance arts experiences. The overall academic achievement is one of the highest in the Canyons District if not the entire state. It is a safe and positive environment for students! I would highly recommend Eastmont to any parent who wants a great experience for their child.
—Submitted by a parent

I was concerned when my first child started at Eastmont 2 years ago. Starting middle school can be tough. So many programs to keep the kids from falling through the cracks. ZAP zeros aren't permitted makes sure they are getting their work turned in. Extra help 2 days a week is Patriot Time. The principal makes sure she hires the best teachers who are committed to helping the kids succeed. The district is now having all middle schools follow our programs. I now am having another child start this fall and I know he will be happy and enjoy middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely perfect! It challenges me to do my best. The teachers are always looking out for me and my best interests. Plus, Mrs. Sterzer cares for each individual student.

Excellent school. Teachers are great - caring and lots of support offered kids. Very safe - very little bullying and the staff addresses EVERYTHING reported. There are lots of opportunity for student involvement. Scores are good too.

Eastmont is trying to get better about kids grades and how they handle middle school. When I went to the introduction assembly the faculty showed a graph about the students' CRT average scores and they had raised over 40% in the last couple years. That is saying something. The teachers are good and know what they are doing. Eastmont is really trying hard to make the school a better place and it is really working.

Obvious social differences. So, so teachers. Not much school leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

Many students at Eastmont are very stereotypical and split into cliches, making many kids feel uneasy about meeting new people. Some of the administration isn't much different, I have seen teachers who also take to certain cliches and are very bias to specific students (and it's not because the child is a bad student)
—Submitted by a student

I am very disappointed in the opportunities at Eastmont. The electives to choose from are very few and they fail to have some of the interesting ones that other schools have. I would have a much better time at school if I were taking classes I was actually interested in!
—Submitted by a student

My Daughter started 7th grade this year. I was very happy with the schools efforts to make the transition from elementary a pleasant experience. She loves the school and especially the music program. I am glad to see an emphasis on the arts at Eastmont where the national trend seems to be to trim the arts.
—Submitted by Jared McDougall, a parent

My son left 6th grade in the top of his class. Great grades, a socially active 12 year old boy. He began 7th grade and struggled. His first mid-term he had all F's and D's. I have been terribly disappointed with the administration of the school as well as the general lack of concern for the kids education.
—Submitted by a parent