Albert D. Lawton School

I am a student at Essex Middle School in essex town and know some things about ADL. Pretty much nobody in my school likes it and think of them as our rivals. Everyone says that our school is better (everyone loves it, it's a great school and it gets 5 stars all the time) But ADL isn't known for being a great school. We think the teachers are bad, the students rude, and the environment bad. When we talk about ADL, we say things like, 'i don't like ADL' I don't know much about the bullying there, but it seems like not the best, and maybe they don't handle it that well. At EMS, they handle it well, being nice to us. In conclusion, ADL has a kind of bad reputation at other schools, and EMS is better!!!...
--Submitted by a student

The teachers and staff are doing a great job. Both my children that attend agree as well. It is important to remember that the childs experience will depend on their actions, choices, and behavior. My children look forward to going to school in a friendly, safe and caring environment.(not to mention the great school spirit and parent involvement) As a parent I feel informed, welcome and fortunate to have a great school with so many opportunities, to help get my children prepared for the years ahead.
--Submitted by a parent

I was a studant here, and I have been to a TON of schools. ADL has AMAZING teachers, they are all really nice and if you need help they will willingly stay after school with you to help. yes there are bullys, but thats going to happen no matter where your going. they will put your kid in classes that are specific to their needs. great school.
--Submitted by a student

great school, activities, academics, teachers, staff, administration...it's all wonderful!
--Submitted by a parent

My wife and I have had quite the opposite experience. Our son suffers with depression and anxiety issues, often becoming a target of bullying. We found both the staff and administration easy to work with in providing the supports to our son which he needed to be successful.
--Submitted by JOhn Rowell, a parent

This school has a terrible bullying problem. The culture and leadership of this school perpetuates the problem instead of trying to fix it. Some teachers are bullies too creating a very emotionally hostile/unsafe environment. Your child may not be emotionally safe here, especially if they are not one of the popular kids or althletically inclined. A child bullied here is not well supported. Often the approach is to minimize the situation or deflect blame on the victim. Don't be fooled by the posters hung throughout the building. None of it is sincerely enforced. It's a shame because there are good, caring teachers in this school but they don't seem to have much influence over the leadership.
--Submitted by a parent