Joseph T. Henley Middle School

I recommend Henley Middle School. I've not known any students there who were unhappy with Henley (they love it). I think some of my son's teachers were truly the best--one of the upper level algebra teachers is one of the best teachers I've ever known. My child had a wonderful experience at Henley. There are great classes, wonderful teachers, opportunities to get involved. And, yes, there are a few children (as is the case in most schools) who seem to want to cause trouble, but they are a very small group and easily distinguished as the ones to stay away from. (It's their parents who are responsible for their poor attitudes, not the school.) I think the staff and teachers do their very best for all the students.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Henley Middle School. Most teachers will get the job done, some with more expertise, but I noticed that on a few occasions, Henley's had a few worse choices in teachers. Most of the time, they were not there the next year. Some of the staff and teacher's seem like the kinds with obvious favorites. If you're not popular or don't have a certain attitude about yourself, they don't seem to enjoy your presence very much. Though many of the teachers do know where to place the standard for each level class. Students get a reasonable amount of recess time per day, too. Administration, however, doesn't seem too friendly, but will get the job done. Though there are some issue with mild bullying, Henley, over all, is a great school with many wonderful extracurricular activities students can participate in. If you want a good education and environment for your child, Henley the school for you.

I have just graduated from Henley Middle School, a school that is lead by a man, Dr.McLaughlin, whose judgement upon punishments is seriously flawed, where in one situation a student who endangers their fellow students with rock throwing and impales a fellow classmate in the head, causing massive bleeding. These actions punished by a single day of In-School-Suspension, as apposed to actions classified as skipping class on a first offense are punished with a day of Out-Of-School-Suspension, and the revocation of precious privileges. This school has left me, a straight "A" student, seriously unimpressed with the unprofessionalism of their staff. Though, with as most situations, there are a few exceptions, a handful of teachers who offer exceptional teaching abilities, with subjects of both academics and life lessons. At the same time the rest of the teaching staff is constantly letting down students and parents with a lack of enthusiasm and impaired priorities. Though nothing really compares to the atrocities that they call their principals.

I just got into sixth grade and I have the best teachers eaver. The teachers cover everything but make it fun. At HMS I have actuely loved going to school! I am in band and it is an amazing expirience! We are going to the spring concert and we have been doing exelent! Henley is so AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Three years of fighting an administration that talks a good game, but is completely lacking in follow through has left me unimpressed. The staff is exceptional at circling the wagons and self preservation. If you have a child that functions without any outside help and you don't mind the fact that they receive more in the way of social indoctrination than education, this is the school for you.
--Submitted by a parent

Having switched to Henley from a private school that our children attended for 8 years, I can say with confidence, that Henley does its job and does it well. The sad news to those who think Private school will better address issues of bullying or middle of the road learners is that, in our experience, private will do worse on both accounts. Privates resources are often more limited and the entitlement and elitism that comes with private make it even harder to address bullying. Middle Schoolers typically struggle with self esteem issues, EVEN the 'popular' ones, it is the nature of this beast. But I do believe that Henley does the best job in addressing any true threats to safety . and is available to children as they navigate adolescence.
--Submitted by a parent

My son started seventh grade in fall of 2009 and so far, he loves it. I've never seen or experienced any rudeness from the office staff. There are some excellent teachers, some not quite excellent but that's always the case. So far the administration seems terrific. I'll be watching throughout the year.
--Submitted by a parent

great teachers and staff!
--Submitted by a parent

Seems to focus more on high ability students that will raise test scores for the school system. This happened to us at the elementary level as well. Our child is a student of average ability, a group that seems to be overlooked here. The school seems satisfied to keep these students where they are - little challenge or encouragement that will motivate them to achieve more. My child may never be an Albert Einstein but he has potential to go further, especially in math. He'll never achieve that as long as the school lets him slip through the cracks.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a child at Henley Middle School and I wish I had sent him to private school for three years. My child has had a few talented teachers that have helped him along the way and the guidance staff is amazing. However, he has been bullied not only by the students ( and then he was punished) but also by the administration! The office staff is rude. If your child is not a type A personality and VERY organized then they will have a tremendous amount of problems at this school. The administration does not focus on what was normally considered disciplinary problems and focuses more on small things that do not warrant in school or out of school suspension. The result is a group of students that treat each other very badly and know they can get away with it and are reinforced by the administration.
--Submitted by a parent