Parkside Middle School

This school does not provide a quality education. The schedule is so convoluted....it's amazing that anyone could follow it. The leadership at the school is lacking and not looking out for the students. They are only concerned with making a name for themselves. The foreign language program (of which they are supposed to be a specialty school) is not supported at all. Some of the teachers are good, but you have to look for them.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is less then mediocre. My child was not prepared for high school upon completion of eighth grade. The homework (whenever there was some) were handprinted. I can only recall a handful of times when text books were used.
—Submitted by a parent

Parkside Middle School is a school the community can be proud of. I think it is starting to get overcrowded and has a size and staff issue, in terms of adjusting to all this. With just two music teachers they have won numerous awards and competitions and this is with classes of 40 or more kids. One art teacher who coaches football, and another who gives her time freely and with great care and compassion for children. A science teacher who stays after school and sponsors Science/eco club and always handles large classes, or 8th grade LA teacher who constantly produces classes of impressive writing SOL scores by basing curriculum on engaging topics. Four Physical Education teachers who probably put together a class that is always the highlight of the day for each student. Counselors who create and maintain communication with their students, and countless other teachers who coach and secretaries who also sponsor or coach. We have one substitute with a degree in anthropology from Davidson (wrestling coach at one time), and another with a degree in political science from Virginia Tech (multi sport coach), another from Pittsburgh (coaches crew outside County). World Class...

Terrible school. Staff is unorganized and hates their jobs. School is generic and unconcerned for students. Bus schedules are always changing and you never know if your on the right bus. It took two weeks to register for the school thanks to very rude, unprofessional employees. I have been hung up on by the staff and the school seems very unwelcoming in general. To summarize, this school has no idea what they are doing, is poorly attempting to run on a low budget, and is unwelcoming. The teachers themselves seem good and are somewhat helpful and the curriculum is average.

Dissapointing. My US Constitutional rights have been violated so many times that it hurt me right in the patriotism. It's so poorly organized that alll the rules contradict each other and nobody has a clue what their doing. The staff is mean, I've been told "Get out my face" several times they arent helpful. The teachers are OK some are pretty bad but mostly good. Everybody hates their government jobs it not a happy place. Not very welcoming. You cant leave class, to use the bathroom, or they stop you.just to see the counselor you need to get a hall pas to get a counseling pass to get a digital hall pass back to class.

All we heard when we moved to this area was how great the schools are....well, after 7 months, I am NOT impressed. This school (as well as the elem my 4th grader attends) is one of the most unorganized schools I have ever seen. The band program is a disgrace......at their spring concert, my 8th grader was playing music that would have been 6th grade level at her old school. It was also extremely disorganized; the kids had no idea what songs they would be playing, they had to go get programs that were put out for parents so they could get their sheet music arranged. The teachers are slow to respond to communications from the parents. We got our 8th grader into the SIGNET program (the gifted program), but they really don't seem to do any real work in the class. I am really hoping for a better experience when she moves to high school next year!
—Submitted by a parent

i am a student at parkside and i love it here i am a 7th grader and i have to give it up to the teachers. My sci. teacher is the best and all my other teacers i learn all that i need. i get A's on my test and quizes i woul bring your kids here and also the other students are friendly
—Submitted by a student

My child is a new 6th grader who came in from Bennett. We are seeing a big impact in quality of education and so far none of it is good. 1. Math seems to be taught using 'Investigations' methods rather than standard algorithms. Many nights after work I must tutor my child in math because he cannot accomplish the homework on his own. 2. On another front, we emailed a question to the Spanish teacher. No answer so we printed it and sent it in with our student. Still no answer. 3. A month ago we asked for the Parkside 6th grade AR list. We still have not been provided the list and are told the school library is developing it and will provide as soon as it is completed. They should already have a list that is updated regularly when they buy more AR quizzes.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is beginning 7th grade. I think the school has some wonderful teachers. But as anywhere you also have those 1 or 2 teachers that seem to be unhappy so everyone around them needs to be unhappy. The dress code is reasonable. But some kids fail to obey by wearing flipflops, short skirt, and ripped up cloths depends on what teacher you have to weather or not you get sent to the office. The office staff is great!! The new principal is realy getting the school in order and she is easy to talk with. Overall its a great school! My suggestion would be to challenge the students more expecialy the ones in advanced or extended classes.
—Submitted by a parent

Teacher's okay at keeping the students in controle. Many teachers don't keep track on what they need to doing. Not all students automadicly know the information.
—Submitted by a student

Parkside is the worst school ever! maybe academically its not but to the students it is. Theres alot of fights that break out and theres more drama in this school then in any other middle school ive been too. The staff seems to have no actual care for the students. Not to metion you barley ever see the princeapal involed in anything. The sercurity always seems to be in classrooms taking students to the main office. This seems to be slightly ridiculous for this to be happening in a enviroment that learning should be taking place. I feel unsafe when im walking the halls there. If you say the wrong thing to one person it would deffinatly start somthing. The guidence department is not helpful at resloving issues with students either and seem pretty busy with other task. Overall dont send your child here.
—Submitted by a student

i ABOSULTLEY love this school!!! Their teachers are wondefull, and its fun to go. I never wanna miss a day!
—Submitted by a student

Overall the school is good. There are some really great teachers at this school! there are also a lot of young teachers still working on finding the teaching method that works best for them but overall they are okay. The downfall to this school for us was the principal. We have always attended schools were the principal was very friendly and involved with the student body and their parents.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of teachers is what makes Parkside shine. They are well educated, well informed and care deeply about their students. After school activities are what the children make of them. They are varied and plentiful. The music department is rich and talented. These teachers take children that have never held an instrument and turn them into life-long music lovers. The music department also puts on a full scale musical each year that is open to all students. To my knowledge no one has ever been turned away no matter their talent. Safety has never been an issue at Parkside. Students are treated with kindness and respect. Discipline with dignity is what is used here. Two of my children are attending Parkside middle school and I couldn't be more pleased. As to the comment about teachers not being involved...check out the parking lot after hours. These folks are VERY involved!
—Submitted by D. DiCocco, a parent

this school lacks the fund for extracurricular activities and it shows. this school lacks alot teacher involvement. Out of 1 thru 5 this school is a 2. 5 highest.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is a really good school. All the teachers know how to teach the material us students need.
—Submitted by a student