Louise A. Benton Middle School

The school is terrible. Teachers are rude and don't care about students. It is very crammed full of students and I switched to private school because it was so bad. The students are all friendly and nice though. - submitted by a student

My son has had the priviledge of attending Benton for the last two years(6 and 7th grade) It it a super school. Never had any issues there. the teachers are all great. His favorite teachers and subjects were Science and Music.. Mr Powers, Mr Hutchinson and Mrs Kidd are only among some of the wonderful teachers. My son has been priveldged to have them as mentors. All the teachers have been kind, considerate, hardworking and always take the extra step to help the kids. I had only one incident with bullying and it was nipped right away.. They have a zero tolerance policy and the security guard is a retired Policeman who really takes care of your kids. We will truley miss this school. And best of all is Mr. Smith the principal- It does not get any better than him. My son loved him.. Always kind and courteous to al. He really brightens the kids day and they know he has their best interests at heart..
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred our son from a private school to Benton MS. Overall we and our son are very happy with the school environment. Benton has a superior band program, probably one of the best in the State. Academics are not challenging our son. He receives very little home work but has received A's in all subjects the entire year with not much effort even while enrolled in the extended math and language arts classess. We inquired into the SIGNET program as an option to provide a greater academic challenge. We had a diffcult time getting information from the teacher in charge who was rude and not very helpful. We received a letter that our son was not "eligible" for SIGNET with no clear explanation of the criteria used ti determine eligibility.
—Submitted by a parent

Benton is a superb school. GREAT music program with caring teachers, and the sports teams are not bad. Administrators are all kind, and bullying, stealing, even copying HW is heavily enforced. There is an overall safe feeling when attending this school. This is my last year at Benton and I am very disappointed. The teachers have helped my so much with work and preparation for high school. With all the help from the teachers, I got to go to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), which is the #1 high school in the nation. Only PWCS students can try to apply for TJ, and because the testing area is at Benton, I felt comfortable when I was taking the admission test. Later, the teachers gave me good reviews and I think that really helped me. Anyway, I just wanted to say that Benton is an A+ school.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is finishing her first year at Benton and we have been very pleased with her experiences. The school has excellent technology to help the students and the staff (teachers and support staff) are always pleasant and helpful. Mrs. Kidd provides an awesome environment for the orchestra program. The parent involvement is great too! My daughter loves Benton.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! The teachers are always very kind and helping and caring! There is little bullying and everyone is very kind and ready to learn!
—Submitted by a student

This is my first year at Benton and I love it! The teachers are great and they help me acheive! Mr. Pratte, Ms. Youngquist, and Mrs. Kidd are great music directors too!
—Submitted by a student

This school is to strict. The dances are not fun we do great on test scores and theres not any danger at the school but yet we cant celebrate! the only good thing at the school is mr mcfarland hes the best admin ive ever had and the lunch ladeys are all sweet we need new people over the dance and 8th grade night
—Submitted by a student

If you are looking for a school that puts a 100% into academics, arts (vocal(Ms.Younquist A++++)/visual/instrumental) and athletics than look no further. I am a proud parent of a student who had the opportunity to call this school home for three wonderful years. As a military family we are always looking to insure our student(s) stay with or above the national average. Benton creates and environment to engage even unmotivated students . Their program is designed to bring each students strength out fostering a sense of accomplishment. Our daughter was more than prepared when entering high school. She left Benton with the confidence necessary to achieve success in all areas of high school. Our sincere thanks goes to the teachers and staff!
—Submitted by a parent

I am the very proud band director at Benton Middle School and a colleague of mine mentioned that someone had posted a kind remark about the band program and other great activities at Benton. Thank you! If I can speak for my colleagues, we try to provide a great education for your kids every single day and develop a rapport with the students that propel them towards success. I am fortunate to teach alongside many, many remarkable teachers. Keep up the positive remarks for an outstanding school!
—Submitted by a teacher

From 6th to 8th grade, I attended Benton middle. It was wonderful!
—Submitted by a student

In 2001/2002 school year my son had the privelage to attend Benton Middle rather than his previous school in s.c.. He is now entering the 12th grade and to this day still says he really enjoyed attending this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic programs are great. Advanced placement courses available for students. Signet program. Great music program. Wonderful Orchestra. Sports program too competitive.
—Submitted by a parent

Benton is a school that reaches out to all students. Benton is fortunate to have a band director who is the best in the state. His students excel at a rate higher than most bands despite an overload of students in his classes. Academically, the teachers try to meet the needs of all learners. The teachers are always available through infolink. I do feel there should be more opportunity for the high average students to have the same opportunities as the Signet students especially in the area of mathematics. Overall, the school is appropriate and the staff tries to meet the needs of all learners.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers security and very clean!Great sixth grade math teacher! Everyone very friendly and helpful especially to people new to the area!Great extra curricular activities, P.E. highly valued, good policy on clothing and excellent students! Defenitly suggested!
—Submitted by a former student

Benton Middle School's math program is extremely poor. Most of the teachers can't teach math and basically apply Darwin's Theory of 'Survival of the Fittest.' When the school is questioned about any problems, the student is blamed. Benton never admits they are lacking in any areas. I am sure this comment will be followed up by someone who will say how wonderful Benton is, but you must consider all of the parents who have not accessed 'Great Schools' website to provide their opinion, which would be comparable to mine.
—Submitted by a parent

Other than school bus problems almost every year - a great school in a nice community. Teachers are fair and seem caring, although some of the math curriculum is questionable.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to Benton MS but so far I rate it very highly. I am critical of public schools and even home schooled when necessary. Benton teachers and staff are warm, helpful, and cooperative. The extended math and language keeps my child challenged. Extracurricular activities include a theatre musical production. Music, tech ed, art, and PE are highly valued. Safety and Security and discipline are tight but fair. Zero tolerance for bullying. Plenty of new books and clean facilities. Excellent counseling and office staff. Online homework support and electronic grade oversight available. Overall, I am very pleased.
—Submitted by a parent