Northside Middle School

I hate this school its just my first week! Im new and no one would help me catch up even the teachers!!!almost all of the students uses profane language and disrespect the teachers and teachers have no sense of humor their very strict and so serious theres no fun going to this school..believe me ive been begging my parents to let me change schools but no they dont believe me!! Every parents if youre child says they dont like the school or they hate it believe them...

I went to Northside for only a third of the year, and i hated it. The only thing that is "decent" about the school is some of the teachers and on occasion the principle. This school is going nowhere. There are fights almost everyday and no one is disiplined. If possible, i would consider any other school over Northside.

I am a parent of a 7th grader at tthis school.To say that I am unhappy is an understatement. The school is not supportive of its students. My child is in honors classes and still struggles to get help. The school is quick to punish the good kids while allowing bullying and tormenting of students. They claim to care about the children but I believe are more interested in getting parents to leave. Horrible school!!! So disappointed I wish military families had better options.
—Submitted by a parent

An awesome amazing school and great principal just needs better school food for the kids and needs to have more time for lunch that the kids can eat in peace.
—Submitted by a parent

As a veteran teacher and a former teacher of this school, I question what level the problem falls on (school or district). But when a school has such a large turnover rate year after year, there must be a problem. Many try to 'blame' it on being a military area, but the year I left, there were only two of us in that category. The strong focus on SOL's burned both students and teachers out. Constant testing took place throughout the year. In the math department, we didn't give unit tests because we were required to give 'tri-weekly' tests skip a week and then give part B. Out of a 9 week period we tested them for 6 of those weeks. There is new leadership now, so hopefully changes to improve the quality of education for all have been made. From my experience, I would not send my child there.
—Submitted by a teacher

its my third year at northside and itsnot that bad. true it has bugs but i mean what school doesnt. most of the teachers are new and dont really know what they are doing. some of the teachers are 'mean' but what i have learned is the teachers aren't nessarily mean and dont care they just have a job to do and the fact that you want to go out in the hallway and see your girlfriend/boyfriend really doesnt matter to them. they have to teach you. not be your best friend. so if they are mean it doesnt really mean they dont like you it just mean that they are trying to get thier job done. and for everyone saying that private school is the only way to go, no its not. you dont learn real things. or make different varieties of friends. northsides not the best but itsnotthe worst
—Submitted by a student

I have to say I read all the comments. Yes they may have issues. But I have to say my kids teachers are wonderful, helpful and care about the students. They stay back and work with them. They contact 'all' the time to report what my kids are doing or not doing. They encourage my kids to try out for things. I can say the school looks cleaner this year. I am really happy with Northside Middle School this year. I really like there guidance counselor. My oldest don't want to leave next year. Thank you teachers and staff at Northside for what a wonderful job you are doing this year.
—Submitted by a parent

This was a verry awesome middle school I have ever been to! they just got there gym re-done and it looks great.
—Submitted by a student

im in 7th grade and the teachers there dont care if you r hurting or anything. The school is very dirty and they have cocroaches in their food. DONT GO TO THIS SCHOOL.
—Submitted by a student

I have had 4 children attend this school. Each one has had issues with teachers and staff. The only ones that I have found to be concerned are the teachers that have been there for many, many years.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very disorganized and disorderly. Attempting to arrange a meeting with the Principle is extremely difficult. Homework is rare. Some of the teachers are great however almost half seem just to be collecting a check. This really spoils it for those teachers truly interested in doing a great job.
—Submitted by a parent

Our childs experience there was awful. Teachers who could care less is all I encountered, very unsafe environment. I would never recommend this school to anyone. If you live in Norfolk private school is the only way to go!
—Submitted by a parent

I do not know how these people can be talking about the same school my daughter attended. This school is horrible! Very few teachers care about teaching. Most kids who go there have no respect. Unsafe environment. We moved our daughter to a private school. I was very dissapointed in the staff at this facility.
—Submitted by a parent

My 2 Kids both attended northside in different years. My overall comments is that yes it is rough, but by my children being african american, outgoing children, they were able to handle it.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has had a very positive learning experience at Northside. Not only are the classrooms staffed by competent, caring teachers, the school offers many extracirricular opportunities for children to develop a sense of purpose as they continue their educational endeavor. Northside offers parental online access to students grades and assignments, so being involved in your childs daily education is easy as setting up an account to check their progress. Northside has a wonderful staff of Guidance counselors who take extra time with every student they service, helping them choose the academic path that best suits the student's abilities and needs. The Administration is second to none and continues to be so year after year. A definite plus as a parent of a middle school student. The Technology Student Association is probably the best in Virginia as well. Northside Rocks!
—Submitted by Tara T, a parent

Each and everytime I have had to call the school for anything, I have been treated with quick, courteous, and friendly responses. I was not happy to switch schools in the middle of my 13 year olds experience of her middle years, but Northside has been a wonderful transition for her, she has done remarkably well for her 8th grade, as well as my sixth grader, with out the Summer Transition program for rising 5th graders I don't think she would have done as well, but so far she has maintained excellent grades, and has become involved in the music programs, which is so wonderful to see, since she is so shy. Thank you Northside for making this school year a winning year for my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend Northside. They have both been involved in sports, clubs, and made good grades. Our family's experience at Northside Middle was very positive.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers, administrators and office staff are courteous and responsive. This is a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a joke!! No call backs unless you are calling everyday. By far the worst school my daughter has ever attended. We will be moving her to a private school ASAP !! I suggest you do the same !!
—Submitted by a parent

I totally disagree with the above comments. Northside is by far the best school I have ever encountered. The principal is always available and willing to help. The teachers are great. I could not ask for a better experience for my child.
—Submitted by a parent