Harry F. Byrd Middle School

This is my 3rd year at byrd. I have two good things to say and MANY bad things. 1) The 6th grade teachers are amazing! They will do anything and everything to help your child succeed, 2) The Library, we have the best library in the state. Now for the bad things there is MAJOR BULLYING, FIGHTS, AND THINGS YOU WOULD NEVER IMAGINE. The administration, is not the best. Once you get to 7th and 8th grade the teachers could care less they just want the day to be done with. Byrd has been the worst experince that I HAVE EVER HAD! As a result; I'm transfering schools during my last year at byrd because i cant stand it anymore. My little sister is coming to byrd next year, and you want to know something? I'm literally begging my parents to not allow my sister to come to Byrd. That is how bad it is! With my experince if your only staying for the 6th grade come on over you'll love it! Other than that i would stay away!

Apparently, their phones don't work. I am a parent of a student at Byrd and they have neglected to call me about my child's bullying problem. It's been one week and they can't make the headway to make one phone call. I am now going to contact the county's board of education to file a formal complaint about this matter. If they can't solve this matter in a proper fashion then I will see what the police will think of this matter.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not well equipped to properly handle students with disabilities/special needs, and is only marginally handicap accessible. There does seem to be a good sense of comaraderie among teachers/administrators for the most part. Based on feedback from teachers outside Byrd's system who have stronger special needs training, Byrd is not doing all they can to support my child's special needs. I've had to do much research on my own to figure out how to get proper support. If you review the test scores for special needs, you'll see Byrd has very low scores.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child in their 3rd year at Byrd and a second child in their 1st year. I am very pleased with the academics, teachers and office administration. Child are encourage to get involved and have plenty of opportunities to strengthen their education. I find issues are addressed swiftly and with compassion! 95% of the teachers genuinely care about the children and it shows...Office Administration staff rocks! They are pleasant, investigate, communicate and resolve situations swiftly.
—Submitted by a parent

Byrd is actually really good. There are no more fights and the teachers do care for their students like their own children! There is supervision in the lunch and PE rooms,plus no one really looks at anyone in the locker-rooms.This year we received a Virginia Library Award,so overall i LOVE byrd

I love Bryd Middle School and I truly believe in Principal Pope's energy and leadership. Ms. Everage
—Submitted by a parent

It is like going into a jail. The buildings are old, with low ceilings, and no windows. There are several inspirational teachers, but most are just going through the motions. My child finds it a rather frightening place. I find the lack of a daily period for study hall to be ridiculous. The substitution, a review course called Academic Wheel, is a waste of everyone's time. The kids that do sports or have any type of lessons afterschool find it hard to do these activities and keep up with their work. There need to be some real changes.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers nor administrators can make headway into the bullying in this school. Fights, overt sexual talk and actions - kids go to school living in fear. No supervision during lunch, and PE locker room of course is a nightmare, especially for a kid who has some special needs. I would wish this school on my worst enemy.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school! Faculty really puts forth the extra effort for the students. Lots of technology usage activities for the kids. Administrators keep parents informed and are very easy to access. I will send all of my childred to Byrd.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall very good. Challenges: lunch sitting policy; field trip usage-- not applied fairly to all students; inappropriate use of mass communications, eg computer call to all homes by prinicpal saying that something happened; can't tell us what (due to privacy concerns) other than it has been taken care. It is believed that this type of call has no value. Some very talented and dedicated teaching staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been going to this school and have been extremely satisfied. They have a great staff Mrs. Pope (the principle) has been doing a great job. The sixth grade teachers such as Mrs. Kendig, Mrs.McGrath,Ms.Bell,Mrs.Wiliams,Ms.Madison, and Mr.Aboud to do a great job. I find Mr.Whitmoyer,Mr.Ingram,Mrs.Keel,Mr.Craig,Mr.G,and Sr.(Mr.)Diaz to be great teachers.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter studies in this school. The teachers in this school are outstanding and very enthusiastic about the development of their students. We observed that Ms. Madison, Ms. Mallon and Mrs. Roop are some of the best teachers who can bring out the best in the kids. The school also have A - Club which facilitates community service very early in the children who get A grades.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall great school with great teachers who go above and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a terrific school with high academic standards and a solid faculty. Mrs. Poates is exceptional and runs a tight, productive ship. The kids feel safe, they can get a variety of extra help if needed and accelerated classes are available for students seeking a greater challenge. My son has really enjoyed his 3 years of middle school.
—Submitted by a parent