Irving Middle School

When I first moved to VA, I thought I would have a hard time fitting in to a new middle school (my previous school for 6th grade was a middle school), but when I learned that IMS was only 7th and 8th grade, I was relieved. This school is by far the best school I have ever been too. The teachers are FANTASTIC, and they will always find time to help you either after school or during Learn-and-Earn before or after lunch. The principal is very involved, and there are four counselors that are all very helpful. The electives are great, and you will most certainly get into the electives you pick. Every Friday an administrator sends out a phone call or e-mail to give you school updates. I love the after school program. They have a wide variety of clubs, but be forewarned that most don't end up running because not enough students sign up. Bullying is an issue at IMS, but the teachers, counselors, and administrators to a good job of spotting the bullying and spotting it. IMS was an awesome experience, too bad I won't be attending West Springfield High school. You will LOVE Irving Middle School!

We moved to this area based on my one visit to the school. When I visited the school, it happened to be a transition time and the kids in the halls were happy (and polite too). After talking with the SpEd department head, I knew this was where our son (mild Aspergers) needed to be. This year (7th), he has kept all As and Bs for all 3 quarters so far. His past pattern has been to do well in the first quarter, start slipping due to bullying or just feelings of helplessness, and becoming a C student and we've even had to homeschool last quarter before. Not so at Irving. The teachers actually CARE about what you LEARN, not what you know (as in for SOL tests). He has multiple friends and has not been bullied (or seen friends be bullied) this year. Its fantastic.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended both years of middle school, and I couldn't be happier with his experience. They have the students organized in teams which is great, and the after-school programs are super. Great school!
--Submitted by a parent

Irving Middle School has strong leadership, fantastic teachers and staff, challenging educational programs, and a variety of after school activities.
--Submitted by a teacher

Washington Irving is an amazing school. The teachers and faculty go out of their way to inform the parents and teachers of upcoming events, after school free tutoring, after school activities, school events, etc. If you are not informed or involved at Irving it is your fault. The caliber of the teachers and faculty is incredible. Today they held a MIx it Up day where students sat at different tables at lunch and played games with a DJ in an effort for students to meet each other. It was so much fun and really illustrated how much the faculty and teachers care about the happiness of the students at Irving. It is just a wonderful school in every way. We feel blessed to be a part of it.
--Submitted by a parent

Instead of being a transition to high school, Irving Middle School IS "the" or "a" high school experience. In 7th grade, students are immediately hit with "tracking" into either "ordinary" (actually slow learner) classes or "honors" (actually Thomas Jefferson High School prep) classes. There is no in between. Ordinary classes are filled with disruptive students with no academic motivation and the teachers have no expectations for them. Honors courses are very cliquey. The teachers have high expectations and standards are VERY high. A student CANNOT fall behind or they will never again catch up and they will fall into "Ordinary." There is virtually no academic support or assistance beyond the classroom instruction. Parents need to keep on top of classwork with a day to day view and provide effective tutoring help or it just won't happen. The social situation at Irving Middle School is very bizarre. There is significant bullying, especially in the "ordinary" classes (where it is primarily physical). In "honors" the bullying shifts to psychological. Many childhood friendships are broken at Irving, even in honors classes. At Irving, for your children it is "Sink or Swim."
--Submitted by a parent

Irving is a great school that is currently trying to build involvement in fine arts.The school is also trying to motivate students with fun activities that they can only participate in if they have good work habits. The Band program is a phenomenon! What the student below said was quite true last year, but things have changed so that everyone knows what will happen ahead of time.
--Submitted by a student

Im sorry but im in 7th grade to me the teachers arent that supportive and no one involes the paents I dont know about half of the event sthat happen untill the are over
--Submitted by a student

Irving is an amazing school, in my opinion. I'm an 8th grader, and my experience so far has been great. The teachers are supportive, it's easy to make friends, and the orchestra program is fantastic! I would definitely recommend it to anyone moving here.
--Submitted by a student

Irving is great. They have 5 bands, and many honor classes and electives. The teachers are awesome and very supportive. I highly reccomend it to all new people moving into the area
--Submitted by a student