Kemps Landing Magnet

The students are amazing. Really, they just love to learn and that is why they are at Kemps Landing. You will have little to no problems with bullying. Just be ready for 2-5 hours of homework. Lots of students have different experiences with homework loads due to the teachers they have. Sadly, some teachers have completely unrealistic expectations and think they are the only class the students attend. The school will prepare you for anything due to it's incredibly demanding schedule. Being sick is difficult because of the amount of makeup work they will receive and need to have handed in by the next class. Notice I did say some teachers. A lot of the teachers are great, but some that are really tough overshadow the greatness of the others. The fine arts programs are award winning are fantastic!

I wanted to add a couple of things to my previous review. If a student comes here straight from their neighborhood elementary school they will probably find it more stressful than if they came up through ODC simply because they are used to being challenged and don't know anything different. Also, I think it is important that the child want to go there. Kids that are forced to attend sometimes don't apply themselves to the extent needed to succeed. Finally, as several others have mentioned, there are virtually NO fights, cliques, etc and this type of environment gives these kinds of kids, who might otherwise struggle socially in a regular middle school, a chance to shine without the social pressure.
--Submitted by a parent

I would like to put the rumor of too much homework to rest. I never had a problem with the amount. If you just hop off the internet for 30-60 min, then you can definitely get the normal load done. The only exceptions are projects, reading novels, and if you continue Latin as a language. I've never stayed up past 11pm doing homework and that only happened twice. Next the classes. Classes are not college level at all. Most are high school level. My high school classes now require more attention then any of my past KLMS classes. Do the work and things go smoothly. BUT there are times where you really feel like high school that require prioritizing anytime management, but even those are not too hard. Plus they are a great stepping stone to high school. The teachers are great and give a very hands on approach and will give individual help. They care greatly and there is even a time set aside for a more personal experience if needed or a small "break" but I use that term loosely. To some this up, the homework comes in little to medium amounts that are very manageable. The classes are high school level yet they are taught with middle school kids in mind.

AMAZING SCHOOL with AMAZING Teachers and administration!!! SO grateful that my child had the opportunity to attend!
--Submitted by a parent

As a VERY recent graduate of Kemps Landing, I would have to say that this school is bittersweet. Sure, some of the posts about too much homework are correct, but this homework will prepare me for high school which is coming up in a couple of months. Us at KLMS, we like to think of ourselves as one big family. I honestly do not believe that there is another public school in the city that can say that about themselves. The teachers are get to know us well and they teach us very well. Although my positive rant of KLMS seems like Kemps is sunshine and rainbows, the teachers can seem to forget that we are teenagers who have social lives and only 24 hours in a day. Projects are very interactive and creative. They usually apply to a real life situation. I have heard from former KLMS students that their freshman year was a breeze. Kemps Landing will prepare your child for the best and worst of what is to come in life. It has taught me many lessons and has tested many other's morals and beliefs. This school, according to me, would be a 6 star school. Sadly, that is not a choice...

SO MUCH WORK! I TALKED TO A COLLEGE STUDENT WHO SAID THEY DID THE MOST WORK AT KLMS THAN ANYWHERE ELSE. SCHOOL IS YOUR LIFE. COLLEGE CLASSES FOR 8TH GRADERS, REALLY? WHATS THE RUSH? WHY DO THEY NEED TO KNOW SO MUCH AT THE BEST TIME OF THEIR LIVES?
--Submitted by a parent

This school does not provide a good learning experience. They expect you to know and excel in things that you might not have learned a bit about in elementary school. They think that homework is a good idea. In some cases it is. It refreshes the memory of what you learned that day. But KLMS thinks that it is really good. REALLY good. It piles the students with homework so they remember and "get smarter". Don't get me started on the SRP stuff. My brother and I do not like this school. Thank you.

My son is now a 3rd year at UVA. He is carrying a double major and also involved in many activities. KLMS provided him with a wonderful, strong base in regards to learning, studying, honor code, and community service. He has continued with all those through college. It was his decision to go to KLMS and then PA IB. Life isn't always easy and you have to work for what you want. If it is YOUR CHILD'S decision to go to KLMS they will succeed. The teachers at KLMS will educate and prepare your child for the future ahead in ways that cannot be measured. There are about 20 students from KLMS, of the same class my son was, now attending UVA. All succeeding. That says it all!
--Submitted by a parent

I just want to say that KLMS is an outstanding school. I'm going into 8th grade there and throughout 6th and 7th grade I have been supported by the teachers and my fellow classmates and without them, I wouldn't have lasted this long. Sometimes the workload is a lot, but it helps challenge all the students to do their best and work their minds to their full capacity.

Kemps Landing is an excellent program for anyone that wishes to challenge themselves. At times the work load may get stressful, but you can control it as long as you stay on top of things! The teachers are always willing to help and since it is such a small school everyone knows eachother and gets along! It's an AWESOME school!!!!