Kemps Landing Magnet

There's really too much of everything at this school. They expect you to be gifted in everything. I'm not, I'm mostly gifted in the humanities, and the advanced math and science was really difficult for me. I have had 1/3 good math teachers while at Kemps Landing, and when your math teacher is bad and you are bad at math- life is hard. Expect 3 hours of homework and up to 3 tests a week Students are taking an extra class for a language. I then dropped PE to take another additional class, and it's crazy. I love the class, but it's really super hard to keep up. My self esteem is really low because I haven't had a chance to shine or excel in anything for 3 years. If you are good at math and science, you would like it because the humanities teachers know that most gifted students have a hard time with them. The students are great, and I've made lifelong friends, but the pressure is overwhelming. I think some people can do this, but not most. I'm a perfectionist, so it's hard for me to go here and not be able to always get 100%. I do well, but it's tough. Be ready.

KLMS was an amazing experience for me. I feel it has truly prepared me for High School. As far as classes and teachers go, it really depends on who you get. Most teachers really want to help the student succeed and some seem like they want to just go through the required information as fast as possible. But these are few and far between. As a previous review stated, the child going really should want to be there. This will not only make doing the work easier but the social experince as well. The great thing about KLMS is that, if you so choose, when you apply for High School Academies, many of the friends you made at KLMS will probably be going there as well.

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!!!!

I highly disagree with some of the reviews on here. I personally believe that this is the best environment for any truly gifted student to excel. First of all, the teachers are overall the best I have ever had. Secondly, it is not like a student who attends this school will not have a life. Extra-curricular activities are offered here and highly encouraged. Thirdly, the environment is fantastic. Believe me, gifted students are much better off around other gifted students rather than being subjected to a regular school environment. In this way, they will not be teased for being a so-called 'nerd', and will instead be accepted. Also, since it is a smaller school, it establishes a feeling of a scholastic family. Lastly, the work load really is not that bad. It may be an ugly school, but it has a great feel and gifted kids gain the opportunity they deserve.

I a going to KLMS for my first year and so far it has been a very good school year, the teachers are very nice and expect a lot, there are no bullies and it is an excellent school
—Submitted by a student

Kemps Landing is a superb school. The teachers and adminstrators ALL strive to do an outstanding job. I think the quality of education that my daughter receives here is better than I could get at any private school, not matter what the cost. No middle school in Va Beach or anywhere in the area could do a better job of preparing my daughter for high school, college, and a successful career. The citizens of Va Beach are lucky to have such an outstanding school, perhaps the best middle school in Virginia.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. However, there is too much of just about everything. If your child is gifted in a particular area, be aware that the school expect all students to excell in all areas. The result is that most children are not gifted in all areas, which will undermine their self esteem in one way or another if they don't excell in everything. The result is a tremendous amount of stress on the kids and parents alike. If you believe that your child should excell on her own with minimal input from you, think 10 times before applying here. You will be back in the bench again, helping your kid with huge projects. The children bring work home on all school breaks, so they never really get a break. Better to let your gifted child excell in a regular school than to undermine his/her confidence and strees them out in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't want to discourage any rising 6th graders or their parents, but be prepared. The work load at KLMS is heavy. The staff are very well educated in working with gifted children but they definately need more training in the area of dealing with the social and emotional needs of gifted children of this age.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers go beyond their duty. Imaginative, creative, clean, well-organized, fun, upbeat school. Extracurricular activities abound and the students are spirited and well-adjusted. You'll love sending your student here.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my son and daughter attended KLMS and both had great experiences. The staff was very dedicated and for the most part top notch. I can think of only a couple of times that I was not satisfied with the response I recieved when my child encountered difficulties. This is a magnet school and in the past was the main feed to the International Baccalaureate program at Princess Anne High School. This is no longer the case as VB has established an IB Middle Years Program at Plaza Middle School. If IB is your goal then MYP is the route because any child in that program who maintains the standards is automatically accepted to the IB program at Princess Anne. Also, the MYP prepares them more for the different aspects of IB (service projects, community service, etc)
—Submitted by a parent

up until reccently i loved klms. i felt at home there. im an eight grader and i wouldnt dream of going anywhere else. but they r making things not fun. its too much pressure we are all wearing thin and school is no fun anymore. i do recomend going here but it is a lot of pressure u have no idea how much unless uve been there, so be ready for it. it is rewarding if u make it through plus everyone is so nice and helpful if needed
—Submitted by a student

I am the parent of both a sixth and seventh grader at klms. they both love their school and neither complains of the homework or seems stressed by the workload. they both came from odc and i think that helps alot. the teachers are the best and the staff seems to know their students well. yes, the expectations are high, but the work ethic and staff support is high also. the organizational skills, field trip opportunities, spirit of honor and pride are unsurpassed. one great school.
—Submitted by a parent