Virginia Beach Middle School

I have taught at this school for many years. I love this school, the students, my coworkers, and thre administration. It was truly a neighborhood school until the visual arts program moved in. I think having a student in a school with less than 1000 students is a good thing. I have had opportunities to go to other schools but chose to stay here because I love the school and its family. I am shocked that so many people have such negative feelings towards us. I love my students and I work hard to try to see that each one gets a quality education.
—Submitted by a teacher

Don't believe the hype that this is good school. New facilities are nice, but that does not equate to a good education. Our child never had homework or had to study and still seemed to always be on the honor roll. It is sad to see how far the public school system has fallen. On a good day this school cannot begin to provide the same level of education as a private school. Peer pressure is intense. Those who don't conform are bullied regularly. My child did learn all the " stuff" that you wouldn't want them to know or see. As a concerned parent I feel it is my duty to warn you. I can't directly tell you in this forum without being censored. It is up to you to do your homework and protect your child. The administration and especially the vice principle don't care. It is really quite disturbing. There are some caring teachers at the school. There are good kids at the school. But there is a bad element too. Compound this with a clear lack caring for the individual, which is in stark contrast to a smaller school environment and what you get is not good. In hindsight, I wish my daughter had stayed in catholic school. Caveat emptor.
—Submitted by a parent

I had five children go through this school in the past 12 years. If I could afford private school, my children would of gone to private school. The only good thing they had going for them was their band director who has consequently left for another school (you can only guess why). The bullying is an awful problem. I will agree with the other review. The administration is horrible! And yes, the teachers do a lot of yelling. However, there is one caring, smart and loving teacher in the Math department. If it wasn't for him my daughter's middle school years would have been a nightmare.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend this school. Bullying was been a big problem. Guidance department is terrible for helping anyone and actually decide without discussion who is wrong. Second child had a good 6th grade but after that it has gotten worse each year. The principal and teachers apparently believe screaming is an effective teaching tool. They love to group kids together for projects so that the one challenged student brings down everyone's grades. Now I hear a teacher is bribing students with donuts if they all pass the SOL, which is so wrong in many ways with obesity and why a kid should do their best. I have nothing good to say about this school. I agree with other posters that the staff is big on gossiping about the students, very unprofessional. The VP, school RN and activity coordinator are great. The Visual Arts program is an exceptional opportunity but too bad it is in the school, which although new feels like a prison. Most families in this area who are financially able send their kids to private school or attend one of the middle school academies. The teachers really are very immature and need help in learning how to motivate without yelling, threats
—Submitted by a parent

This was an amazing school!! I attended it for the 2010-2011 school year. It was just built last summer, so everything is new. The teachers are kind and try there best to help the students (like me) who want to achieve there goals. The students are great too and try their best in all of their classes. The administrative staff are great at keeping the school safe. The best part is that they have a wide selection of classes and electives to fit your special needs. Virginia Beach Middle has also taken in the ODC Art Program and that makes it convienent for everyone! (including me) This is a great school and I recomend it for all students in Virginia Beach.

Pretty good school. They are going above and beyond for my special needs child =)
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the worst school ever!! The staff is lacking in communication and management. Highly recommended to find somewhere else for your child!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my first year at VBMS and it has to be the worst school i have ever been to in my life. THe teachers gossip alot and there are alot of bullies
—Submitted by a student

This is my first year and so far it has went great. I was able to achieve many of my goals and there are many great teachers. We are now in the brand new school, but it is just too big.
—Submitted by a student

I am not impressed by the school or the admin. I am frustrated by the lack of behavior management in the classrooms and respect from the teachers to students and students to teachers. Nice new schools, but feels more like an institution rather than a school, cold and impersonal.
—Submitted by a parent

This school had to be one of the worst expirences in my life. The teachers gossip a lot. theres only 2 languages to choose from to take. The principal doesn't care about the students and the teachers don't either. Only a few teachers I actually liked. The school is very cheap and greedy. The only thing I liked about the school were the students who went there.
—Submitted by a student

Beach Middle School was a true asset to my child. The student activites coordinator was the best in the city. He truly understands middle school kids!
—Submitted by a parent

Good school all in all. Most of the teachers are good. The principal for the most part is of no help. Looks away from any problems.
—Submitted by a student

the 6th teachers in this school are nice and they teach the students very well. I like the electives in this school because they have all kinds of stuff.
—Submitted by a student

The teachers are really informative and are very friendly. The principal was not very good but the good in the school outweighed the bad. The principal seemed to look away if there was a problem.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Virginia Beach Middle School for the past three years. He was involved in football, wrestling, track and baseball. The athletic director is the best. He not only cares about the kids but their grades as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Virginia Beach Middle School was a wonderful place for my child this year. She was involved in several sports and the athletic director is the best in the city. He truly cares about the students just like the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is finishing up her third year at Virginia Beach Middle, and I am very disappointed with the quality of education she has received. She has had only a few quality teachers in the past three years. I would say the majority of her teachers have been uninformative and unwilling to work with the parent at resolving issues. As far as the office staff most have been great, but the principle of this school needs to get her priorities straight, it is not about a few of the children, it is about all of the children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend VB Middle and the only problems we have had is with the way the principal handles the teasing and picking on student problems with other children. She seems to look the other way unless a parent takes action and then she still tries to look the other way. The teachers and office staff are great though.
—Submitted by a parent

With the new SOL in place we are forgetting about really helping the students understand a lesson before moving on to the next. What if they never catch on and continue to get further and further behind. Also there is not a good ratio of participation with the majority and minority. I thought we were trying to get away from the racism in this society. Who's playing fair in this school. Just look around the school itself. The school has just enough minorities to meet their quota.
—Submitted by a parent