Woodbridge Middle School

I attended WMS all three years (6-8) and I've been thinking about this because my little sisters (currently 5 and 3 grades) will be attending WMS soon, got me thinking about my experience at this school. The only thing I can say is that this school is a great place to learn in terms of teachers. But Administration-wise, it's where everything starts to go downhill. The principal has a loose grip on the students, the profanity and PDA in the hallways is at times, unacceptable. I agree with another poster on the fact that the "School to Watch" award isn't valid. I was there and I experienced the "School to Watch" prep first-hand. The principal started with threats about what would happen to anyone who misbehaved that day, including possible suspension. The principal was telling everyone daily to watch their language and to make sure they (we) were on our best behavior and to "not mess this up" for him...I'm growing increasingly concerned about the things my sisters will see and hear at this school. I'm actually considering that I should talk my parents into transferring them to Lake Ridge Middle.

My daughter has attended this school from 6th to 8th grade. We LOVE this school. The principle and vice principals are attentive, active participants in the school and take the time to engage with the kids and learn about them as people! The teachers are wonderful! This school offers the same gender program which my daughter has loved! They also offer MANY after school actives that many other middle schools don't offer, such as the theater program! WONDERFUL school!!! We are very sad to leave at the end of the year, but my daughter is moving onto high school. I would recommend this school to anyone!!! They earned the Virginia school School to Watch award and they totally deserved it!!
--Submitted by a parent

As a former student i've been threw the actual experience. I loved that school! It has a great administration and staff. There was so much to do there and it was just great! I highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former studentof WMS I must say that the school was a worthwhile expierience. I made lifelong frineds, and was given great oppertunities to succeed there. The teachers push students to their full potentiel. The kids can get quite rowdy but dont let that influence your decision to enroll your child. The teachers care, the principles, not so much. But I am a proud member of the graduating class of 2009!
--Submitted by a student

I am very upset with the lack of care and guidance from the Asst. Principals at this school. Very disturbing! I suggest and strongly recommend that you make a suprise visit and sit in on your childs class to watch what goes on when the Principal is not around, and here are times that hes not there. Without him the Assisitance get a big ego and almost seem to abuse there positions. I have complained to the School Board and nothing was done , it seems they also have conmplaints as well .
--Submitted by a parent

I believe the teachers and staff at WMS have done a great job and continue doing so. Reason why I found the negative comments about their Principal and staff unfounded. Don't forget your child is thet reflection of your actions, so if you don't teach your child respect for others, he will never care or make the rigth choices therefore your coments can be a bit harsh knowing you are tarnishing a school reputation just for the bad choices of a few kids. Woodbridge is a great school and their teachers and staff are great complement. I'm proud of having my dauther graduate this year from such a great school
--Submitted by a parent

The lack of discipline and respect that is shown by the students toward the principal, teachers and more importantly, other students is horrible. The stories that my child has told me about what happens during the change of classes or what happens in the classes are surprising especially with their 'school to watch' award. My child said during the visit from the committee judging the school, all the asst. principals and principal were in the hallways during the change of classes to make sure everyone behaved. Teachers were told in advance of the visit thus 'everyone was on their best behavior'. I would put more credence to the award if it was a 'surprise' visit versus one that was scheduled ahead of time. With what I know now, I would not have let my child attend WMS but used the 'babysitter' option that many have used.
--Submitted by a parent

Woodbridge Middle School is a wonderful school. Everyone associated with WMS is dedicated to making it the best school in the county. WM was just designated a 'School to Watch' by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle School Reform. This is not an award that is handed out lightly. I encourage you to visit the National Forum's website to learn more about how the schools are selected for this honor. I am not affiliated with this organization. I am simply a proud parent of a WMS 7th grader who is tired of the bashing that WMS receives from people who have only 'heard' things about Woodbridge. If you have a rising 6th grader and are zoned for WMS, I encourage you to visit the school, talk with parents, or contact the principal to get more information before using the 'babysitter' option to attend another school in the county.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is attending this school. The teachers and staff for the most part are very good, but many of the kids are out of control and disrespectful, and the principal doesn't seem to have a good handle on them. This is with respect to cursing, roughhousing and bullying. With even a little more teacher supervision or principal leadership I think these problems could be fixed. Prince William County has other options for middle schools if you are in this district...specialty programs at neighboring middle schools, Porter Traditional School which have bus transportation. Many kids in my neighborhood attend Lake Ridge Middle School using a school transfer request. We are going to utlize these options next year.
--Submitted by a parent

School is like so so super cool! Like all the teachers are so sweet and I love everyone!!