Pioneer Middle School

I am an 8th grader in pioneer. The curriculum is not challenging. The teachers only focus on students passing their class. I take algebra, and many students don't understand half of what the teacher says. There's this thing called the Wednesday academy, where students missing 2 assignments in 1 class have to attend to finish them. At least 30 people from 8th grade attend, and there's probably more.

Teachers pretty apathetic. Curriculum not that challenging. Inadequate Intramural activities and enrichment programs. Kids that come from other State's generally have to do self study because they are so far advanced.
--Submitted by a parent

Well i finally finished Grade 8 and i'm pleased to say that i genuinely think that it was the most fun and the toughest grade I've been through. The Staff were excellent, Curriculum was difficult to adjust to but very necessary, such as Algebra 1 if u got it, and Although we did not have many field trips, actually only 2, they were quite interesting and kept you active. JA Finance was the first field trip and at first i was a little... skeptical of the planned event but as soon as i got there and got into the swing of things it was quite exquisite. i'm going to leave out what you do there to keep it a surprise. The second field trip was our trip to...WILD WAVES!!!!! it was considered to be our promotion gift from the school.it costed about 20 dollars for us, that was the bus ride and ticket in, it was great. so the teachers were set up at a tent by the wave pool and they basically set us free to run and play to our hearts content. there is the testing of MAPS and MSP and the EOC (Algebra), state required tests and If your going into 8th grade at pioneer your in for a wonderful and challenging time, if your child is going into 8th grade at Pioneer your in for a ride as well. -CR

What happened to the principal at Pioneer Middle? First, she was there. Next, she was absent without reason. Now, her name is off the school web site?! Hum, Steilacoom SD needs to work much harder on it'sinformation flow to parents. Poor hiring practices, poor leadership, poor education for our students.
--Submitted by a parent

We've been very pleased with Pioneer Middle School. The 6th and 7th grade teachers have interesting and challenging curriculums and my daughter has learned much in her classes. The building is beautiful and the students are well behaved. We would love to see orchestra offered and a stronger choral program, but feel blessed to be at this fine Middle School.
--Submitted by a parent

I currently a seventh grader at Pioneer Middle School. Allthough the school looks nice on the outside, seventh grade teachers are terrible. My sixth grade teachers were challenging, creative, and fun, but seventh grade, come on! I am constantly bored, with hours on end and nothing to do. There was a scheduling problem this year too. I was placed in an 8th grade P.E. class. My teacher was awesome and I wish I could stay in her class all year. Tat's pretty much all I have to say that is good. The principal is taking a "break" and has been gone for a month.

I don't believe a school could be any better. Excellent teachers who genuinely care about the their students while holding them personally responsible and accountable. Children grow up while at Pioneer becoming young people who are ready for high school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a very good school. Though I went there for only one year in 6th grade, I was very impressed. There is no gifted program, and the 'sixth grade camp' was not a good way to spend the week. Those were the only real negatives. The students, even though they're in a 'normal' public education program, were actually fairly kind and smart, especially compared to my current school. The new school in DuPont is great, and new technology is present in every classroom, including Smartboards and computers based on Core 2 Quad processors. The teachers were very good at teaching. Mr. Folmer is definitely the best band teacher this schoool could possibly have, and in fact they have him. There is no orchestra, but the band and choir are both great. A wide variety of after-school activities are availible. This is definitely a great school.
--Submitted by a student

My son has attended Pioneer for the last two years. He is now in the newly built school in Dupont and we couldn't be happier. The school is absolutely beautiful with state of the art equipment and technology. The teachers and staff are well trained and very involved with the kids. I couldn't be more pleased about the education my son is receiving.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter and I really love this school. Awesome campus, great teachers, very easy to communicate with teachers and staff. Great after school activities to get involved with.
--Submitted by a parent