Kenmore Junior High School

This school should be better. It is located in a middle to upper middle class area with many involved parents. My experience, much like with other schools, is the administration. Too many teachers and counselors are worried about being "friends" instead of administrators and educators. The vice principals and principal are not good with difficult situations. To describe them as empty suits would be an insult to the suit. The sad thing is that they are reactionary and don't solve many issues until they become much larger problems. I guess that is why they are in the educational system because such actions don't make for a good career in the corporate world. As with many schools, there are some fantastic teachers and it is up to a parent to be proactive and guide their children into those classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal and staff at KJHS were very supportive in undertaking several new ventures that really enhanced student learning and utilized new technologies: One was incorporating Americana/bluegrass music into the music curriculum, and participating in an amazing 3+ orchestra gala at the Wintergrass Music Festival (Feb 2011) with Grammy winning guest artists in front of 1,000+ people. It was topped off with a special 3-way video conference involving the music students, a teacher in California and a Leadership program in Nashville that had music leaders from across the country and Switzerland. What an honor to be asked to participate. The students were amazing and got a huge round of applause. They were very poised and impressive!!!

I was a student at KJH way back in the 70's...LOL..and I will never forget my time there. I moved from Kenmore all the way to upstate New York in 9th grade, and the hardest part was leaving that great school & all my friends made there. I will never forget my time. My favorite teacher of all time taught phys ed & she forever made an impression on my life. Hope to get back some day to visit.

Though i only went there from November-March of the 2008-2009 scool year as a 7th grader i have to say this was my favorite school ever!!! All the people were nice i loved all my teachers!!! The lunches were awesome!! Drama club was amazing!!! I loved this school so much and to this current day i still miss it i will never forget my experience at this school!! Go Colts!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a student

Though this school does have some good points, staff, and students, I find that the majority feel of the school is low. Some of the students don't know how to talk with respect or keep 'dirty' thoughts inside their head, so they decide to speak about it to everyone. A lot of the staff is VERY rude, because since they tend to work with more problem students, they think that they should talk like that to everyne. For simple and ridiculous issues, they give out large punishments. Overall I do not think that KJH is a good school to send one's child to.
—Submitted by a student

This school Is wonderful. The staff tries really hard to make this school, safe and fun at the same time with after school activites, sports and just plain fun times!! Well many kids may have there '' hated'' teacher the teachers still bring a smiling face to work each day. its so nice to have teachers that try to help you as much as they can. So kenmore Junior this one is for you. By a former student
—Submitted by a student

My review may be slanted because i am a science teacher at KJH. Our school is probably leaning toward a more traditional style of education than many other schools. We have a strong school spirit and pride in our school. Students are expected to work hard and learn a lot! Our kids are terrific!Our PTSA is very supportive of staff and students - they are renowned for the best faculty lunches ever! Our building will soon be in the throes of construction, with the first phase being a Science/Special Ed/Art building. A new Science Club is doing Science Olympics and Robotics this year. Our music program is one of the best in the state, if not the country.Finally, we now have stable leadership! I love teaching here! Of course, there's always room for improvement. I would like to see more community and parent outreach and involvement in the classroom.
—Submitted by a teacher

The school is in a good area, but I found the teachers and staff were not too understanding at times and the social atmosphere of the school caused me to remove my child to homeschool.
—Submitted by a parent

As with all schools, there are high and low points. There are some dedicated teaches and creative teachers that make children eager to learn. There are also those, unfortunately, who don't seem to know their stuff. The high cap humanities department has been strong, in our viewpoint. We have had two children go through it. The math curriculum does not do a good job of preparing our children for the future, unfortunately. There are some fine math teachers, but their hands are tied by the curriculum choice. PE is a 'safe place to be'. That's nice. There are enough extracurricular activities. The music program is strong. I think science is the weakest category. I don't know if it's the curriculum or the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are 'mean' and they have very impolite attitudes. If I were you I would never send my child to a school like Kenmore Jr. High.
—Submitted by a parent

as a student previously at this school, and now at a new residence and school, I would just like to tell parents looking into junior highs that this is an great school. extracurricular sports are wonderful, and students that are involved do better in school. due to the fact that I didnt know I was moving, I did not participate in all sports, all though I did attend them and admire the dedication that athletes and coaches put in to these sports with practices and games. academics at this school are also wonderful. I learned a substantial amount of facts and skills while attending KJH and owe that to the wonderful staff and administrators at KJH. Thanks to mrs.osborne, mrs.urrutia, mr.guy especially! sincerely, katie sloss
—Submitted by katelynn sloss, a former student