Washington Middle School

Washington has an odd dynamic, because it is trifurcated by its general education, spectrum, and APP programs, so it is better evaluated as three different schools sharing the same facilities and non-academic programs. When I was there just a few years ago, sports were very strong. As the poster below has alluded to, the once-outstanding music program has been crippled in the past few years. Half of the school's APP students have been moved to Hamilton, and Robert Knatt, nationally known music director, retired the year after I left. Academically, I can only speak from experience about APP: math is excellent, history is very good, language arts are fine, most of the science program is pathetic, and languages vary in quality. On the whole, Washington is certainly a letdown from Lowell, but the APP community, both of parents and students, remains wonderful - the primary reason I am giving this school a 4/5. This is really a solid school. It's just disappointing that Washington doesn't do more with what it has.

I have attended WMS as an APP student for three years. There are many highlights to the school, as well as many disappointments. As for teachers, I found that they are either excellent and passionate for their work or simply terrible. During the sixth and seventh grade, I had a teacher that was ill-tempered, dishonorable, and favored some over others. My other teachers however encouraged hard work, achievement, and were likable. The music program has declined since I arrived in the sixth grade, but, by normal standards, it would still be considered good. There are many after school opportunities and out-of-school music performances/trips Academically, the science programs are poor. The labs are redundant, and there is little room to make discoveries on ones' own or be creative. The teachers have little scientific knowledge beyond the curriculum. It is likely this way with most public middle schools though. WMS has APP and Spectrum learning programs, both of which are fairly challenging and have high expectations. Ultimately, it is at the student's discretion how much work to put into academics; the school provides an excellent foundation to do so.

I love this school!!! I have only been here for half a year and I absolutely love it! The APP program was a tad easy but it is still challenging at times. I don't know why people don't like the science program since it is awesome! My teachers are all really nice and try hard to improve the student's academic performance. 5/5

My daughter's education in the APP program was uneven to be sure. While some teachers were extremely dedicated, the science program was appalling. The adminstrators, perhaps overworked, need to rethink their approach to interacting with the people they are there to serve. Like any bureaucracy, people get too comfortable in their jobs and forget that they are not doing parents 'favors' when it is their paid work. I know of no other place where people would keep their jobs by acting the way some of the administrators do.
--Submitted by a parent

I rate this because I go to this school this year and I think it will be awesome and I have met the students and teachers and they are all friendly. I has a wonderful music program and Great school clubs.
--Submitted by a student

Great school. Incredible music department, excellent math, good language arts, tough social studies (but that's ok!), and absolutely awful science.
--Submitted by a student

Excellent music program. A school with high expectations.
--Submitted by a parent

WMS is an inner city school that rises to the challenge: meeting the diverse needs, abilities and interests of it's students. Despite overcrowding and a somewhat run down physical facility, the teachers, counselors and administrators work hard to make sure that kids dont fall through the cracks. I ha am extremely impressed with the counselors and the teachers my daughter has had the past two years. They are always ready to give assistance and encouragment while setting the bar high for achievement. The music program is also exceptional - both the orchestra and jazz band are award winners.
--Submitted by a parent

The science department is awful and the non-music electives (especially PE) are laughable. The atmosphere seems tense at times as cranky administrators attempt to enforce some somewhat arbitrary rules. Otherwise, there are many good things at WMS.

I'm a 7th Grader at WMS. I started this year and from the first day I felt like I belonged. There's a variety of teacher capabilities. Some are great all around, some are good at teaching but not necessarily liked, or are just horrid all around. Definately get a good music background before trying out for the music program, especially theory, improv, and sight-reading. Take it from someone who learned it the hard way! The anti-bullying program doesn't work(does it ever?), but if you know how to report bullying, you'll be fine.
--Submitted by a student