Port Susan Middle School

My second child is in her last year at Port Susan Middle. This school is mediocre at best. The instruction is hit and miss, although the discipline has improved over the years (since my oldest entered 6th grade, in 2007). Counselors are burned out. I don't see kids or teachers who are passionate about learning or who are trying anything innovative. A huge disappointment, coming from public schools in Shoreline (north Seattle). Kids are learning in middle school what my daughter learned in FIRST GRADE (no exaggeration) in technology lab in Shoreline. There are a couple of notable standouts, just good solid teachers who know how to teach. Otherwise, the school makes an argument for the serious perils of inbred hiring (favoring locals who grew up here and attended Stanwood schools) - notable lack of talent, energy and passion for teaching.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been very pleased with the change in leadership over the last couple of years. It feels like they are truly trying to make a change in the academic progress of every student. Interventions (Read to Achieve, SuperMath) have been put in place to help more kids reach standards. All students are being helped! Seems like principal lacks in communication with community and students. I'm hoping he'll grow in this area. Staff is loving and caring. My kids feel very safe and connected to their teachers. Would recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal and the teachers are wonderful. This is a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son and I love port susan middle school.He wouldnt go anywhere else.The school and staff made him feel very welcome last year as we were new to the stanwood area. Thank you for making this transition easier for him..
--Submitted by a parent

Music Department is lacking in quality, kids dropping out this year like flies. Problem with Teachers communicating with parents when the child is not succeeding in class(day late dollar short syndrome) Sports programs good. Late start is a hassle (who voted for this?). Front office staff treats parents like children.
--Submitted by Guess who, a parent

I think that Port Susan middle is a very good school. The first year our daughter attended she was new to the area and was treated as an outsider - all new kids were put in a portable classroom next to the school making it difficult to get to know the locals kids and become part of the community. After a year she has made the honor roll and joined choir, made many good friends, and we are very happy with the quality of education she is getting. After you break through the small town barrier you will find it to be a very good school with alot to offer for such a small town.
--Submitted by Mark K, a parent

My daughter is in the Special Education program,She sruggles and has a IEP plan , I feel let down. We have no real IEP teachers, IEP teachers are payed the same for very difficult time consuming education. There changing what they teach every year,There is no real plan or cirrclum in place ! Mrs. ViZ is the only teacher that really seems to teach with a plan & from the heart in the IEP program. They also fail to reconize the real kids, You know the ones that are not the most popular.
--Submitted by Tami Fleischer, a parent

It can be a bit hard to find friends if you just move. But after a little getting use to it's a nice school. Could improve with better afterschool programs.
--Submitted by Student, a student

I think that this is the best school for me, since we have moved all I talk about is Port Susan. I think this is the best school out of all the schools I've been to, and I've been to a lot of schools. Well I just thought you would like to know that your school is the best out of all the schools I have been to.
--Submitted by Shayla Carroll, a former student

Port Susan is an outstanding school which offers many opportunities for students. My kids have been involved in sports programs, with supportive coaches, as well as academic programs such as History Day and Science Team. The school sets high standards, has supportive staff and cares about kids.
--Submitted by mark carlson, a parent