Pioneer Middle School

My child has been at this school for 7th and 8th grade, they offer many extras such as Builders club which is Key Club at the middle school level, sports, (wrestling, basketball, track, etc) wood shop, chior, band, yearbook to name a few. My son was challenged in his 7th and now 8th grade year with projects, papers and difficult assignments. There is a skyward system which allows you to check all of your childrens grades and even what they have bought for lunch. When I have needed to communicate to his teachers I have gotten a response within 24 hrs. The school has several events to include a monster bash, bingo night and other dance/open gym nights. I volunteered within the school for a year and I think the school is great! The principal was changed last year and there are several new teachers this year as well. Love Pioneer!
—Submitted by a parent

These people change the Principal almost every single day when will this school be stable. Chloe Clark was an amazing school but going here puts that school to shame! Horrible Principal to they will suspend you for sneezing.
—Submitted by a teacher

Very bad school. Especially 8th grade teachers! Very rude and Principal is Horrid! Needs to fire all staff and restart! This school is trying to restart with the new Principal, but his Vice principal is horrible when the Vice Principal because the Principal this school will fall apart litterlly! And every single person up there is always acting exhausted or tired! (Besides lady at front desk)
—Submitted by a parent

Apathetic teachers that punish students when their parents make inquiries about missing assignments, no intramural, gifted, or summer programs, average at best curriculum. Loved Chloe Clark but really disappointed when my daughter graduated to Pioneer. Hoping her high school experience is an improvement. Will be transferring her to UP if it is the same b.s.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just completed 6th grade here. We are a military family and my son has attended schools in several states. Pioneer, although a very nice facility, was a disappointment to us this year. Several of my son's teachers seemed burned out and lacked enthusiasm. There are few frills - no gifted program, no summer school. There has been an AR reading program at some point but apparently there is no money in the budget to continue to fund the program. There is something called Wednesday Academy for students to attend when they are missing assignments but no teacher leadership is present to make sure the students actually accomplish something when they attend. Lots of half days that count as full days in the calendar. The curriculum seemed lackluster and not terribly challenging. Very little writing is done. Very, very disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

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

This staff is wonderful! They have been helpful and have a passion for their work. I am looking forward to a new school building so that that students and staff will have a far more productive work environment. Special thanks to Mr. Beaulieu, Mr. Hayes and Mr. Rise who have gone above and beyond the call to inspire my children. It is obvious that this is not 'just a job' for the staff!
—Submitted by Dana Ballou, a parent

My daughter 'graduated' from Pioneer this last June. While I am excited about her starting high school, I am sad that she will no longer be a student at Pioneer. The school itself is ugly and run down, but the teachers are fantastic! I especially liked the 8th grade staff. They went out of their way on countless occasions for my daughter. Ms. Gayson, the vice principal, is very involved and caring. A great experience for my daughter and myself!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very impressed with pioneer. They go above and beyond to teach our students. We have high wasl test scores and a good community. Most of the students get along and all have high gpa's. The teachers are all just wonderful! I wish we could pakage them for the next school.
—Submitted by Pamela Milligan, a parent

My children have been in Steilacoom Schools since they started ECEAP in 1995. We have had a wonderful experience since day one. The teachers are the greatest & the community is the best. I think a lot of it has to do with attitude! We take time to let our kids know we care & it shows! Parent involvement is higher than most schools & we're proud of that!
—Submitted by Lana Plaisted, a parent

I tried for 3 years to get help for my adhd child, to no avail. (starting at salters point elem.) Every teacher I talked with stated their training and education in teaching these children and then turn aroung and make a statement so ignorant of this condition you know they don't have a clue. The administration was no help and even a road block. Even with the diagnosis and a letter from a physician, official help was denied. My child was in a gifted program (they don't have one in this district) 4 years ago, after spending 3+ years in this district my child is nearly failing every subject. We will be selling our home to get out of this district for good. If you have a child who is gifted or special need, this district is not for you. They have no tax base/money to support needed acommedations.
—Submitted by a parent