General questions re: Middle School (from mom of a 5th grader)

- what do you think is important in a middle school? I realize programs differ, so I'm wondering, what do you like about yours?

Academics first. Great Schools gives you a partial glimpse of academics in the school. Generally speaking, the higher a school rating, the stronger the academic core curriculum program is. I also look for strong math and science programs, and co-curricular activities like Project Lead The Way [pre-engineering program] and Future Problem Solvers. My child's school has both.

I also look for a range of extra-curricular activities in which my child may otherwise not be able to participate, and those in which he already has experience. My child's school has fencing, equestrian activities, downhill skiing, rowing/crew and other activities in which I just don't have the time to personally involve him. Another important thing for me is diversity. There are very few homogenous societies left in the world, my child should not grow up in one.

- what do you dislike in your program?

There isn't much I don't like about his school. With so many school options out there, I mean there is no "perfect" school, but it's not difficult to find schools that meet the overwhelming majority of your child's needs.

- what questions did you ask when choosing the school where your child now attends?

Well, before even asking questions, I perused sites like greatschools, project lead the way, and the actual school website to get a feel of what the school offered. I asked questions regarding gifted programs, extra-curricular activities, and what lines of communication were available so that I could keep constant tabs on my child's progress [I don't believe in waiting until parent-teacher conferences].

Looks like this forum was abandoned. Considering the challenge that middle school presents for many kids and parents I was hoping to see more information. As an author (A Parents' Guide to the Middle School Years), former teacher and parent of two, the middle school niche is one that I actively follow.

Before launching into a full-fledged assault on preparing for the months ahead I would encourage you to celebrate your child's recent graduation from elementary school. In the 3-4 weeks prior to the start of school this August, begin to set your sights on gathering materials, getting organized and creating a vision for the coming year.

Yes the middle school years are truly unique and worthy of considerable time and effort; but equally amazing are the summer months that you both can share together. I look forward to talking with you here in the forum.

Joe Bruzzese

I am also totally lost and with lost of need of help. Mom of a 5th grader going to Middle School in August 09

Wow..open enrollment..I can't even imagine. My daughter, because she doesn't qualify for magnet school, the school she has to be bussed to is the worst one in the district. As for looking at programs and questions for the school...See is they have specific classes your son is interested in. When looking at the school itself, see what the teacher/student ratio is. If possible, find out the students' opinion of the teachers. See if there is any violence, and how much is tolerated. Find out what the grades are for the students there and make sure they have special needs classes. Even if your son doesn't need them. We always had them in the schools in Texas where I grew up, but there are none here, in any school. I don't believe a school is a good one if it can't meet the needs of all the students.