Two MS kids at this school. Both have enjoyed it well enough. Math, English, Art and social sciences have been strengths; science, music and PE less so. Admin. creates a warm and inclusive environment. Great new building and convenient location.

At a feeder and hear positives things from parents of older kids who are at this school. Only real negative comes form one parent who thinks the school focuses too much on elementary and not enough on middle. Everyone else loves or at least likes it.

Anonymous wrote:Please do not send your children to this school. Title XI all the time and admin acts aloof.

What does this even mean? And how does it impact the school.

Anonymous wrote:The middle school is ok. The vice is fine, nothing more. My child also has good friends.

Learning is mixed, mostly positive. Like all DCPs the arts is not a priority. And DCPS has a silly program called middle school support which was probably thought up by a PhD student with no teaching experience. Total waste of time for high performing kids and the school does not know how to make it not a waste of time.

It’s not a “silly program”. It’s meant to be a class for students who are performing below grade level to receive more personalized support to be successful in their core classes. Instead of insulting a perfectly good class, you should spend your time advocating for students performing at or above grade level to not have to take it, or to at least ensure they are receiving enrichment during that time.

A neighbor pulled their kids out after Christmas break.

What you mean?

Please do not send your children to this school. Title XI all the time and admin acts aloof.

The middle school is ok. The vice is fine, nothing more. My child also has good friends.

Learning is mixed, mostly positive. Like all DCPs the arts is not a priority. And DCPS has a silly program called middle school support which was probably thought up by a PhD student with no teaching experience. Total waste of time for high performing kids and the school does not know how to make it not a waste of time.

Anonymous wrote:Any current parents of middle schoolers are John Francis (formerly Francis -Stevens) -- if so, how is it going?

Parent of a 6th grader who is new to the school, having attended a Francis feeder for all of elementary.

I think things are going reasonably well. The renovated building is beautiful, spacious, and bright. The principal is committed and seems to do a good job, and the middle school vice principal seems fine. Our student has met a nice group of friends and is adjusting socially. Communication is pretty good, with a middle school newsletter going out periodically and giving highlights what is going on. Teachers email families to let them know about forthcoming assignments which is appreciated. Some of the teachers are great while others are merely so-so, but that is to be expected. We are likely going to begin supplementing in the spring, starting with math, since our student is ahead in that class and somewhat bored. We may look to do something similar for ELA. That said geography is a nice class, and our student loves their chorus class.

All in all, things seem pretty good.

Any current parents of middle schoolers are John Francis (formerly Francis -Stevens) -- if so, how is it going?