5317 Lightning View Rd
Columbia, MD 21045

I wouldn’t recommend my child go here. The school gives no support for students. They constantly say they have way too many to keep track of. The guidance counselor will recommend a child get a GED then to graduate.

OMMS is so welcoming! From the initial introduction to Ms.Coleman and her welcoming my child by name to the 8th grade promotion and her hugging multiple students on stage, students know they are supported. Learning during the pandemic was strange, but the teachers all provided creative and engaging lessons during that time. My child was active in a variety of activities and made lots of friends during their time there. I didn’t know what to expect from middle school and luckily OMMS provided a safe, nurturing environment for my child. I am very pleased with the teachers who encouraged learning and trying new things, the custodians who maintained the building and the support staff who made meaningful connections with the students.

The school in general is pretty good. I have no complaints about the academic curriculum, rigor, or ensuring my children are adequately challenged. My only concern and complaint is the administration. Unfortunately, I have never had a single experience where they have ever returned a call or email that I have sent. To have issues addressed, we have to bring it up when we are at the school for other reasons (pick-up, drop-off, field trips, volunteering, etc.). The front office staff has improved with regard to professionalism and responsiveness over the past few years. The assistant principal has been in her position since my family has been at the school and has always been professional and fairly responsive, with the exception of emails. I feel the kids and parents trust and respect her. I wish I could say the same for the principal. She seems like a very nice, polite, and lovely woman, but commands zero authority. The students do not acknowledge or respect her. Even during the most recent Back to School Night, children and parents talked over her and chattered when she spoke and she was completely unable to gain control of the audience. When issues or concerns arise during the school year she seems to not understand parents concerns about safety, instructional time lost in class, or handling disruptive students and just nods in agreement. Part of it could be due to administration higher than her, but that does not account for her docile or conflict-avoidant behavior in general. I would rather she attempt to resolve or at least address issues or concerns. Again, she is a lovely woman just not as authoritative as the assistant principal. The PTA is great and very active. Though there has been a large number of new teachers this school year, the teachers are strong instructors who are very caring and dedicated to the students. All in all, it is a decent and solid school, despite the decline in ratings this year, I am very happy with the academic growth and progress with regard to students and would recommend it.