John M Andersen Junior High School

This school has sadly become a cesspool of bad culture. The previous school admin built the school into a beautiful, passionate place for children to be empowered and engage. New admin (5 years) has literally destroyed almost every program that the previous principal had put into place. We have never seen something so wonderful destroyed so quickly. Enrollment is down, families and teachers are fleeing. New admin has authoritarian style. I speak from personal knowledge and experience and can promise without any hesitation that the admin here DOES NOT care about what's best for a student. Admin misdirects staff, and will 100 percent retaliate against your child and your family. 1 year into new admin, THE ENTIRE PTO BOARD RESIGNED due to micromanagement by admin. The board was rebuilt and the following year, EVERYONE RESIGNED AGAIN except for the President who is still on board and is still under control of the admin and is just as horrific. WhatsAPP groups were formed for parents to freely discuss topics outside of the schools scrutiny. Admins have been hand selected for each whatsapp group and actively delete comments that could be considered critical of the school and then directed to take it up with the principal. Admin will also lie through their teeth, I used to think it was ignorance but sadly its just flat out lying. So many wonderful options in CUSD. Steer clear of this school if you really want whats best for your child. Knox has very little to offer any student and their family.

We, too, have experienced favoritism, rudeness, and aggressive behavior from staff working at CTA Goodman. In my humble opinion, children this age should be learning academics, rules, proper behavior, etc. Not treated like they are in military school! There are two sides to this school; the employees who care, are kind, and have patience, the other side couldn't care less who you are, prefer perfection out of the children, and are very harsh with how they treat and speak to children. I believe some people just shouldn't be around children. There are more than a handful at this school, including the Principal. I mean "pal" is in her title; however, this is not the case here.

We have 3 children at Sirrine and they all love it. Each has had a wide variety of different needs over the years including gifted and talented, speech therapy and extra help with staying focused and learning/implementing appropriate social emotional behaviors. At every step of our journey, the teachers, principal and ancillary staff has been thoroughly supportive and has provided clear communication regarding both plan and progress. If you are interested in the Montessori approach, this school is amazing. It is Montessori led with all of the benefits of a public school - such a perfect blend of the two. With an eclectic and highly involved parent network, there are many opportunities to volunteer your time or resources as you wish. From chaperoning field trips, running a game station at Fall Festival or simply donating baking supplies, you can participate to whatever degree works with your current family situation. Sirrine has a beautiful and loving community and is a great school where children thrive, no matter their individual needs. Highly recommend!