Santa Maria Middle School

I really really like this school for my child. She is truly thriving and she loves school. I have only ever came across teachers who truly care about the students. The admin team is very pleasant and very involved. I just love this school for my child. My daughter's teachers, The admin team, the office staff, the special area teachers, the champion teachers, they are all great! When you have an educator background, you pay attention and recognize certain things in schools. Every school is not perfect, but as an educator I love this school for my child.

7/28/2025 I came to register/enroll my children in this school. We are new to the area. Their attitudes and phone etiquette was unwelcoming, then they tell you to ring bell and they will buzz you in. Once buzzed in they do not greet, they do not smile, responses are quick, with just seeing how unprofessional the office staff is makes you wonder about the school and your child's safety and education. If the office personnel has not been addressed of their actions, I can just imagine what type of teachers they have or how they are treating are children. I have a special needs son, I was asking certain questions and even the responses I received had me questioning the safety of my special needs son. I will be looking into other schools within the area first. The presence and attitude of your front staff alone place doubt in a parents mind. What a way to start off the school year representing your school. The office staff alone is part of your low school ratings.

Shocked by the behavior of the principal. I've heard her complaining about her assistant principal, teachers, and even students in areas where families are present, like no one else can hear, but they can. Instead of supporting her staff, she throws them under the bus and speaks negatively about them and the district in public, which comes across as completely unprofessional. I don't think she realizes everyone can hear her blaming everyone else when its like : are you not in charge? you're the principal right? how is it everyone else terrible but you don't see how you as the leader are influencing that?She was in the front office in full view and earshot of me talking about saving up PTO so the district can pay it out when she leaves, and how she is counting down the days, basically planning her exit. That kind of attitude does not inspire any confidence that she takes her role or the school seriously. I'm disappointed to say the least. I expect the person in charge to care when it comes to my child's education but she obviously does not.