South Pasadena Middle School

The curriculum is excellent, my student’s’ were outstanding learners. They held 3.8-4.0 gpa’s throughout middle school. My experience with South Pasadena Middle School was good during the elementary school years, but unfortunately not in the later years. We felt many days disconnected, alienated & not included. All three years of our attempts to join ASB my kids were turned down. No reason, no explanation, just an empty apology and courage to try next year. Even after tirelessly filling out all the questionnaires, forms, and gathering a number of signatures by members & school staff. We couldn’t figure out why they’d be declined to be involved in betterment of the school, adding different perspectives etc. We knew we weren’t the only one’s, many students were rejected every single year after year. The sports were the same-. They were all by invitation only. You have to have been trained at a young age whether interested in tennis, basketball or any sport. Sadly both kids were never able to join any sport teams throughout all the years of middle school. Every sport (at least 3) they tried out for they were declined, this level of expectations on middle school athletics were very rough and cut throat. How could a school be so tough on middle school sports? It would be understandable for high school. What kind of school does this to young teens? Unless your super prepped & trained there’s no way in. I would have to say the worst part of school were the councilors. They don’t have a minute to spare for parents. Unless you’re lucky enough to get a question answered via email. Many times I wouldn’t get my emails answered at all. By the end, I didn’t bother. When you ask they say, “they’re trying to teach your kids that it’s their responsibility to email the teachers if they’re having any issues or concerning your child, as it teaches them to be independent”. If I had the choice to do it again I wouldn’t send my kids to the Middle School or to the High School , they’re the same. The councilor’s are unhelpful, void, and not interested in helping your child. The principal of the High School, who was in my opinion the best part of the district, dedicated many years, just left her position this year. The middle and high school need to get their act together. The students’ deserve better. It would be nice to hire a new staff of councilors to prepare and actually support the student’s education goals.

The school is ahead academically and has a great community from counselors to teachers. The experience in the classroom is informative but not boring because the teachers are able to make the class engaging. This school is amazing, I used to go to a private school with high ratings but SPMS is better community and learning wise.

Amazing Teachers and staff. The school works as a comunity.

Overall, I would give SPMS a C+ because most of the teachers are very good.

Excellent! My second child has just graduated from the school. I’m impressed with the thorough education they have received and the strong sense of community and esteem for kindness they have also experienced there. The incredible selection of classes can’t be beat.