Beacon Hill Middle School

One of the worst school in the APS District. No exaggeration.My child has had the worst times of his life at this school. It’s rough kids do what they want without consequences. Kids bullying kids. Teachers putting their hands on students and still have a job. Administration is a joke. Academics are horrible. No interventions. Low enrollment. The principal does nothing but collect check as well as the assistant principal. Majority of the teachers are only collecting checks as well. I would never advise anyone to place their child here if you can help it. My child has suffered tremendously at this school. Physically emotionally morally and academically. I have to get him outside counseling now from the constant bullying. I will never willingly place my child at a Tier1 school such as this one ever again in my life.

I'm a grandparent of a past and current student at Claremont. We could not be more thrilled with the staff and high standards of everything at this school. They even offer a play performance every fall that is fantastic! It was thrilling for us and our grandson's parents to see him on stage and having the time of his life, mistakes and all. It gives them confidence and the ability to overcome stage fright at such an early age. Skills that will build and last a lifetime. We watched him interact and work with other kids for a common goal and he just seemed more grown up in one evening. Our granddaughter has moved on to 3rd grade and her school does not offer this incredible experience and we sure do miss it but we're grateful she had it for three years at Clairemont. Kudos to your principal and music director and many others for recognizing the importance of this experience. We can see how much extra work it causes you and you are so appreciated for it!

My daughter has a learning disability, and although I wish it could have been addressed with an iep sooner, she has received services and is now thriving. With 2 children who have made their way through this school, I can say that a majority of the faculty and staff is top notch.

Fernbank is a wonderful public school with a small, tightknit community vibe. The teachers, staff and admin are so personable and get to know your student and your family personally. The feeling of community is wonderful, and both of my kids are excited to go to school everyday. There are many ways to get involved as a parent and engage with your kids in the classroom. I highly recommend reaching out for a your if you are considering the school- you'll feel at home as soon as you are in the doors!

My child and our family did not have a good experience at Friends. We thought being a quaker school that it would be inclusive and that as parents there would be many opportunities to engage and volunteer. We found the parent committees to be cliquish and difficult to participate even in volunteerism that we signed up for. Generally the school is very disorganized when it comes to events and programming making it difficult for working families to have clear expectations that things would start on time, in the location indicated or at all in some instances. Supervision of children is lacking and safety is a concern specifically in transitions and during after school. There are many times when non-teacher adults are supervising the children. Academically, the children who do well are the children who learn easily and are taught at home otherwise, you will not see progress from your children's academic development (at least in the early grades). The high level leadership Head(s) of school have been smart, kind charismatic and caring. Mid level leadership are ill-equipped for their roles and do not have the skills needed to support teachers and foster a professional environment to work effectively with children and families. Due to the school's decades long issue (pre pandemic) with low enrollment and being a tuition driven institution they do not have the resources that other schools at this price point offer to children. They simply do not have much to offer in the creative arts, performing arts or sports. The facilities both inside and outside are in poor condition and generally are not inspiring. Teacher retention is a problem, as well as teacher attendance, throughout the course of the year each class heavily relies on substitute teachers to fill in for chronically absent teachers. This tells me that there is an issue in the health of the school as healthy schools keep teachers for years and years and they show up to work due to their passion for the work and the sense of accountability to their students. It is not unusual to have a teacher leave midway through the year. Friends has trouble retaining children beyond prek & K when other area options open up within the public or private school systems. In the older grades able attract children for whom other area schools did not work out and for them Friends is a refuge. The families that Friends attracts are lovely and the community, if they can retain them are their best asset

Such a huge disappointment. We spent seven years there. I wish I could get my time and money back.