Northwest Middle School

I am a father of two girls attending Taneytown. I admit when my girls were born we did NOT want them going here due to all the negative scores online. In fact, we bought land outside the area to build on once they got closer in age. Then the market crashed. We were stuck facing this Title-1 low-scoring school that had many negative reviews even from parents. Nervous was an understatement. With no other choice we started Kindergarten, then first, then second, then third, and again Kindergarten then first with our 2nd child. As time passed our narrow views expanded vastly. The Title-1 status actually provided unforeseen benefits for everyone. The school had access to additional State money (that no other school had) that paid for additional teachers per class, advancements in technology, free morning breakfast for all, and sponsored academic afterschool events. Although true that seemingly only the same parents participate, during the day no one was at a disadvantage. The staff quickly identifies learning gaps and effectively tailors lessons in a very enthusiastic and energetic way, just as you’d expect a young staff to do. Even the students that excel are further challenged to demonstrate their understanding by teaching or reading to younger grade students, in affect building leadership and communication skills. I found the way the common core math is taught here is very different and VERY challenging to understand. However, I also acknowledge this is actually the way I do math in my head. Therefore, if grades need to suffer now to make it easier for these students later, I am all in support of the difficult way math is taught here. The kids here are fantastic and very much still just children learning the world. They don’t understand social status, dis/advantage, races, or hatred. Just like everyone else they only want to be understood. Yes, some parents might not care so grades can slip further but their KIDS are great and very much ready to be taught. Taneytown Elementary does a great job of caring for them, listening to them, and teaching them the educational foundation they need. Thank you to all of the staff for giving it your all every day. It's been noticed.