Portage West Middle School

GrandParent, With low scores, how can you be given a high star rating score ?

The teachers are great, but the admin is HORRIBLE along with the district admin not working to ensure things get better over 4 years of teacher turnover, principles that won't communicate or handle behavioral issues. Current principle may have hit a child and was not removed from the school the day of the incident and the superintendent is just covering for her while it was seen by a staff member, reported to police and the mother is also claiming it happened and saying they will press charges.Principle regularly doesn't pay attention during meetings, doesn't attend meetings for parent feedback to her that she sets up, leaving parents stuck in virtual waiting rooms while they take time off work and lies during 504 meetings and doesn't follow through on promises. Issues have been brought up to the superintended, his staff and the school board for years and nothing has changed. Sad to see similar issues have persisted since before we started having children go her.

My 2 kids are loving going to Haverhill! Starting with the Principle; Mr.Zonts truly loves his job, thr school, and students. He is always very visible and involved with daily activities. He does communication meets every morning, so parents know whats going on. The Teacher are supportive for the students and we have had great experience with all but 1 in 5 years. The PTO, is amazing! They are always planning activities for the students to do and getting Everyone no matter who or where your from involved. Haverhill deserves way higher then a 4 rating!! Morea like 9/10

My son is finishing up one year (8th grade) as he attended during Covid. My only regret is we didn’t enroll him sooner.His teachers care deeply for him and the students, and the curriculum is excellent. Because the school is small, scholars are given the benefit of attention. Students are encouraged to excel and their strengths are really highlighted. My son really hit his stride while under the direction of the school’s excellent programming. The principal is at the door every single morning greeting the children. One day this year he wasn’t there. No other school does that. The parent involvement is high. There is a deep sense of community among the children, but also among families. What stands out to me is that people are genuine and authentic. They demonstrate faith, it’s not overwhelming and overdone. I appreciate that.With respect to cost, it is the highest value. The facility is beautiful. The building is very new, as is the equipment. It cost more to have him in daycare as an infant that it costs to give him a high end education now. Money well spent. Highly highly highly recommend.