Van Buren Middle School

Prospective Parents… be aware. All that glitters is not gold here. Since our new principal Mrs. S has arrived, the parents feel little support. If your child doesn’t rank in the top 3% of the nation, do not expect any teacher to care about their education. All resources go towards the top achievers. If you have a child with a simple diagnosis, don’t expect the school to support or respect it. It’s a system that rewards the connected and powerful. Parents are not welcomed in older grades and students are punitively punished for being a kid. No accountability for teachers since the new principal has arrived. She sees pleasing them as her top priority. No follow up with parents will be made, even if you request it. What Smith does well is how they hide the complaints in order to “seem” good. Do extensive research and look for parents with kids like yours. Unless you have an endless budget for private tutors and additional taxes, look elsewhere. The teachers never give outside of their scheduled day and if they do it’s because they charge large amounts for their own private programs. They will say they care, but in reality it’s just lip service. No one listens. The ONLY reason Oakwood ranks high is because of the parents that care about their kids. It’s all about the parents here. They are the ones that make the TRUE difference. Any tag line they are giving you about us being #oneoakwood or #together is just that. No one cares about your child’s education unless you do. And if you try to hold them accountable, you’ll come against the machine. So be ready.

Absolutely the worst school I had the displeasure of sending my child to. They do absolutely nothing if your child is being bullied, even with proof and witnesses. The teacher themselves are bullies as well, causing students to have accidents because of their need to control and not allowing bathroom breaks.

This is not a great school. My 10 year old has been flashed at by anther 10 year old which the school agreed to not leave these kids alone due to this happening the yar before. Once my son tells what happened, the school doesn't believe to believe this.

Love this school. Reminds me of the school i went to as a kid. Teachers are very engaging. Love how involved the school is with community and church. Would recommend this school to anyone