John F. Deering Middle School

I deeply regret enrolling my child at this Islamic school in Rhode Island. Despite its intended mission, the actual environment is troubling and, frankly, unsafe for any child’s well-being — academically, emotionally, or socially.Bullying is rampant and the administration appears completely helpless to address it. Instead of acknowledging or taking real steps to resolve the issue, they deflect, minimize, or ignore it altogether. Our child repeatedly experienced a toxic peer environment, and no meaningful action was ever taken to protect her.The teaching staff is disconnected and unqualified. There’s a noticeable lack of classroom control, accountability, or even basic engagement. Teachers seem unprepared and poorly equipped to support students, and this is reflected in the poor academic organization and chaotic communication.Any attempt from us, as proactive parents, to engage constructively—whether regarding homework, exams, or missing assignments—was met with defensiveness and even hostility. Shockingly, a teacher instructed our daughter to “tell your mom to stop emailing” rather than addressing the academic concerns. That alone speaks volumes.Worse, assignments and assessments are often crammed in at the end of the quarter, with no feedback or grading process throughout. It feels like they are winging it—and our children pay the price.Bottom line: RUN. Do not entrust your children to this school. Find a better, safer, more nurturing environment. Your kids deserve more—and so do you.

Academically it’s lacking-much wasted free time that could be and should be spent on educating. There seems to be no corrective action taken for extreme/inappropriate behavior. They over communicate about the school happenings, but hardly communicate about your child/student. Many staff children which created unavoidable favoritism. Overall a very strange and toxic culture.