Ortiz Middle School

I would rate this institution with no stars if possible, as it does not deserve even one. My two daughters attended this school, which we initially chose due to its strong academic performance and family engagement. Our experience in 2018 was positive, with dedicated teachers and a supportive administration. However, my view has changed due to the increasing focus on screen time and a shift away from traditional teaching methods. This shift has diminished teachers' enthusiasm and commitment, as they face excessive pressure to meet administrative demands often without genuinely ensuring student learning. Additionally, the administration has been ineffective in addressing bullying, misleading parents about the management of these issues. If you're unconcerned about bullying, you might consider this school; otherwise, seek alternatives. Communication from counselors and coordinators can be discourteous, and there's a lack of support for the Parent-Teacher Organization and parents. By 2025, the administration has become uncooperative, often requesting parental help while limiting participation in events. Teachers have been reprimanded for including parents in activities like Christmas parties and end-of-year celebrations. Given these circumstances, I strongly advise against enrolling your child here, as the atmosphere is detrimental to both parental engagement and student learning.

BE AWARE: The Principal here, Mrs.Thompson, is one of the most unprofessional administrators we’ve ever had to deal with. Our son attended Garden Villas 3 years straight. The third year we find out our son is special needs and on the autism spectrum. My wife had to hold meetings with the school along with an advocate for Autism ask because the school wasn’t doing what they were supposed to be doing in regards to my sons education.After my wife brought out advocate for autism, the administrators for Garden Villas did NOT like that because they were called out for being unprepared and uneducated on the special needs my son needed. Now that my son got labeled as special needs after having an ARD meeting and legally having to promote him, the principal Mrs.Thompson decides to publish my wife and son for calling the school out. My wife filled the paperwork for my son to attend Garden Villas the fourth the week BEFORE school was let out. Fast forward to the month of July, we’ve been contacting Garden Villas to get in contact with Mrs.Thompson, regarding my sons enrollment, and every single day the attendance lady or guy, lies and says the principal is in a meeting. I understand her position as a busy women, but from 9 am to 4 pm and for two months of summer, she’s out of reach?? As of 08/22/23, we FINALLY got a call back from Garden Villas the Principal Mrs.Thompson. This was after we told the guy at the attendance office we’d be calling the district because this was very unprofessional . They were trying to send my son to another school because they didn’t want to deal with him as special needs. The principal waited till the week before school to let the parents know of a special needs Autistic child their child wasn’t enrolled all this time and would have to go to a new school. Mrs.Thompson and the school administrators should be called out for playing hot potato with a child Future all because they were labeled as special needs. So BEWARE enrolling your kids in Garden Villas if your child tis special needs or Autistic

I have been a teacher here for the past year and after my experience I'd suggest you to look elsewhere for either your child's education or your teaching experience. The school is currently being led under terrible leadership. The way these leaders have screamed at children as early as 7:45 AM for them to go to class is just horrifying to reflect on. There are plenty of other schools within the district or even near this school that are better for your child's needs. Students with academic accommodations are not having all of their needs be met within the classroom, teaching paces are ridiculously rigid with little to no time to slow down to ensure student comprehension, and so on. Teachers are barely treated with mere respect if they have an ounce of curiosity as for why things are ran the way they are. If you truly have a passion for education or are even curious about teaching, this new principal has made it VERY clear that this environment will not support those who wish to have autonomy and actually advocate not only for their students but themselves as well. If you are a first year teacher you will not receive the support you need to grow and will therefore be penalized unless you're one of the favorites. You will be playing a game by a set of rules that may cost you your integrity and mental well-being throughout the school year. All in all, parents and teachers I advise you to look elsewhere. PLEASE.

My child has been going to this poor excuse of a school for 4 years now and I absolutely hate this school. They are all anti bullying and what not until its the one odd duck student and the rest of the class pick on them. My daughter has been picked on constantly the last few years but this year is the worst. The teachers, aids, and other professionals don't do squat unless my kid gets so fed up with it that she yells or becomes a distraction then its all her own fault for getting tired of it.