Longfellow Middle School

We had high expectations from this school. But our child has not received much social/ emotional support. Love diversity and ignoring bullying remarks is an issue. Parents are reluctant to share issues with teachers. Victim kids are often blamed. Our child is not willing to go to school.

I have a second grader at this school and we have had a wonderful experience at Kent Gardens. The principal is about as engaged as can be and many of the teachers are long-time veterans who are so skilled at what they do, but also still have the passion after so many years of teaching. We have been thrilled with the teachers who go above and beyond. We have regular communication with them and I really get the sense that they care. Even though the French immersion classes are rather large in comparison with non-immersion classes (both at KT and other schools), they have extra help in the classroom and no one gets left behind. My child has attention deficit challenges and her teachers recommended her for special education. My child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and we think the special education chair and her staff are really wonderful and supportive. When my child was testing behind the mark, the school rallied and organized small group work during 'PRIDE' time, set up the goals for improvement, worked with a counselor to learn some time management type skills during special lunch sessions and we supported as much as we could at home. My child had incredible growth in a very short time because of this.The school promotes respect, inclusion, diversity, and kindness. They have green, yellow, red, etc. houses representing different values that they promote and the kids and teachers are really enthusiastic about this. They also have a 'buddy system' pairing younger kids with older kids at the school, which has been a hit. Sixth graders are often put in leadership positions at the school and it is fun to see them thrive. I disagree with previous commenter about a 'toxic' environment. I haven't seen that at all. This school is special and the French immersion program is such a great offering. 5 stars!

The principal's behavior can sometimes come across as passive-aggressive. Those who have interacted with her might sense that something is off. There are questions about whether she is the right fit for the role. Students are frequently sent to her office for minor reasons, suggesting a focus on controlling the narrative rather than addressing genuine issues.Additionally, the school appears to be heavily focused on influencing students' thinking. The selection process for the Advanced Academic Program (AAP) seems inconsistent, with many students admitted without meeting the necessary qualifications, leading to imbalanced class sizes—with 25 students in AAP classes compared to 18 in regular classes.She has the potential to be a good principal if she focuses on the students' benefit rather than her own agenda. Please consult with experienced teachers. There are teachers whom students love, respect, and eagerly look forward to attending their classes. It is quite evident who they are, and their advice should be valued.A growing number of teachers, including the principal, seem to struggle with earning the respect of the students. They may be kids, but they can sense who genuinely cares for them. They are more perceptive than we often give them credit for. I strongly recommend that parents talk to their child every day after school and to reach out to other parents to exchange information. Your guidance is crucial for your children's well-being.The fact that more than 10 teachers have left in the past two years is quite telling and indicates underlying issues that need to be addressed. On a positive note, the school is in a safe location, and the PTA is doing a great job.

Wonderful school with great teachers! Community is welcoming!