Research Somers Middle School public Schools in Ossining, New York

“SMS held me back in so many ways. During my time spent there I was just making honor roll, yet the year after that, at my current school, I flew through like a breeze. Now, I am taking all AP/honors classes and I'm a high honors student. I doubt this would have happened at Somers. The teachers & administrative staff all had clear favorites, and refused to do anything about bullying problems. I feel as if I have wasted my time at SMS, and I am so thankful I managed to move away...”

“This school is great. Class sizes can be relatively small, and the exploratory classes provide additional excitement for students. The only drawback- which I don't personally hold against the school- is that there are hardly any classes that do anything more than speed up the pace, 'accelerated' classes. The school needs to institute more honors and high school level classes, a studnet may possibly receive about 3 high school credits at this school, and many enter with less than that. But that I blame on the No Child Left Behind Act, which makes schools neglect gifted students and puts all priority on special education, so I give it 3 stars.”

“The middle school is a bad three years for students in the Somers, NY. Children are on teams by chance-the teams do not have equally qualified teachers, nor test and grade uniformally. Actually teachers are primarily allowed to do as they please. Administration is a joke-they do not hold their employees nor themselves accountable for anything. SMS has forgotten most parents want their children to learn the material; not just get good grades. Favoritism is very apparent and 'parent teachers' are all over the place. The principal's priority is to cover her teacher's backs when they make errors instead of supporting her students. Shouldn't a principal's goal/top priority be to educate? I recommend to stay on top of the teacher's because they are not held to any standard-at all. You need to do it-or your child. Don't bother with administration-they don't care about the students.”

“Somers Middle School has great facilities, now that a major addition has been completed. Excellent music programs-both band and orchestra, and excellent extracurriculars. Inadequate attention to needs of gifted students - huge need for honors classes in English, foreign language, social studies. Instead, gifted students are held back by needs of less advanced students. Advanced classes in science don't begin till 8th grade-should begin in 6th grade. Advanced math classes are excellent.”

“Somers Middle School is top notch and second to none is every way. Teachers are bright, child centered and use great, current, creative methodology. Administration runs a great school, responsive to parents, great with kids. And the new additions are just spectacular. Block scheduling, well used, really puts this lighthouse school front and center where it belongs. Second to none!”

“Since my kids have gone to Somers Middle School, I have seen nothing but success and accomplishment! The school has a very good district and every question I have asked I have gotten a very satisfactory answer. I have had no problems with SMS, and I look forward to the years that my daughter will spend at Somers Middle School.”

“I was once a student at Somers Middle School and now I am reflecting my past three years. It has been an amazing journey finding myself as a student. The only bad point about my entire experience was band. I played in band for three years and I felt no connection between my band teacher.”

“I too was very disappointed in the Middle School, The principal has no interaction with the students. There is no accountably to anyone. Teachers do not meet the needs of the students. The counselors has no idea what they are doing. Things look good on paper, but in reality they stink! If I had to do it again, I would send my children to private school.”

“This is an excellent school! I go to school here and I love it. I would never want to miss a day of school. The counselors are great and I love that you have 4 min. between each class. All of the teachers are really nice and are flexible.”

“The Somers Middle School has been a big disappointment for my gifted son. The teachers use a team approach so there is little personal accountability for each teacher. There is no parent teacher night for report cards and contact is usually done through e-mail. Teachers do not typically meet individually with parents, but rather meet the parent as a 'team'. Reading is a regularly scheduled major class for every student. Between Reading and English, very few books are ever read. The required books for each grade are very low level -- 6th grade -- Number the Stars, 7th grade -- Among the Hidden and 8th grade --Tiger Rising. In Ossining Schools the 8th grade book is Inherit the Wind! Most teachers do not collect and correct homework, but spend class time going over it. Classes are 39 minutes long.”

“This school is a magnificent school! The teachers are wonderful ad nice and help whenever help is needed! If your child is dropping level in his/her grades-the counscelor calls you to tell you! It is a very good system and the extra curricular activities are great! There is ski club and art club and drama club and a lot lot more! There are intramurals and sports where kids can compete and there are a great variety of instraments you can play! Beginners are always welcome and it is a great place both social and intellectual! Parents are always involved! There are great field trips! In 6th grade ytou go just on daytrips but in 7th grade you go to boston for 2 days and 8th grade goes to Washington D.C. for 3 or 4 days! It is a great place to learn all about history! Bieng tourists and of the sort!”

“Somers Middle School has an amazing staff: well organised admin, teachers who make the curriculum fun, and great councillers who spare no effort to make sure the children are happy, and achieving the best that they can. Many musical instruments are taught, and the kids put on some amazing musicals and other performances. I haven't met a single kid who isn't really happy to be there! The atmosphere is relaxed enough to be fun, but structured enough to be reassuring that no misbehaviour will be tolerated. It's also beautiful to look at - we moved here from England and moved to Somers because of this school!”