David Starr Jordan Middle School

Posted October 30, 2009

We went to JMS the past 3 yrs. As first time parents sometimes we learn after the experience. We love PA, but the school system has not lived up to it's reputation. We really had mixed challenges at JMS. While it was rocky at times...my child matured so much. I think the 'end product' may have been the same whether JMS or private. Having said that...I would have at least considered private . JMS: Dedicated, nice teachers, most are coasting...they really need to retire many teachers at JMS. Weak teaching, Very mediocre, but smart kids. The principal, Mr. Milliken looks the role, but lacks warmth and skills to interact with preteens. The Vice Principal, Ms. Wang in 2008 is fantastic with kids, parents and resoluting issues. Go with your gut, don't think it will be better at JMS...it does not get better. With your guidance your child will be fine.
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Posted September 30, 2007

My son went to JMS, Special Day Classroom, and he was blessed with the most thoughtful guidance from the Special Ed Teacher there, Mrs. Daryl Richard. As a parent, I enjoyed being part of her team and enjoyed excellent communication with them. They were open to coordinating the classwork at school with the program my son is enrolled in at SCORE! My son was able to participate in periodic school concerts and plays. We did feel that Special Ed was a low priority with both the School District and School Administration, as reflected in the classrooms and eqipment made available. That is why we were particularly grateful for the effort made by the Special Ed Teacher and her team of aids to organize class activities and attempt to mainstream able students. On the whole, our experience at JMS was positive and beneficial.
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Posted August 15, 2007

I have had 3 children at Jordan Middle School and if I had a chance to 'do it over again' I would have chosen a private school. JMS is sorely lacking in teachers that have a background in understanding and disciplining adolescents. They fail to motivate a passion for learning and have little training in handling this age group. The counseling department has limited knowledge of community resources. My child 'fell through the cracks' at Jordan; a learning disability was diagnosed by a private, outside agency, but went unnoticed until high school. Formal evaluations by the district psychologist and a team of JMS teachers was uneventful. The attendance office is frustrating! If you dare to excuse your own child from school, your actions, intent and integrity will be questioned repeatedly! The principal is unavailable. Find another school - these years are too important to jeopardize your child's success!
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Posted February 2, 2007

Jordan has significant problems. Teachers range from excellent to disasters-no consistency. No ability to control disruptive students in the classroom.
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