Mandarin Middle School

It's been great for both of my kids

I was a student at MMS. The programs for learning disabilities, ESE and IEP, are very effective. My ESE teacher always checked in with me and made sure I wasn't overwhelmed with homework. The teachers are very caring and supportive. If you hear any reviews complaining about teachers 90% of the time it's due to students' behavior. I won't deny there are a few teachers who are beyond strict but they definitely don't bully or look down on their students. The school is constantly evolving, over the last 2 years there have been 2 new principals. Rules are always changing which can be a little overwhelming to new students but they'll feel right at home. If I had any complaints it would be the way they manage student behavior. My 7th grade civics teacher told his students who don't pay attention or want to learn can fail but just do it quietly. This resulted in poor test scores. 12 out of 26 student's failed that class. This was only the class I was in. I'm not sure how many overall failed. As you can tell, teachers don't have patience for students who won't participate. This could be due to how big MMS is, being one of the largest public schools in Jacksonville. If your kid is alright with a big school, this includes loud noises and crowded hallways, then I highly recommend! As far as more high assistance kids, autism and down syndrome, they have a wonderful colorful classroom with teachers who are specialized in this care. I had a free period in 6th grade where I helped this class and it was outstanding. They have a physical therapist, and speech therapist, a cognitive therapist. You get the picture. Even if your child needs more specialty care you can trust MMS. I rate MMS 10/10.

I am in 110% agreement with one of the many truthful reviews: I've had lunch with my child in Mandarin Middle School. I couldn't even sit in the lunch room when I saw the caked on food from who knows how many hours or days it's sat not to mention you can't even talk, I said talk to your child, LOUD is an understatement. Walking out in the hallways from lunch and seeing FIRST HAND what's allowed with the "officer " standing around and staff, wow! You MUST experience this yourself. Set a day to have lunch with your child, you will see first hand.The lack of communication with "staff" is frustrating! Still waiting for a positive conversation.A very rude experience I had. It was a one way phone call with a teacher and she had no concerns on my suggestions to help my child achieve. This is only one of my very unprofessional experiences of the staff I've encountered. (Not all) My child's 8th grade math teacher left me very unsettled on the way she talks to her students. This prompt me to reach out to other parents. She teaches advanced classes, I'm just disturbed in how very few care. It took me 31 days to get her into her advanced classes from day one of entering her new school. I'll leave you with a staff member comment after my 4th week of asking why my child is not in her advanced classes here in Duval County. I was told, wait for it! "Just cuz someone come from another country don't mean they get put in advance classes! It don't work like that! " WAIT, WHAT, did I just hear I thought to myself! Just contact you Duval County School Board it was my only option and about to be again. When I have a positive experience with either of my children's school, I will leave one. Full regret leaving Clay County, they care.

Be the change. I am a PTSA volunteer. My daughter has had positive experiences at Mandarin Middle. Moving from Texas, we were hesitant about enrolling our daughter in to Duval schools. As an educator I know many factors play into a school's rating and reputation. Do your own homework and know YOUR child. I believe parents make the difference. I have enjoyed meeting like- minded parents who have seek academic excellence and diversity as part of their child's learning environment.