Frank N. Osborne Middle School

I'm currently in 8th grade at this school, and have had many different experiences. The Arts department (which I am a big part of) is wonderful. The teachers, Mrs. Hatcher (theatre), Mrs. Hoyt (Art), and Ms. Mayo (Chorus) are absolutely incredible people and educators. They also have a band and orchestra program, but I haven't been in either. 8th grade has by far had the best teachers. Ms. Sloan, Mrs. Pruitt, Mrs. Puvvada, and Mrs. Vorpahl are all ABSOLUTELY incredible people and teachers as well. (Also giving recognition to Mrs. Fulcher in 7th grade Social Studies.)But then there's the administration... Our principal, Kenney Wells, is disorganized and close-minded. He doesn't want to spend the time and effort to incorporate new programs with the Arts, so he makes up invalid reasons with no factual reasoning so that we can't end up running those programs. We've had several fights recently, and sexting is honestly a huge problem at this school. Every other day, you hear about a new picture or video running around. The administration also only runs the programs by how they think it should end up playing out, without any actual consideration that adults will not be going to this school, children will. It's ridiculous to expect teenagers our age to act like adults, but be treated like children. We are held to ridiculous standards, and punished unreasonably when certain things are out of our control. In 7th grade, rumors that my best friend's dad had COVID-19 were spread around (unbeknownst to him). He was called into the office and given suspension for 4 days because the rumors were "causing unrest." Admin never listens to the student's side of the story. (Unless they're rich and affluent, that is.)

Our child is in 8th grade. The three years spent at Osborne Middle school have been an ongoing nightmare. She has learning disabilities but they are not addressed and the school is not helping. Some teachers have been good, some have not. The administration has been lax in addressing concerns we have. Meanwhile our child is going further and further down a black hole of despair. To put it bluntly, if you are rich and participate in sports then your kid will be fine. If not then you need to move out of this cluster or home school.

Teachers overall were great, they love to help the students in every problem. The school council although usually tends to be too strict and deals with problems unrealistically.

As a Parent to a student who had multiple unexpected medical issues occur during attendance at Osborne, I cannot say enough positive things about how the teachers and Administrative staff handled these issues - they were two steps ahead offering support for things we had not even considered. The Teachers were beyond supportive, communicative, and offered assistance in maintaining my child's academic success that went beyond the call of duty. An area I wish where change would be considered is that students are not allowed to sit with any student of their choosing during lunch, rather they are restricted to certain pods of students, which for some students creates a bit of anxiety in not being able to be with their core group of friends who may be in different pods. In addition, I feel there are a few too many restrictions in how class locations are set up right next to each other not allowing middle school the be the opportunity to adequately learn to navigate a schedule of changing classes, time management in getting items needed and getting to class on time, etc. all skills which are greatly necessary before these kids feed into the largest attended High School in the state. A bit more focus in preparing students for this transition may be helpful to consider. Overall a great school with wonderful, caring and attentive Teachers and Administration.