Patterson Mill Middle School

I have three children who have attended Patterson Mill High for all four years and am very pleased with the teachers and most of the administration. Like anyplace kids need to find the activities and coursework that fits their strengths and shores up weaknesses. Having experience with my kids in Varsity sports and band has been great. The coaches are overall positive role models and care about the kids development. Winning is important too, but character and leadership development stay relevant longer than just a trophy. My band kid has excelled under Mr. Burke - he is a shining star in a constellation of educators on staff at PMill. Each child took 5-8 AP courses and performed above expectations, gaining admission to nearly ever university they applied to. I think their counseling staff is the weak link. Too many students per counselor and they need to rotate the alphabet assignment. My kids had the same counselor mailing it in for the 6 overlapping years they attended. Let's say if your name is in one part of the alphabet college counseling is going to be 100% self directed by you and your child. The facilities are excellent and it looks in 2019 almost the same as the day it opened almost 11-12 years ago. Parental involvement is excellent. I've been a sport parent, band parent, PTA and Chemical Free Event parent and the energy and organization is great. Each group is welcoming and less cliquish than I anticipated. The student body is not perfect - the school draws from very prosperous residential areas and they are bit sheltered and somewhat spoiled. I had my kids obtain PT jobs and volunteer to be part the wider world and interact with a diverse mix of the population of Harford County. Overall as a parent I'd give PMill an A-, some structural elements just can't be helped with such a small student body (~800). Living in the Homestead-Wakefield/PMill Middle & High School boundary area overall was worth every penny we spent on our home to raise a family.

Academically, it is a very good school, however, the teachers could stand to be a bit warmer toward the students. There is a chill in the air when it comes to teacher/student dynamics. Statistics has shown a significant gain in performance when students feel appreciated.

this is a great school that really knows how to educate their kids and get those test scores up. both parents and students are very pleased

I love this school! This is my daughter's first year in middle school and what an amazing school she attends. There are so many opportunities for her to attend a variety of clubs and the technology, WOW ! The entire staff at Patterson Mill Ms/Hs are so wonderful and knowledged, I would certainly recommend this school to others!