Chatham Middle

Chatham Middle has a diverse population of students with diverse issues, but the teachers genuinely care about the kids, and they genuinely respect the kids as people overall. No place is perfect, but students here are treated fairly, and there are resources available to help, including a great counseling department, a principal you can talk to, a great band instructor (and chorus), an above-average library stocked with challenging books, super soccer teams and basketball teams, fantastic science teachers (and science olympiad), and some really amazing kids.

The emphasis on bringing up test scores ( math, fluency, several different "global" assessments), means the kids are either taking tests, online preparing for tests (and being tested), reviewing tests (carrying around scores at all times), being rewarded for growth on tests (or not, if they've already ACED the test), or being reprimanded for not working. Who wants to work hard for a meaningless score? Where is DAILY art, music, PE, languages, clubs? These are the true social equalizers. The teachers are overwhelmed with huge classes and challenging kids who often return home to equally unpleasant conditions. Instead of creating a diverse, supported, enriching place that had a strong, unique Spanish immersion program, the school has become a disciplinary nightmare. I hope it can be turned around- for everyone.

This school has failed my kids in more ways than I can count. They can't keep teachers or bus drivers. At least 3 times last year, the bust just never came to pick up my kids. (Who have to walk to the end of the street by the way, because they don't want to spend the gas to drive by my home)

Chatham Middle is a very diverse school that stresses positive interaction and collaboration with others. The teachers are highly equipped to meet individual student needs and are differentiating in their classrooms to meet all levels of learners. The administration encourages staff and students to take risks and think "out-of-the-box" about teaching and learning. This fosters an open-mindedness and makes CMS a learning environment for all.