Roy West Martin Middle School

5 Stars, Educators, Staff all persons are dedicated

This is coming from a current sophomore in high school. I've done a lot of reflection over the years I spent at Roy and I can say, without a doubt, they were the worst years of my life so far.Bullying is absolutely rampant at this school, with many teacher's turning a blind eye because it doesn't get them paid any more or less to do so. On the topic of teachers, many of them are unprofessional or flat out rude to their students. One teacher in particular would consistently get frustrated with several students wearing their jackets inside of the hallways when we were in the middle of winter. The few teachers that I had that were actually kind or at least competent are gone now, leaving for much better schools. The deans never properly punished the kids with more than a brief thirty minute to an hour in-house suspension after school, unless they were fighting or vandalizing the school, in which case the most I had ever heard of was about three days of suspension. The only redeeming qualities of this school are the fact that it's an international baccalaureate school and that the fine arts program is outstanding. If any teachers or parents are thinking to apply here, please, I implore you reconsider.

Like most things, you get out of it what you put in. The school is filled with extremes from the students up to the teachers. Teachers range from brand new to highly experienced and effective. There is little help for those that are struggling whether they are advanced or below grade level. It is a top notch IB magnet school that has to deal with misplaced students. Many get into the program with no idea what the word rigorous means. Expect hours of homework every night and sometimes on weekends. There will be no handholding for those that fall behind. If you don't understand something, you are expected to take the initiative and figure it out. This is prepping students for the rigor expected at tier 1 and 2 universities. It certainly isn't for everyone.Zoned student have one less class than IB students. Many are below grade level. Those willing and able to work will automatically be placed into accelerated courses. Those that can't keep up often disrupt the learning environment. The sports teams at this school have a reputation for doing very well against other schools in the city. The fine arts program is also very strong. If you can't afford a private school and can't get to a charter school, this is a good alternative for those working towards high caliber professional careers. It is a public school though and the zoned students are from the lower end of the social strata and many are English language learners. They bring with them all the challenges that that entails.

I just graduated 8th grade this year from Roy Martin. The school is amazing. The field trips you go on are extraordinary. I had a few problems at the school but not to major to make me change my mind on how awesome this school is. The staff is nice and there is always a police officer on campus to ensure everyone is safe at all times. You will receive a school owned iPad which you will be able to take home every day. The iPads were a little bit more of a distraction. I did most of my assignments on paper which was the easier and better way for me. I had a lot of close relationships with my teachers. They were all so nice and caring. Incoming sixth graders should not worry about getting bullied or getting lost. I was a little scared on my first day of middle school but I got used to it after about the first week. There is nothing to worry about. I love this middle school so much and I'm going to miss it when I am in high school this year!