Bayside Middle School

We spent 7 years with two children at this school. Teaching teams for each grade were great, extremely devoted professionals, and worked very hard to get to know each child. A strong culture of manners and respect. The Principal is willing to consider change and adaptation. We don't understand the angst about having 5th graders in the school - there are plenty of kids who successfully attend K-8 schools... and it was a non issue for both of our kids when they were 5th graders. PTO is entrenched -- if you see things their way, and want things done the way they always have been, great. Stay away if you don't.

The new principal is making a very positive impact and did as much as possible to maintain quality teaching with budget cuts. Teacher-student communication is great. The anti-bullying policy is effective, and cliques are avoided with rotated assigned seating at lunch. Academics are challenging although more could be done to pare down homework to the "basics", such as keeping art projects in art class. There is definitely opportunity for gifted kids to be challenged.

Good and bad. Too much homework for the kids. I felt like they didn't have time to do anything else. I think the projects get silly. How many things can your kid make with trash? The school does a lot of great field trips. 5th grade in middle school is just wrong. The kids are too young. I love that they have French and Spanish offered and the music programs are great.

I am a student at Bayside Middle School and it is a complete honor. There are no bullies at all, honestly. This is an amazing school with a principal who strives, and accomplishes, for this to be a great school. I'm very happy with this school, and I get all A's thanks to my teachers.