Research Herndon Middle School Public Schools in Manassas, Virginia

“Very good school. The honors program was rigorous but really prepared my son for high school. At the end of 8th grade the kids in his honors class did well on the VA standardize tests. More importantly, they seem to really understand and know how to apply what they were taught.”

“This is the worst school in Fairfax County! I have had to deal with some serious lack of ethics, respect and accountability with the administration. The teachers are mediocre at best. I abhor this school and will never allow another child attend.”

“This school has some great teachers who are professional and sincerely care about what they do and the students they teach. Unfortunately, the same can not be said about the administration and staff in the main office or the special education department. The majority of us parents recognize how difficult an environment this is for the teachers. There are some parents as noted in these reviews (feb. 2006 and 2005 is the same unreasonable parent) that make unreasonable demands on staff due to the fact that they do not hold their child accountable for his/her own actions. Continuous interrruptions and nonstop attention-demanding phone calls and unannounced visits from parents like this create an unhealthy atmosphere for our students and the teachers.”

“I am very disappointed in HMS. The communication between teachers, guidance counselor(s) and administration appears to be non-existent. I have to make several calls to different staff members to get questions answered. My child has an IEP - double the frustration when dealing with HMS staff. I feel like they have already 'written' my child off as a casualty - no one seems to care with the exception of 2-3 teachers. I agree with parent involvement and have always been active in my child's education, but you have to really stay on top of the HMS staff or your child will be 'lost'.”

“I was very disappointed with the quality of teachers my son had. Kids are sterotyped based on their race and culture. My son passed but I had to micro manage the teachers and the guidance counselor. The new guidance counselor never met my son but willing to give me her assessment of him. HMS has some good teachers, my sons math teacher and gym teacher demonstrated what teaching is all about. You have no idea how your child is doing until reports cards are given which is a little. I was very disappointed.The principal was very responsive everytime I reached out to him.”

“This School We had heard it was a great school great teachers and support staff, We have come to know that this is not all what it seems. Their are some great teachers and this has nothing to do with them,There is no communication with parents on your childs progress. They offer courses and than when you reg, oh than they dont offer them. you dont find out til report cards come out and than its to late to change grades. As for our experience we are very involved with every aspect of our childs life and you find out otherwise.”

“Outstanding school! The principal maintains strict discipline; the teachers are excellent and are very involved in helping their students achieve high standards. There is nothing negative to say about this school.”