East Middle School in Anaheim, California

“100% agree with the most recent comment. While there are some great teachers, I do agree that not enough homework is given. My 8th grader is so used to having next to no homework (if any at all), and I have serious concerns about his transition to high school in the fall. Also, there is a major bullying problem that the school AND district do nothing about to fix. I, too, had heard great things about East Middle School (it's supposed to be the best in Downey), sadly this is far from the truth. Don't believe the hype.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I totally disagree with the parent that called for 'less homework.' My daughter attends EMS and she rarely recieves homework. My wife and I are proactive about her reading, and other lesson plans otherwise she would do no schoolwork at home. Test scores only improve when students actually learn the material.EMS should give more homework, specifically in reading. Homework should be particularly increased in the 7th and 8th grade as the kids are preparing to transfer to Downey high school. Less homework means lazy teachers, students, parents and lower test scores.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“East Middle is considered a Distinguished school in our city, they have the higherst rank of students that participate in the STAR testing every year. The principal and all the faculty members are very involved in working to make the school a really great & safe environment for the students to learn and grow. They have an outstanding curriculum, and a great physical education program. I heard nothing to good things about East Middle School, and with the budget cuts they can use the money to help with all the school needs not just for this school year, but for more years to come. I want to give my support to a great school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“this school is really awesome!! I just graduated from the class of 09 and theres no other way to describe this school other than perfect in every way. they have the best teachers and staff than the other middle schools in the district.”
This review was posted by a student.

“The school is simply outstanding. I barely have words to describe this school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Well im a student and it is my last year here [whoot-whoot kudos too us class of 09!) well let me just start by thanking all the teachers there really great especially my all-time favorite miss.Awad!. And my pe coach mr.Fetter, even thought he made us run thanks for pushing me to improve. I love es1 and the fact i come out in a lot of videos [like the macarena starting video!] and finally all the woonder friend i made and thats just to many to name i love you all and thanks for the memories!(:”
This review was posted by a student.

“I am a sixth grader at EMS, and I think my school is spectacular. I have advanced and honors classes and I've made so many great friends! I especially love my science teacher and I think my english teacher (though strict) helped me become a fabulous writer! I also love our broadcasting program, ES1. However, it bothers me that the students at East are very materialistic, but other than that, this school is awesome!”
This review was posted by a student.

“I currently attened East middle school and I love it! Yeah it was hard 2 make friends in 6 grade but now in 8 grade the year has flown by! There are great people who work at east and have made my 3 years there wonderful.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I think EMS is doing there part in advancing my child's education. Along with my hard work and dedication, my child will be on his way to success.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“So far the school has been great. My only problem with this school is that my daughter doesn't get to shower after running during PE time. That is not good and very unsanitary, I hope they change that policy soon. The Principal is an awesome person thus far.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“East Middle School is OUTSTANDING! The quality of lessons & academic programs are exceptional. Social Studies and Science are my kids favorites. I have an 8th grader enrolled at East & 2 graduates. The office staff, teachers & coaches are so dedicated & they truly care about their students. My children have had the opportunity not only to participate but to embrace drama & music through the fantastic drama class and exquisite choir & band program. The teachers are very accommodating when you need to speak with them regarding your child. And in my experience they've always had my child's best interest at heart. When I drop my son off at school each day I know he is in the best of hands.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very impressed with the eighth grade language arts program at East Middle School. My son has completed several writing assignments including a comprehensive research report, creative writing assignments that include several forms of poetry, and an in-depth study of grammar; even spelling is taught and reinforced through the understanding of spelling rules. The expectations of the teacher are clearly stated and each student is cognizant of what is expected in order to receive a high mark. With an API of over 750 (800 is perfect), I see the results of good teaching firsthand.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The academic program at East Middle School is superior to any I have seen in the district. The teachers, in particular one eighth grade language arts teacher, are some of the finest in the state. To think that EMS ia a public school that accepts all students and still scores high on state tests is amazing.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“I think that the last parent reviewer needs to do his/her homework. Similar schools comparison is the best gauge for how a school is performing, and East is performing in the 90th percentile.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“I have a student attending EMS now in the second year, and I do not feel that EMS is the best middle school around. Before such statement is made one should take a look at its most resent API statewide ranking. EMS did not meet their subgroup growth targets for 2006, and if we compare EMS to other schools in the surrounding cities, one must take a look at other surrounding schools that met their API at the highest level, like Sharon Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Los Alamitos, CA. They have an API statewide ranking of 10 along with outstanding and detail parent reviews. About the great staff comment, I know some great teachers at EMS, but I also know some that are not so great! And the same goes for their administration and office staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think that the students should have less homeowrk and more discipline. Alos, the P.E. activities should work more muscles than just legs. But also the brain.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a concerned parent, I think East Downey, has done a fair job. I did hear of the superior job they did with the children & I was very disappointed. 1.Walk the talk-Don't expect a smile or a greeting at the office, but they do encourage all the students to do so. 2.Assumming-Teachers assume every student is there to goof off. The students who want to learn have to go out of their way to make this known. 3.Girls Sports-Only if you have played previously would you be able to make in on a team. 4.Counslors- were of no assistance to help my child assimilate to the school. As a new student, my child found this school very cold & filled with assumptions. She finally made friends toward the end of the year, but it was a long hard process.”
This review was posted by a parent.