Barber Middle School

4222 Cantrell Road Northwest

School District

Cobb County
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Cobb County School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by student on December 14, 2024

Student engagement is a flaw at this school many people hate learning as the topics are barely enough to keep you awake. The STEM program is quite lazy and their use of AI and computer learning suffers as a result. The band program is good as it has some of the best teachers, however the difference between "gifted" and "non-gifted" band students is pronounced and that can make students feel like they cant accomplish their goals because they aren't "gifted". Mental health is something that is never really put in the spotlight, which can make many students feel like they cant talk about their problems with a counselor. The punishment system is very good as it makes sense to the students which makes it approachable and fair. Family engagement is not highlighted just like mental health.
Submitted by student on June 24, 2024

Not a good school foods bad too
Submitted by other on January 11, 2024

I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!! First off all some old heavier set man named Jerry Richardson had only talked about the absurd thuggish activities he has “participated/been through.” I speak for me and a my peers and the future bright souls. WE DO NOT WANT TO HEAR THAT NONSENSE. NOR DO WE WANT TO HAVE TO LISTEN TO SOMEBODY THAT SPEAKS WITH HIS EYES SHUT COMPLETELY. Im sorry but this has really set me off and pushed my buttons for the last time. I write this review with full sincerity but THIS HAD CROSSED THE LINE. Thank you for your time .
Submitted by student on November 10, 2023

It is a overall amazing school with a bright future ahead.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2022

I have had three students to pass through Barber. They were involved in many aspects of school—clubs, orchestra, dance, stem class, art, on-level classes, and advanced classes. All three went on to high school fully prepared. The principal knows the students by name. Was there homework? Yes. Was it overwhelming? When my children let it pile up, but usually it was completely manageable with their after-school activities. It’s a great place to learn.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2021

As the parent of a 8th grader, I must say that Barber Middle School has been a wonderful experience for my son. Thanks Ms. Tai Amlett for your awesome leadership. Barber is a fun environment where the kids were allowed to thrive. They have concerts, dance classes and various activities that allowed kids to be kids. The teachers are amazing and this past year showed so much dedication and compassion. I am pleased to see that the test scores and ranking have finally caught up to reflect the hard work of the kids and teachers. Barber shows that kids can have fun and work hard.
Submitted by other on October 23, 2018

I would rate my experience at Murray F. Barber Middle School a 3/5. While the school it's best to follow state and county laws they mainly cared about the test scores and the overall look. While unlike many other schools the teachers there do care about the students and their ability to learn and retain. The fine arts could absolutely be improved along with many other things. It really is great school it just has a lot of kinks to work out.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2018

The main reason am giving this school an average grade is the curriculum. If your child is not into the performing arts he/she is doomed. My son had 2 classes of PE! and yet was lagging behind in math. In 7th grade I practically begged for extra help, summer school, anything to help him improve in math. Nobody came to our rescue. His 8th grade math teacher didn't even want to deal with him from day one! Literally! Now that he is in 8th grade that's when they are scrambling to take him to a remedial class. And he is not alone. Most of his friends are in the same situation. The principal is effective and most of the teachers are great. But they really need to do something about the curriculum...and fast.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2017

Would like to see test scores improve. More programs need to be added desperately. Some kids have physical education for two class periods due to the limited space and only a few elective classes being offered. Needs better books and updated Technology in the classrooms. The teacher are amazing and caring. Administration handles issues swiftly and accordingly. My daughter loves the school, but academically it needs improvement.
Submitted by other on August 19, 2016

This is a title-1 school in Cobb county so it's course offerings, schedule and often course load are dictated by the county. That being said, my son has been there for 2 years and we have been really pleased. All of the teachers seem to care and want the kids involved, the music, dance, fine arts program is extensive and their communication via technology is very helpful (each teacher has a blog and they update it every day - not just a forgotten page in cyberspace). They all focus on helping the kids learn organization and multi-tasking. Very pleased. I saw a poster complain that there weren't organized sports held at the school specifically and that is because in the state of GA middle school programs are run via the high schools. The city of Acworth also has a huge extensive football and basketball rec-league program that plays in the Barber middle school gym.
Submitted by other on June 24, 2016

this is the worst school ever. My son went there for the 6th and 7th and 8th grade. the worst thing was a teacher named Coach Richardson. Instead of teaching all he would do is talk about thugs and how students won't be able to be succeed in the real world. But, there was one good thing. This one teacher named Laurie Caroll. She was so helpful to my child. She would care about the students and try her hardest to make them succeed.
Submitted by other on May 08, 2016

This is a great school in a wonderful and safe community. There is a large involvement from the community, parents and teachers!
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2016

I think that there could be a better mixture of course offerings. For example, there are no technology courses offered at this school. Also, Spanish is the only foreign language offered. There are no organized sports at this school. The student must go through North Cobb High School or a community league in order to participate in sports. The teachers are caring and do return parent questions in a timely manner. The front desk staff is friendly and helpful.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2015

We heard a lot of rumors and were very concerned about our son's transition to Barber Middle School. We have been pleasantly surprised. The office staff & campus officer have always been friendly & my son has not witnessed any bullying in his first year at Barber. My son's teachers are very dedicated and responsive. My son's math teacher, Mr. Abel, is ALWAYS at the school... no matter what time or event. I am impressed with how many teachers make themselves available before and after school for help. My son is excelling academically and enjoys being part of their superb music programs. He also participates in RSP & Running Club. Where else will you find teachers who volunteer to get up before 6:00 am on a Saturday to mentor & run alongside your student?
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2015

I can describe my child’s experience with this school in one word—TRAUMATIZING. My son has autism, and was placed in co-taught classes; but the teachers, social worker and administration knew nothing about his disability or how to teach him. Rather than looking at ways to help him, they just wanted him out. Their focus was on making the environment so hostile and intimidating that I would have no other choice but to withdraw him. There was one incident that was so bad that my child just put his head down on the desk and started crying. This led to a nosebleed and instead of helping him they just let him sit there and bleed all over the desk; didn’t even give him a tissue. It got to the point that I didn’t feel my son was safe at that school, so I withdrew him. I decided to move to a MUCH better school district where they have teachers that are well trained and care about their students; and now my son is doing much better! If you have a kid with special needs, avoid this school if at all possible.
Submitted by other on May 31, 2015

The principal is the problem at this school. She doesn't care about the kids or the teachers. She doesn't listen or interact with parents; she's only concerned about her looks and appearance. She is defensive and aloof. She needs to step down asap.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2015

This school is more concerned about getting a pay check than actually teaching the kids. They spend more time on petty stuff than teaching. They do everything they can to keep you in the dark about your child's learning. I feel like my child is an entire year behind. No review of tests, my child had to check the blogs daily just to see what he made on a test and then they would not review them so he is left with not knowing the correct answers to anything. I am transferring my child out of this school as it has been a complete waste. From the admin to the teaching staff..
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2014

Terrible school. The principal is very fake and is more concerned with her appearance than she is the students. If you try to go talk to her, they won't let you. Now I see why more and more parents are choosing home school these days. The connections classes are wonderful. There are also a handful of ac teachers who are as well: Eby, Carroll, and Also Mr. Ruiz and Abel. That's it.
Submitted by other on July 09, 2014

I used to go there two years ago and it was better when i was an 8th grader there. However, the have become more strict because of the upcoming 8th graders. The school is very relaxed and really deal with no issue at all. But the school s very good if you are concerned about academics. Though i believe the school should have more cameras especially behind the auditorium. There are things that happen down there that no one knows about. And they should really lock teacher workroom doors. Kids go in there to do..certain things.
Submitted by other on June 17, 2014

I'm a student, and this is one of the worst schools I've been to. There are drugs, violence, and bullying issues here. The worst part is, the administration doesn't care! If you are thinking about sending your children here, rethink immediately!