Alcoa Middle School

532 Faraday Street

School District

Alcoa
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

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 parent on November 11, 2022

We have been at several schools in the area now and SO glad that we have moved to Alcoa Schools. This is the most unique culture of learning my kids have ever experienced. There is a strong emphasis on developing the student as a whole and mentoring through the difficult middle school years. While there are some issues of clashing personalities amongst students, I think you will find that at any school these days. I’ve been most impressed with the relationships that teachers/staff form with students…holding them accountable and expecting best efforts in class and out. It is a true mentor/teacher community experience. The school is MUCH smaller than previous Knox Co schools my kids attended, which I believe contributes to staff’s ability to better connect and get the best out of each child. Teachers also seem happy here, which I cannot say about previous KCS schools. I saw a previous review that complained about all students being punished when some make bad choices. As a parent I actually like that-it encourages the kids to hold each other to higher standards and helps to prevent future incidents. Overall my kiddos are really thriving here; they are trying new things and having a great experience as students, friends, and athletes. Could not ask for anything more!
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2019

Mostly positive. The students feel safe here and they learn at the level that the state requires. There is an awesome music program and in the 7th and 8th grade the science teachers are fantastic. 8th grade algebra was a good and challenging class. Science students have many opportunities to participate in science with after school activities. Disadvantages: Not enough clubs the students can be involved in. Too much emphasis placed on sports. Too much emphasis placed on teaching to the test. Teachers are not aware when students are bored and need increased learning ( My son memorized the 1st 50 digits of pi out of boredom in his algebra 1 class).
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2012

Bullying at it worst! Administration bullying students and parents, especially the AYP secretary and the vice prinicipal. I moved to this area for the Alcoa schools, and I trusted the safety rating on sites like this one. I'm pulling my children out of this war zone and putting them in a safe, privat school.
Submitted by other on March 20, 2012

What a phenomenal school and school system. Parents that make comments about teachers caring obviously are ignorant about today's educational practices. Teachers are under more stress than ever with the mounting evaluation and rigor of standards. Teachers wouldn't put up with the increased workload, strenuous evaluations, and students who are raised to disrespect teachers if they didn't care. I find it laughable that parents use sites or newspapers to disrespect these people who spend all their time and resources for the betterment of their students. You should be ashamed.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2012

We are so dissappointed for the last 2 yrs that AMS has gone down hill as far as the quality in the education. Our 7th grader is suffering. The teachers are not caring enough if the students are getting the material & this being such a hard grade this yr due to the TN state highering their standards. They are teaching 9th grade material in the 7th grade & our child is struggling. The teachers JUST DON'T CARE ANY MORE:(
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2012

Socially, my child has been bullied severely by students, and the school does NOT have an effective anti-bullying program. We have reported bullying multiple times, and were advised to put my child in a self-defense course. I cannot show my name on this review for fear of repercussions on my child from the staff. Alcoa Middle School rates very highly academically, and my child has benefited from their high educational standards.