Amherst Middle School

14 Cross Road

School District

Amherst
Grade

5-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
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 other on April 01, 2024

As a former student, this school really set me back academically and emotionally. Students have a vocabulary so limited tot the point they o understand basic English terms and phrases, the math program hold's kids back even in the advanced one (that starts in seventh grade when really it should start younger, and they use sport programs and "electives" that are just hobbies re-branded. I completely understand allowing students to be creative and whimsical and whatnot but not to the point where in 7th these children almost or at thirteen years old can not comprehend the fundamentals they need for basic work. They do not know how to write emails, they can not cite sources, they barely understand their first language. Now for social circumstances that students in 5th grade are thrown into, There will be physical violence between students, but destroying them through text conversations are preferred by the uneducated girls. Students also tend to pressure each other into wearing more revealing clothing and some will be excluded or called names if they do not. I'm not a prude and expressing yourself is fine, but unless you said it was for a religious reason, they would constantly bug you about it. and even in some cases (this is my experience) students will disrespect the religious beliefs of other students even after told not to or that they are uncomfortable. Though i appreciate some of the teachers there, many are nosy when they shouldn't be invested in petty dramas and negligent when they do need to step in. Many lower income students found themselves teased for clothing or smell instead of helped, and students with learning disabilities were called names, be it to their face or behind their back. children get addicted to blue light and attention, and wind up needing constant stimulation. There is no punishment or suspensions in fear that their precious suspension percent will go up, even if a child is threatening others safety. bad behavior is egged on this way, making otherwise OK people into self obsessed entitled brats. Kids just learn how to effectively keep things from their parents and end up resenting them for not protecting them for things they could not have known about, making a cycle. They infact do not have the courage to care about anything but reputation and tax dollars. I hate to turn one of their symbols against them, but the AMS eagles are clipping their own students wings.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2019

It has been a unmitigated nightmare and if I could get my student into another school, I would do so before you could say the word, "go".
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2019

Very disappointed in the Amherst school system. Especially, the middle school. No authority and it is run like a zoo. I wouldn’t send my house cat to this school.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2019

We love AMS! Thank you to all the wonderful teachers that work hard every day to make it a wonderfulexperience.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2017

I am a parent of 2 children that have attended. Quite frankly, the leadership, starting with the principal, needs an overhaul. The principal is not professional and appears to be coasting at this point in his career. This school has the "Nationally Recognized Excellence" sign over the entrance but that was something from 10+ years ago. In discussions with friends of neighboring towns, our school system doesn't seem to be keeping up with the academic demands of today. Homework, particularly in some of the grades is a joke. Kids are lacking fundamental skills in grammar and math. It's easy for kids to get left behind unless parents stand up and say something. Bullying is still there no matter how many signs they place on the walls. With that all said, there are teachers there that are wonderful, kind and will spend extra time with the kids. I've seen growth in my children, but then they might get a teacher or 2 that sets them back. The 6th grade was especially bad for both children. As parents we made sure to stay on top of the work and look for other opportunities to make up the education gap. The frustrating part, is there is soooo much more potential there. New leadership would go a long way!
Submitted by student on November 15, 2015

This school should not be a 9. The teachers don't care about the students and their academic programs are behind. Don't let the flashy "Nationally recognized school of excellence" fool you! their math program is behind and their reteaching things from their 5th graders to their 8th graders! It's the math that gets me going: they're teaching 6th grade items to the 8th graders! Even the advance class is pitiful! I recently moved to the school from another state where i took an advanced course more advanced than their "advance" class, yet they place me in the common core (don't trust common core btw its the stupid's stupid class) to learn what i learned two years ago. After I moved up the teacher didn't count my test "Because I'm new to the class and don't know what I'm doing", I've gotten only A's on my testes in her class. DON'T GO!! A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY!!!!
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2014

Most of the teachers at this school absolutely disgust me. All they are focused on is their pay checks and doing the minimum that is required of them. The majority will only stay until 2:30 (half hour after schools ends), the minimum required by their contract, and will leave the students who need help after school even if they have not gotten all their questions answered. It is amazing how little they care for the students. I do not understand how this school could possibly gotten a 9 out of 10 ranking for schools. I believe it is more realistically (from my own experiences and from talking with others of their experiences more like a 5 out of 10. This is not as bad as some public schools but parents and new-comers to the area, do not be disillusioned by this faulty rating. You are much better going the private route!
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2014

Amherst Middle School is a school on the rise. Over the last three years, the school system has installed a new superintendent and has a new board, consisting of parents with children. The changes range from a new, rigorous math curriculum that is outstanding. I also have a young child in the elementary school who is already learning algebraic concepts. Amazing! There is also a compressed math curriculum for gifted students. From having attended board meetings, the school is working on adding a STEM curriculum and a world language program as early as kindergarten. Some other areas where we've seen improvements are in sprucing up the building, getting rid of tired teachers and making a better transition between the elementary schools and the high school. If you're looking to buy a home in southern New Hampshire, this is a school system you'll be very happy with.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2012

A huge disappointment. teachers struggle to manage classroom behavior. Smarter children are not able to advance in the curriculum. Behavior on the buses is out of control. Lack of leadership.
Submitted by other on December 04, 2011

I love AMS!!! It is amazing and I never want to move. The advanced math program is amazing. It allows students to learn at their own pace. The teachers are amazing and make school enjoyable. For every complaining parent, just ask your kid how they feel about their school. Maybe you'll be surprised.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2011

I am not sure what other reviewers have experienced by way of comparison to other schools, but AMS is highly over-rated. I moved here three years ago from a "10" rated district and it is like night and day...AMS being night. It would take an hour to list all of the deficiencies but this one should be clearly understood. The school may be an "8" but it has also been identified as a school needing improvement in mathematics by the State of NH. Not exactly a mystery why, they DO NOT EVEN HAVE TEXTBOOKS FOR 8th grade Math!! Nor study guides, so when the kids have homework they better know the material because they have no book, no examples, and only parents and the internet to rely on. Last, on the whole, with some exceptions, the school is arrogant towards parents and has the belief that they are the dog and the parents are the tail. Personally, it is offensive because Parents are the dog and the school is the tail. Tax dollars tell me so.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2011

The teacher "teams" generally do not work as a team, They fail to coordinate manageable homework loads, routinely exceeding the school handbook guidelines for homework time.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2011

The math department is a mess, they lack materials and the administration does not seem to care. For this affluent town, there is no excuse for that.