Black Diamond Middle School

4730 Sterling Hill Drive

School District

Antioch Unified
Grade

7-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Antioch Unified 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 November 04, 2024

I love this school this school it has changed a lot back then is not us anymore it is really a better school now I would recommend it
Submitted by principal on October 22, 2024

As an administration personnel, I am thrilled to share how our school community fosters deep engagement across all levels. One of the cornerstones of our success lies in the positive relationships between students. Peer interaction is not only encouraged but actively nurtured, helping students connect meaningfully through group projects, extracurricular activities, and collaborative learning opportunities. This promotes a culture of respect and belonging that strengthens the bonds between students and builds a vibrant, supportive community.Our teachers go beyond their instructional roles to create dynamic student-teacher relationships rooted in trust and support. Every teacher here serves as a mentor, guiding students toward academic and personal growth. The collaboration among teachers is equally impressive, with a shared focus on best practices and continuous improvement. They exchange ideas, co-develop lessons, and explore innovative ways to engage students. As stated in Teaching Practices from America’s Best Urban Schools by Joseph F. Johnson, “The most effective schools are those where teachers work collaboratively to meet the diverse needs of their students,” and we take pride in fostering this spirit of teamwork and shared responsibility.Creating a safe and inclusive environment is one of our highest priorities. Our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports environment encourages students to make good choices and acknowledges positive actions that contribute to a respectful school culture. We work hard to ensure students feel both physically and emotionally secure, empowering them to express themselves freely and explore new ideas without fear of judgment. This sense of safety allows every learner to thrive and take risks essential to growth and development.At the heart of our success is Dr. Baffico, whose transformational leadership has set the tone for our thriving community. Dr. Baffico’s focus on data-driven decision-making and positive behavioral support ensures that we are always improving, while her collaborative approach engages parents as active partners in their children’s education. Through her leadership, we have cultivated a school culture grounded in high expectations, innovation, and shared success. Dr. Baffico’s unwavering commitment to student success reflects her belief in the power of collaboration, inspiring both staff and students to achieve their highest potential.
Submitted by student on October 21, 2024

I feel like this is a good school but we need our phones back. We lost our phones because of a few people. Also I feel we need to have more school events. Also, we NEEED clubs of different types. We should have art club where you can do different stations and crafts each day. Sports where you learn different sports. Theater where you learn how to act on a stage and we can even preform in front of the school. Also there should be an announcement the day before so students know when to bring money.
Submitted by student on October 21, 2024

the foods are not halal for that i can't eat food
Submitted by student on October 21, 2024

My experience with this school has been very good. I have learned a lot of things this school year. And I like how they have an Avid class.
Submitted by student on October 21, 2024

The school itself isn't terrible. The music program is great, the campus is large and open, and it's kept at least a little tidy. But, the learning programs are a little lackluster. I feel that I don't learn much, or it's too easy, or it's difficult to learn because of the students in the classroom. The control of the classrooms is loose. Some teachers don't control their classrooms well, and sometimes lets it get out of hand.
Submitted by student on October 18, 2024

black diamond middle school is a very good school but like any other school it has its ups n downs, but i do recommend this school, the teachers are very engaging, the school lunch has multiple options, the principals keep the school under control to the best of their abilities, the sports programs are good
Submitted by student on October 18, 2024

i like this school because it brings me joy and i like to hang out with my friends. we have great classes and good school lunches
Submitted by teacher on October 18, 2024

I have been teaching at this school for the last two years under Dr. Baffico & Dr. Jones and they have changed the entire education system. They hold students and staff accountable as well as put the needs of the students first. I am beyond honored to work here and can't wait to see more improvement as the years go on.
Submitted by principal on October 17, 2024

This is my second year as the Black Diamond Middle School site administrator. As a principal for over 21 years, I have found Black Diamond Middle School to be the most amazing school I have been honored to serve!Like any school, there is always room for improvement in academics, behavior, attendance, and family engagement. However, we have seen significant improvement in all areas over the years.All schools start at different places, but we intentionally take the time to celebrate the growth our students have made over the years. In celebrating the accomplishments of the BDMS community, we must acknowledge our committed staff, who has worked diligently to develop relationships with our students and create a learning environment that is rigorous, relevant, and based on mutual respect. In addition, our families continue to partner with the school community to raise expectations and provide the necessary support to increase student achievement and promote a positive learning environment. However, what is most impressive is our students' ability to challenge themselves to become the scholars we believe they can be. As children, they will make mistakes, but our students' ability to acknowledge their mistakes, learn from them, make amends, and strive to improve their behavior must also be commended. Many negative things have been shared about BDMS, many of which date back over ten years. As the school principal, we will not allow our school's reputation to be tarnished by the actions of a few. We will change the narrative by highlighting our successes and acknowledging the areas in which we must strive to do better.Black Diamond Middle School is dynamic, and I couldn't be more proud to work in this community!
Submitted by teacher on October 17, 2024

I have been an educator for four years at Black Diamond Middle School, where I have had the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of students and contribute to their academic and personal growth. During my time here, I have taught various subjects, developed innovative lesson plans, and fostered a positive learning environment. Collaborating with fellow teachers and staff, I've participated in school-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing student learning experiences. Additionally, I've enjoyed building relationships with students and their families, helping to create a supportive community within the school. My passion for education drives me to continuously seek out professional development opportunities to refine my teaching skills and stay updated on best practices in the field.
Submitted by teacher on October 17, 2024

I have been teaching here ten years and this school has slowly turned things around. The staff and students feel safe here despite all of the negative publicity. The past few years, I have seen positive changes in the culture of the school, thanks largely to our administration. Last year, Black Diamond Middle School scored higher than any of the middle schools in the district in Math and English. The staff is very supportive of each other and we treat each other like a family. I would highly recommend any parent or guardian to go ahead and send their child here. Ignore the bad reputation that people have posted in the past. The school feels like a small knit community. We have less than four hundred students and yes we do have our drama here and there like any other middle schools, but this school is special. If you don't believe me, come and visit before you decide. I guarantee you that you will not be disappointed.
Submitted by other on December 29, 2023

Out of control students, Do not feel welcomed at that school. Have a strong feeling that staff members don't want parents on the school grounds. The principle is very unprofessional.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2023

My autistic child was given no iep or services. None of the staff had any idea how to appropriately manage behavior for autistic children. When I went to give insights on my child and what works, I was told by the principal she didn’t need my advice she had 40 years experience. The teacher didn’t even know he could read. No assessments or actual education. Their answer was for us to sit in his class or send him home. This is worst school I ever seen to the point that when we go to Antioch, my child no old school. He doesn’t even want to be the city that school is in.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2022

Keri franks should be fired treats students very bad
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2022

Keri franks should be fired horrible teacher bad with students
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2016

Great school, don't listen to the negative reviews. In the past, before the housing crash it had many problems, but now it have greatly improved and parental involvement has increased by 10x. I have been incredibly involved and I only see brighter things happening for this school. Brentwood had a similar trend in the past. Many schools there had problems, but with time they improved. And I can only see Antioch going in the same direction.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2015

My son has attended this school for 7th and 8th grade. This school has been a nightmare to deal with. From the fights, filthy conditions, to the absent teachers, classes that are very crowded and out of control, classes with no permanent teachers for a large part of the year. Zero communication from the administration and no return response from the majority of teachers. It is clear that most of the teachers and administration are checked out. I will, however, give rave reviews to three teachers. Mr Ting is the Orchestra/Band teacher. He an amazing teacher and his pride shows through his students and their skill. Mr Utler, engaged in the learning of these children each day. Finally Mr Ward, a history teacher. Along with teaching history, he is teaching these young people to respect themselves and take pride in their work and accomplishments. He has made a huge difference in my son's life. These three teachers are the only reason this school receives a two star rating. Otherwise, zero stars.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2015

This is a horrible school. Fights every day, teachers afraid of the students, no type of order to any class. I sat in class with my child for an entire school day and in not one of the classes did any of the teachers have control over their classroom. Teachers don't care about the students they are just there to get through the day and collect their pay check. That is probably due to the fact that the students at this school are disrespectful and out of control. Majority of the teachers here are substitutes that cycle throughout the school year from month to month most of which aren't even certified to teach children not allowing them to pass to the next grade level. As a result they hire teachers to teach subjects they don't know how to teach just because the teacher is certified but then the children who are trying to learn are short changed because the teachers don't know what they are doing. I can go on and on about this pathetic school but in a nut shell this school is bad news and should be shut down or completely re-staffed including armed security guards.