Arbutus Middle School

5525 Shelbourne Rd

School District

Baltimore County Public Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Baltimore County Public Schools

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 October 15, 2024

This school is horrible. There are a lot of things to do and stuff that is nice, but I am failing classes because of teachers not teaching and them not being able to manage a class. They often yell at us for no reason and get angry for us not remembering stuff when they never explained it. The guidance counselors never respond in good time, and failed attempts are f trying to communicate have happened more than less. Chaos is so relevant in this school, fight pages are made and even shooting threats. The school never communicated that to us though! Anyway, if you want your child to do good academically, do not send them to this school.
Submitted by student on July 27, 2024

This school is absolutely terrible. Teachers constantly leave, lots of bullying, drugs, ignorance, lack of support and utter failure to support student development.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2024

My daughter had a great first year of Middle School this past year. I contribute that to the amazing 6th Grade team at AMS. They not only taught my daughter, but cared about her well being and saw her as an individual. There were times when my daughter would mention a fight or a misbehavior. That said, she stayed out of the drama and therefore had a great experience. Middle School is a tough age (regardless what school you attend) and we as parents need to continue to guide the decisions our children make, so we can help mold them into nice human beings. My child attends the school on special permission and for us it has been the right choice.
Submitted by student on April 22, 2024

This school was good at first, but it slowly starts to show true colors. I cry almost everyday and I just feel miserable, some teachers are nice, but most do not think highly of the students. I would recommend another school, as this one just tears you apart. I forgot to mention that the kids are so inappropriate too!
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2023

Arbutus middle is trash, I’m pulling my kids out and we’re gonna literally have to move because everyday a child in this school is physically injured. Whether it’s mine or yours, these people who are so post to be protecting our children, have completely failed us. This school is below trash.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2023

Arbutus is a great school with supportive staff, students, and families. As with all schools, there are pros and cons. However, a huge pro is that this school is like a giant family. Are there disagreements now and again, yes. Do we work through them, yes. That is what family does.
Submitted by other on August 19, 2023

For me, Arbutus Middle School was a great school. Sure, it had its fights, the time we broke a table in a dance battle (that was fun ;)), but that could happen at any middle school. I met three of my best friends in the whole world at Arbutus. We had lunch bunch together everyday in a teachers classroom, a couple times we did a potluck, and it was a really fun bonding experience. All the teachers I had were nice, they actually cared about their students having fun every day even if it was while doing schoolwork. They were always nice, saying hi to us in the hallways and giving high fives. Overall, my experience at Arbutus Middle was great. I felt like the three years I spent there were awesome and I hope others going forward have the same experience. <3 <3 <3
Submitted by other on July 19, 2023

Arbutus Middle School is a great school! The teachers, administration, and support staff truly care about the students and understand how to help middle school students grow academically and discover their interests. The community is wonderfully diverse, and families are excited to engage in the school activities and events. The school has an active and supportive PTA. Students benefit from the middle school experience by getting involved in the after-school activities and by being a part of the positive school culture. The school has a partnership with UMBC that serve to connect students from both campuses in various activities. Many students return to visit the teachers and staff at AMS and say how much they miss the school.
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2023

My husband and I have sent four children through Arbutus Middle School and each of my children have had a wonderful experience. My children have participated in extracurricular activities, coach classes, and the music program.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2023

I love the teaches and yeah kids friends and engaging.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2022

This was the by far the worst school experience we have ever had. Part of it is the area, part of it is the school system. We were in Baltimore County Schools for the past nine years and unfortunately only had a brief two year period where we didn't have to fight the school system for something. Once we relocated out of the BCPS, both of my kids indicated that they were thankful to be away from the "nightmare school." From the constant bullying, kids smoking weed in the bathroom at a middle school, the constant fights, kids developing "AMS Fights Instagram accounts" where they film themselves starting fights and beating on unsuspecting classmates, complete lack of discipline for repeat offenders often leading to the school resource officer having to intervene. Every day seemed to be a struggle and brought about unnecessary stress. My youngest son's teacher frequently did not teach class, claiming "I ain't in the mood for this today, do whatever you want, it's a free day." There are some truly great teachers at this school that go above and beyond for the kids and don't get the credit they deserve, but the school system rules have allowed for horrible teachers to continue to wreck the education of young kids. We truly feel as if though our kids have fallen behind in their education after sending them to AMS and that shouldn't be the case. BCPS is an absolute mess.
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2022

Does not prepare students with learning disabilities and IEP's for high school. Minimal support for the students. All lip service and zero follow through.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2021

It was a bad experience. The staff doesn’t care about anyone but themselves. A lot of bullies, no acceptance. I saw fights in the hallways, gym and lunch practically everyday.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2020

This is an ok school unless your student is exceptional or diverse.
Submitted by student on March 07, 2017

Amazing school with a great music program! Nice news cast team, creative students, and fun teachers! Great staff, kind counsellors, awesome community around us!
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2017

The School Changed a lot and needs improvement in staff, service, and a nicer building. This school used to be 5 stars from me but i can't even stand to see it anymore like this!
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2015

Great principal, great teachers, great learning environment! Having seen two of my sixth grader's classes in person, I was truly amazed by the instructional quality and classroom poise of the teachers. I feel privileged to have my child in this school.
Submitted by other on April 23, 2014

Arbutus Middle offers a variety of after school activities. The teachers are always willing to help the students whether it be from math homework to personal issues. The principal is on a constant journey to improve her school any way she can. Arbutus Middle also has two diverse language classes, Spanish and Chinese. AMS has great academic achievements for outstanding students. Students are given the opportunity to participate in a great deal of contests such as Patriot's Pen, Champions for Courage, the Math-A-Thon, Math24,and a Carver writing contest! The only thing that our school could honestly improve on is having a student voice group. Students in this school are so engaged, and they have wonderful ideas on how we could improve as a whole. It would be great to see those students do something about it, after all don't we teach them that they can make a difference if they so desire?
Submitted by other on March 25, 2014

I was a student at AMS for all of my 3 middle school years and loved it! I made so many great friends at AMS and built incredible relationships with my teachers. All of the staff is so welcoming and friendly! Both the teachers and students of Arbutus Middle have great spirit; AMS is a tight knit school with an abundance of pride. I joined 5 various clubs at Arbutus which is only a small fraction of all the clubs available. My classes were the perfect mix of fun, yet challenging and by the end of my years at AMS I felt completely prepared for high school. My middle school experience was amazing and I will always consider myself to be an Arbutus Eagle!
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2014

My daughter has had a wonderful time at AMS. We were a little concerned at first because we had heard negative things in the past, but so much has changed since Ms. Feeney became principal. I can not find the words to describe how awesome she is and the teachers as well. The school offers many after school clubs and has an amazing music program. My daughter is even taking Chinese this year! My son is looking forward to going there next year as well.