Sutton Middle School

2875 Northside Drive Northwest

School District

Atlanta Public Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
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 March 10, 2024

Sutton is a fantastic place to be! Our principal is exceptional- creatively solving for ways to push our students towards their maximum potential. He encourages all students to be their best, rewards them for positive behavior as well as finds ways to uplift those who are struggling in school. He cares deeply and is incredibly passionate about his career. While the school is large, there is a way for everyone to get involved. Kids are able to participate in all types of activities starting in the 6th grade. I love that the 6th graders have their own campus as they adjust to middle school and learn how to become independant learners.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2024

I believe this is school is the best in APS school system Great principal leading the way.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2024

It is a great School with an International Baccalaureate program, STEM-oriented, very strong educational progress, and teachers doing everything possible, above and beyond, to pass their knowledge to kids. Kids get all the support possible and plenty of clubs to choose from. Debate club starts in 6th grade. Not so many schools offer this club. Junior Beta Club/National Honor Society club speaks to itself; robotics, 3D printing, chess, art club, sports, you name it. Two of my kids attended this school, and if I had chosen the school again- Sutton would be my choice again. It's a great gifted program, where kids get 3 high school classes in 8th grade.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2023

I have a 6th grader and he is loving the school. I was worried after reading reviews about bullying but we have had nothing but a great experience so far. He has made so many friends and looks forward to school each day. He has really good teachers and we are really liking the principal. They have lots of sports options at the school too, which we love.
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2022

Sutton middle is no good, I wish I could rate a zero! They do not support their students or their teachers. Bullying is out of control, and the principle(s) don’t even care. Teachers are over worked and underpaid. Horrible school
Submitted by student on March 02, 2022

I'm a student here and i'm here to tell you this school is HORRIBLE. The administrators claim to care about the well being of everyone that goes here yet they don't take action in conflicts between students unless it escalates into violence. There are serious issues that are left unchecked like cyberbullying and the administrators punishing the entire school for something a small group of kids did. The teachers never care about bullying even if it's happening in front of their own eyes and it seems like a lot of them are just there for a check and not to teach us
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2022

The school overall has good amenities, being that it was the old high school. However, I find that the teachers are disconnected and are more concerned with receiving a check than engaging fully with the students. I also think that the school can do a better job informing parents about things that are happening inside of the school (i.e.: students being caught with knives, pellet guns, school bullying/violence). As a parent I would like to know these things as they are happening., not finding out from my child days or weeks later. Overall though if you have time to instill the importance of school and education in your child, they can get what they need out of the school.
Submitted by student on January 14, 2022

The teachers aren't easy to talk to, and the counslers can't do anything about it.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2022

If possible I would rate this school zero stars. Administration does not care about the children in the school. They changed math curriculums without notifying the parents. Since COVID there is no clear communication on how to meet with teachers to discuss student progress. The principal at this school is inept and runs it like a prison. When a group of kids were in dress code violation, she punished the entire 7th and 8th grade classes by taking away their outside lunch times. There was an incident where a couple of kids messed up the 7th grade bathrooms, and they locked the bathrooms for a MONTH without telling parents (I had to hear from my students). Bullying is not addressed and students are not treated equitably. We will be moving out of district. It's a shame because we had some really good teachers. If you are able, please send your child to another school.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2021

We would not recommend going to this school or ever considering it. There is absolutely no organization at the school, and it seems that the principal sometimes has no clue about what happens. Communication about events at this school is also terrible. We usually have no clue about what is supposed to happen or how it is supposed to work. Some students know what is supposed to happen with such events, some others don’t, and information from teachers about the same stuff has been different on numerous occasions. Freedom for students is also little, and terrible rules at this school make it hard to enjoy the experience here. There is more to be said. Please search for another school.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2020

This experience has been horrific. Not only will my child not be going back, we are moving! RUN FROM THIS PLACE.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2020

Good Middle School bringing together young adults from various Elementary Schools in different parts of Atlanta at a crucial age where they are testing daily. The teachers are dedicated and offer many opportunities for the students to do well in their classes offering extra time outside of class if the student is willing to put the time in. Sutton is a good example of the diversity of the real world and shows students what it is like to work together in groups in their classes on a daily basis. The Administration consistently communicates with parents and students on discipline actions and the school offers class assembly gatherings where students learn about things outside of the classroom as well. This school is striving to prepare the students for High School and we believe our 8th grader is well prepared. The Sports, Clubs, and Activities and Sutton are exceptional!
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2019

This is our family's 4th yr at sutton. I was surprised at what an easy transition from elementray to middle school my kids had both socially and academically at Sutton. The vast number of sports and clubs offered really allows each student to find their niche. Now that I also have a high school student I've been able to see that he was prepared for the rigor of high school.
Submitted by teacher on April 13, 2019

To blame administration for two faculty deaths is unfair, cruel, and classless. The families and friends of the deceased would be INCENSED if they knew their loved ones' deaths were being used in this manner. Sutton's current administration, along with its GoTeam, have worked and are working to hire elite teachers who will implement IB/MYP with fidelity and without complaint. Principal Johnson did inherit many staff members who simply refuse to comply with MYP implementation. Transportation is a nightmare, but, Community, where are you? Step up and help us put pressure on APS Transportation so that each campus has its own set of buses. There are fantastic things happening at Sutton Middle School every day. We offer a robust athletic program, myriad clubs, sensational arts instruction, and, with a few exceptions, challenging and engaging classroom instruction. Come and visit!
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2019

Despite the negative, Sutton has positive points. Teachers are gifted certified. They also have a 1:1 technology ratio and resources abound. Teachers utilize the Google Classroom platform to organize coursework which is helpful for students who suffer from organization issues. I’ve sent 3 children through Sutton (last one currently in 7th grade), each under a different principal, and this current one Ms. Johnson is by far the worst. Very little class. Puts out ultra positive “tweets” about the school and bad mouths teachers behind their backs. One of the first comments I heard her say when she arrived is “this is not my staff, I inherited this staff”. No wonder morale is so low and turnover is so high when she views them as residual. She gives and commands very little respect from staff and students. I know several staff members from her previous school in Johns Creek and the stories coming out of there weren’t so hot either (Google it). The level of IB education in this school has improved over the years, but still PALES in comparison to the feeder elementary schools and the programs at North Atlanta. Dismissal from school is a nightmare. Bus students leave later than any other APS middle school. It puts a burden on the kids - they may as well pack an overnight bag because the 2nd round doesn’t leave until almost 5:00 at times. This also burdens our bus drivers and teachers. As a result, the carpool line is backed up quite far along W. Wesley. One of many reasons morale is so low. Not to mention that two teachers died under this current leadership’s watch. How much their ailments correlate with the leadership remains to be seen but the correlation is interesting.I wish there were more positive to say. 5 or 10 years ago, I could have rated this school significantly higher. Not anymore unfortunately. Hopefully relief from APS is coming soon like the positive change of leadership over at Brandon this year (all former Sutton leaders). GO Team needs to wake up and address some of these issues.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2018

I would describe this school as chaotic. There is an obvious lack of communication between administrators. I've reached out to express my concerns and was dismissed. Teachers are uninterested in student development and not very responsive. My overall perception is that no one really enjoys what they do and most seem like they don't want to be there. Students deserve better.
Submitted by student on September 17, 2016

Coming from a student currently at Sutton, Sutton is not the worst, but still not the best. This year we do have new leadership, a new principal, Ms.Johnson. Before you read the rest beware I am in all accelerated classes, and I score in the top 1-5% in testing. Homework in most classes, no matter what end of the spectrum, can be very overwhelming and with extracurricular activities it can be extremely overwhelming. There are some wonderful teachers, but there are also ones that can't seem to grasp the fact that they are here for us not the other way around. I would say there is a discipline problem. One thing about being at a public school is that anyone can come no matter what they've done. Daily, I hear many things that as a queer youth, I don't enjoy hearing at all. Being in advanced classes helps with separating yourself from immature adolescents, but you still have your connections classes where you can be with anyone. I personally love theater and might want a profession in the field later in life, but some of the people in that class are simply despicable. Some of my classmates have absolutely no respect for teachers and their own peers. You can't get through any connections class without having some badly taught 12 year old yelling out a profanity or interrupting the class in some manor. Even in some of my advanced classes, somehow there are under-performing children managing to stay in the class when they don't deserve it. There was a kid who was in my ELA class last year who only showed up about half the year, barely did any assignments and he somehow is in my advanced ELA class this year. There are many sports you an join, but most of them have tryouts in the same week, meaning if you don't get into a school team you have to go outside of school. Regarding musical theatre, there is a fall musical which also has tryouts the same week as sports. As its only the second month of school there may be more opportunities later but as of now if you don't get in the musical you have no other in school options. You can create a club but the process is so long and annoying. I am currently in the process of creating a club, but I would enjoy seeing that process made easier. There is definitely room for improvement. But there are worse schools across Georgia. If you even have an inkling of doubt about sending your child here, try for other schools.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2016

If your child is not in the advanced classes don't send them here. This has been the worst year of our school career. My daughter is 6th grade and I regret not pursuing my other option of private school. This school focuses more on behavior correction and not educating the students. Thank God the end of the year is near. Needless to say we will NOT be attending 7th and 8th at Sutton. We were warned by other parents but chose to give it a try...what a big mistake. The assistant principal is a joke, don't ever go to him with an issue.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2016

I have 6th graders at Sutton Middle School and they love it! The sports programs, art, music and club opportunities are amazing. The project based teaching and learning has really exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it!
Submitted by parent on December 28, 2015

Our oldest is in 6th grade this year and is doing wonderfully at Sutton! At first, he was overwhelmed by the workload, but has now learned how to manage his time effectively. He has made many new, very polite and well mannered friends and has a strong social network (probably too strong)! We continue to be impressed with his teachers, who expect a lot from him and hold him accountable. The quality of education is excellent and the many sports and clubs that Sutton offers is exceptional. He loves attending Sutton and we're glad we decided to give it a try!