Derby Middle School

1300 Derby Road

School District

Birmingham Public Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Birmingham 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 parent on March 23, 2019

Having seen a number of school districts i have to say this is the weakest I’ve come across, oddly it’s in the most expensive district we’ve lived. Unfortunately we should have picked Troy for our kids sake.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2018

My children attend Derby, their Teachers and Staff do a wonderful job. They address issues when necessary, and I feel the no bullying policy is effective.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2017

The Derby community is safe and nice, however there academics are weak. The district treats you like an criminal trying to "sneak into their schools." My child enjoying going to Derby because of the movies, parties and not having to study.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2014

As a parent I liked the Derby family. As students, my children liked many of their teachers and classmates. They are pretty well rounded kids. They made friends here and learned from largely good teachers. I think they felt supported by the staff who knew them by name. Birmingham is an excellent district. In spite of state wide budget cuts in all Michigan schools Derby continues to offer classes and programs other schools and districts have been forced to cut. I'd recommend sending your middle schooler here if you live in the area! If you are looking to relocate, this school is definitely a plus for the area. Schools sell real estate. Moving to the Birmingham district has distinct advantages for resale value. Good school.
Submitted by other on March 06, 2014

Though I had many great experiences at Derby, I would not give it five stars because of the social problems there. There were many classes to choose from, and I could even take advanced classes for one subject but get exceptional help from a teacher in a different subject. But I always felt as though many of my friends didn't support me, and the staff did little to help solve problems with bullying or "drama." I also felt judged by clothes that I wore to school. Many kids would wear expensive designer clothes and would judge me because my parents wouldn't let me get an iPhone until the 8th grade. There were also many cyber-bullying instances that I heard about. Though there were some teachers who taught very poorly, most of the staff were amazingly caring, kind, concerned in their students academic progress. There were many teachers I will never forget because of the great learning experiences! The only thing I would want Derby to improve on is how they handled inappropriate behavior in both girls and boys alike; some of the teachers seemed very wishy-washy when it came to rule enforcement. Overall, I enjoyed Derby academically and I would recommend it. -A former student
Submitted by other on February 23, 2014

This school supports everyone, employs good teachers offers advanced programs and does not tolerate bulling. Derby has a good bus service, sports programs, music programs, school lunches, sanitation, and good quality playground equipment.
Submitted by other on February 14, 2014

As a student I came to this school in seventh erase without attending sixth in the same district. The teacher in the school really care. We have great resources in the library and in the classrooms. Plus there are very strict anti-bullying programs in place to ensure the comfort of the kids.
Submitted by other on August 01, 2013

If you're looking into this school you better be rich. When I walk into school all the girls and guys are the same. The girls have skin tight tank tops called Sugar Lips $28,Abercrombie skinny jeans $90, and an iPhone $300, hanging out of the back pocket. I have never seen so many teachers neglect bullying problems. It is not uncommon to have kids crying in the bathroom. I also found that unless you had the latest trend you would've teased. The teachers for the most part couldn't care less about teaching. Over 20 kids have transferred from Derby to Berkshire in the last 3 years. This school is a huge disappointment and the lawsuits filed against them (google it) prove it. Sincerely a student
Submitted by other on July 28, 2013

The teachers are so nice to me and their quality effort is outstanding. Anyone would enjoy this school.
Submitted by other on December 10, 2011

The teaching is great, the student life and apparel they were is extremely inappropriate. I extremely agree on the leadership one...
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2011

Definitely has weak leadership and poor behavior from staff and students alike. Lots of drugs; I regret sending my daughter here.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2011

For a school within the Birmingham Public Schools system I feel Derby could do so much better. They do have some excellent teachers that really care about the kids but they also have some that should not even be teaching. I once heard a teacher scream at the kids that was uncalled for. I agree with the review on the poor leadership. Middle School is one of the toughest times for some kids and I feel the leadership in this school doesn't require enough from its staff. You also can do well in this school if you are a student who excels but sorry if your child is an average or below average student.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2011

Derby is an amazing school that has exceeded our expectation. My daughter transition from a Montessori school. Derby has a very strong academic program, and a variety other activities to help the child develop a strong personality. The staff is amazing! Very caring, and very attentive to children needs. They created a very productive environment for learning and child development. Highly recomend this school!
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2011

I feel that the leadership is weak at this school. At this age, our children would truly benefit from having a strong, positive leader who requires excellence of staff and students alike.I believe that the school has good academic structure, but lacks the proper personnel to make a good impact. I have witnessed so many incidents where the staff just cannot handle the situations at school and either completely lose their composures or ignore it all together. It would be nice to see someone come in there and clean up the whole operation, get rid of the scandals and the scandalous, and bring in principals and teachers who don't only "need a job," but are passionate about contributing to the students' success.