Clay Middle School

5150 126th Street

School District

Carmel Clay Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
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 March 06, 2022

As a former student there I want to point out the true lack in care for student growth and diversity inside the school. Most (not all) teachers didn't take the time to make sure students retained material. I left the school everyday struggling to remember what I had learned that day. Teachers and staff payed no attention to continuous acts of sexism, racism and homophobia displayed at every corner of the school almost at all times. Many students leave the school feeling drained and tired. Students are given 2-3 hours of homework stacked on top off activities out side of school and than criticized for coming in to school tired and falling asleep in class. For a school saying that they hire outstanding teachers that will do the best for your student is false. Teachers should care for the students well beings. But teachers end up targeting and favoring students based off popularity, ethnicity, race, gender and sexuality. On my first day of school there I was separated from 2/3 of my previous elementary school friends and haven't talked with them since. This school is lucky enough though to be put smack dab in the middle of an excelling city. But the downside is in the expectations for the students. At a young age I was pressured to excel in all aspects of school because we lived in an excelling city. And all though I was lucky enough to be able to keep up with those expectations, many students were unable. In this school, if your not at least 1 grade ahead in a subject, your considered dumb or not smart enough to go to school here. No one has said that specifically but that is the feeling it establishes. Send your child to school here if he, she or they are able to keep up with constant judgment and criticism. If you send your child here make sure they are someone with thick skin, I've known so many people here who have fallen into the wrong groups of people because of pressure.
Submitted by student on November 09, 2021

Best Middle School in the state. Don't believe me. Go there. Only negative thing is the cafeteria food (they serve corn dogs and microwaved bosco sticks).
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2013

Clay Middle School has been a great place for our 2 children. They have enjoyed the exceptional music programs (both band and orchestra). Teachers have, for the most part, been challenging but nurturing. The front office personnel can be a bit unfriendly and off-putting which I have never understood. All other staff members seem to really enjoy working with this age group.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2013

Okay. It is very focused on academic and sporting achievement while all but ignoring developing each and every students character. We have personally been disappointed in the school with our child being new this year. It is too large and impersonal for our tastes. Children who have gone through the Carmel system in elementary seem implented but new students feel very lost.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2012

Clay Middle School, actually the entire Carmel Clay school district is one of the best schools I have seen. I have 3 children who are actually each going to elementary/middle/high school, and they love their schools. Clay Middle Schools has more rigorous academics than other schools, and with the introduction of the Core 40, it got harder. However, the teachers really do care about their student's future, and try to work with us parents about their kids. The principal is very good, and frequently visits classes and socializes with the kids. However, he is retiring so it is not clear how well the new principal will do. One thing that bugged me though was that Carmel had no diversity. It is about 87% white, 10% Asian, and 3% everything else. However, overall, an excellent school that I would recommend for anyone.