Hand Middle School

2600 Wheat Street

School District

Richland 01
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Richland 01 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 parent on July 29, 2022

My kid went to hand during her 6th grade year (2020-21) she had an amazing experience and she got along with everyone. She always came home with good grades. The school provides good academic skills that truly work. After we moved I realized there not many schools that have the same standards as hand middle. I would definitely recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2022

I have had 3 kids go to Hand and it’s been a great experience despite the difficulties of the past 2 years. My son has made principal honor roll twice this year. The teachers communicate if you have questions or concerns. There is so much going on in the word but Hand MS does their best to keep us up to date & informed
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2021

The administration has really taken this once great school off a cliff. The new Principal has zero clue how to properly hire & manage staff. She sits in her office, and is all but inaccessible, both to teachers, and parents. Since school has restarted after COVID, she is rarely seen. Teachers make the effort, but aren't supprted by administration, and regularly receive abuse from parents who aren't doing their own job. The school is old, and really needs to be replaced. Systems fail almost daily, and the environment is not conducive to learning. Hand is WAY overcrowded. Nearly 900 kids? Really? The school was built to handle around 500. It's like an old prison. Rundown and overcrowded. These issues can be handled though. All that is needed is EFFECTIVE leadership. The administration needs to be changed on a wholesale level, and the school district needs to stop sitting on their hands. I've had one child go through Hand, and another is nearly finished. Unless changes are made, #3 will be going elsewhere. The ONLY reason I can remotely "recommend" putting your kids through Hand is that it feeds Dreher.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2021

School riddled with problems. Used to be a great school. High turnover of staff. Environment has an overall feeling of intimidation. We left for private school.
Submitted by other on April 30, 2020

The neighborhood is breathtaking and the school building and campus is beautiful and I love that they play classical music in the halls before class starts. Hand Middle has good teachers... unfortunately the students aren't disciplined enough and the class room environment isn't conducive to a good learning environment.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2017

My kids have thrived at Hand and challenged them beyond measure. I have confidence that they will be more than prepared for high school!
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2017

Hand is a really good middle school! If you have moved to our community and not walked inside, you are missing out! Take a tour! Book a shadow day for your child! I truly believe you will be impressed.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2016

I love Hand. Had three kids pass thru Hand. The journey has been fabulous! The teachers a re fantastic. The administrative staff is awesome. Couldn't ask for anything better!!!!!
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2016

I love the family oriented setting. Everyone takes the time to personally get to know the parents and it makes me feel I have a bond with everyone
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2014

My son is now in the 7th grade at Hand. He is in their single gender program which is wonderful! He's also in all advanced placement courses and they are VERY challenging and the teachers hold them to a high standard. We're very happy with Hand Middle and highly recommend it. I'll also add that their service clubs and activities are incredible and we love that holistic approach and offerings in our public school.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2014

My child received the best education I could have asked for. The teachers and administration were always enthusiastic willing to provide extra help. My child developed life-long friendships and dedicates much of her success to the education she received from Hand. I loved that Hand offered family reading and math nights to keep parents involved. My daughter even was able to stay after school for archery lessons.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2014

This school is sharply divided between black and white. It can be really hard for kids who are more normal and open minded about race. While schools are not solely responsible for social issues, this one seems to be way worse than others in the Columbia region. And no one tries to address it. In fact, There are some divisive programs and policies that feed into it . It's really too bad and academically distracting. So disturbing and difficult for parents, kids and teachers zi imagine. You would think there would be some sort of attempt to remedy the situation. Lots of fighting over it too. Leadership is blind.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2013

Hand Middle School is a wonderful school! My child is happy to go to school everyday! The principal and the teachers are the best we have ever experienced. Every time I enter the doorway I am greeted with a smile from all of the staff. My child is challenged with rigorous classroom experiences. I was thrilled that they offer Chinese as a language elective.