Mandarin Middle School

5100 Hood Road

School District

Duval County Public Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

School Map for Duval 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 parent on January 17, 2024

This is the absolute worst middle school I have ever seen!
Submitted by student on August 22, 2023

For the most part this school is good but some teachers don’t really seem to care abt us like during a code red the teacher didn’t cover the window on the door or turn off the lights and there is some teachers that actually care abt our well being but most the time it’s really chaotic and crazy in the school there’s always fight either in the bathroom in the hallway basically everywhere and it sometimes causes kids to be late and the teacher don’t let us to our class dismissing from breakfast sometime like today it happened to me and I had to start running so I wasn’t late
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2023

The teachers and admin are fantastic! I would recommend this school!
Submitted by student on February 13, 2023

This school is the worst I have ever been to by far. School staff openly ignore complaints, refuse to accommodate 504 plans, and only do the bare minimum to not get sued. The people in charge of implanting 504 plans are incompetent, and practically fight against it. They will devalue accommodations to the bare minimum, even if a doctor is telling them. Racism, homophobia, sexism, ableism, really any “ism” run openly among the school, with teachers & staff refusing to do anything. There is nearly constant fighting in the halls or common areas. If your child is a minority in anyway, shape, or form, stay as far away from this school as you can. Harassment often happens, even from teachers.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2022

My child is a 6th grade gifted student at mandarin middle. He is thoroughly enjoying school. His teachers and the admin are all fantastic and he is being challenged with the work. He has made a bunch of great friends and he participates in extra curricular activities. He had been accepted to Julia Landon but decided to attend MM, as it’s his home school. No regrets.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2019

It's been great for both of my kids
Submitted by student on January 27, 2018

I was a student at MMS. The programs for learning disabilities, ESE and IEP, are very effective. My ESE teacher always checked in with me and made sure I wasn't overwhelmed with homework. The teachers are very caring and supportive. If you hear any reviews complaining about teachers 90% of the time it's due to students' behavior. I won't deny there are a few teachers who are beyond strict but they definitely don't bully or look down on their students. The school is constantly evolving, over the last 2 years there have been 2 new principals. Rules are always changing which can be a little overwhelming to new students but they'll feel right at home. If I had any complaints it would be the way they manage student behavior. My 7th grade civics teacher told his students who don't pay attention or want to learn can fail but just do it quietly. This resulted in poor test scores. 12 out of 26 student's failed that class. This was only the class I was in. I'm not sure how many overall failed. As you can tell, teachers don't have patience for students who won't participate. This could be due to how big MMS is, being one of the largest public schools in Jacksonville. If your kid is alright with a big school, this includes loud noises and crowded hallways, then I highly recommend! As far as more high assistance kids, autism and down syndrome, they have a wonderful colorful classroom with teachers who are specialized in this care. I had a free period in 6th grade where I helped this class and it was outstanding. They have a physical therapist, and speech therapist, a cognitive therapist. You get the picture. Even if your child needs more specialty care you can trust MMS. I rate MMS 10/10.
Submitted by other on January 24, 2017

I am in 110% agreement with one of the many truthful reviews: I've had lunch with my child in Mandarin Middle School. I couldn't even sit in the lunch room when I saw the caked on food from who knows how many hours or days it's sat not to mention you can't even talk, I said talk to your child, LOUD is an understatement. Walking out in the hallways from lunch and seeing FIRST HAND what's allowed with the "officer " standing around and staff, wow! You MUST experience this yourself. Set a day to have lunch with your child, you will see first hand.The lack of communication with "staff" is frustrating! Still waiting for a positive conversation.A very rude experience I had. It was a one way phone call with a teacher and she had no concerns on my suggestions to help my child achieve. This is only one of my very unprofessional experiences of the staff I've encountered. (Not all) My child's 8th grade math teacher left me very unsettled on the way she talks to her students. This prompt me to reach out to other parents. She teaches advanced classes, I'm just disturbed in how very few care. It took me 31 days to get her into her advanced classes from day one of entering her new school. I'll leave you with a staff member comment after my 4th week of asking why my child is not in her advanced classes here in Duval County. I was told, wait for it! "Just cuz someone come from another country don't mean they get put in advance classes! It don't work like that! " WAIT, WHAT, did I just hear I thought to myself! Just contact you Duval County School Board it was my only option and about to be again. When I have a positive experience with either of my children's school, I will leave one. Full regret leaving Clay County, they care.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2015

Be the change. I am a PTSA volunteer. My daughter has had positive experiences at Mandarin Middle. Moving from Texas, we were hesitant about enrolling our daughter in to Duval schools. As an educator I know many factors play into a school's rating and reputation. Do your own homework and know YOUR child. I believe parents make the difference. I have enjoyed meeting like- minded parents who have seek academic excellence and diversity as part of their child's learning environment.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2014

The July 4th posting "obviously" did not have a positive experience. That's fine. This school can't be that bad considering this year's enrollment (2014-2015) boasts a 400 student body increase (i.e. total 1500) as well as new "additional" teachers; " In Spite Of" the new charter school opening a couple blocks away. "Obviously" this person assumes previous positive postings are by administrators. Don't assume unless you have the "FACTS". Parents "Do" support the positive and post as well as those parents who unfortunately experienced the otherwise. Here's a thought....could you be a disgruntled employee posting as a parent ? Mandarin Middle is an "A" school for several years running.
Submitted by parent on July 04, 2014

Last few reviews obviously written by administrators worried about losing more than the usual 100 students per year to charters. A charter is opening a block away next year.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2014

This is top notch education. Cambridge and honors program is a stellar. Staff is on top of their students and safety. Many students here excell in sports and academics. This school is at the top of Duval county public schools. Wide range of diversity which is needed in our society. FCAT is a priority slong with college prep. Proud of this school.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2014

Great school! My son had a good first year. Easy transition from elementary. Helpful staff. Super teachers!
Submitted by other on May 22, 2014

In my experience as a 7th and 8th grader at Mandarin Middle, I found it to be a great school. The teachers were very caring about the students and their educations. I am currently attending Mandarin High, and find that I miss many of my middle school teachers. The educational system at the school was great in my opinion, and I actually learned and retained much of what was taught, especially in the English program. My 8th grade English teacher Mrs. Bishop was one of my favorite teachers, someone who really impacted my life by being very understanding and helpful, and was always there for students who needed her academically and emotionally. I was also a member of the swim team for both of my years at the school. I thoroughly enjoyed my practices and meets, and really felt a sense of team unity and bonding. Overall, I found MMS to be a excellent school, and never felt threatened by anyone or anything. The security was not overwhelming and very friendly, but were not afraid to take action if necessary. I enjoyed my time there, and I believe upcoming students of the school will, too.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2014

This school is fantastic! Issues will come up in any school, and I'm sorry for the bad publicity right now. There are two sides to every story. I gave this school 5 stars in everything but parental involvement. Parents don't want to be involved with the school or help out with volunteering, and then they complain about every little incident. For those of us going to the school to help out once in awhile, we can see that the teachers care. They are there because they love teaching, and they care about the students. I realize that the students are not going to like every single teacher, just like in life they are not going to like every single boss or manager that they will have. Some personalities just don't mesh. I would recommend the school to anyone who is considering a charter school. It has not been an "A" for 13 straight years for nothing. Go Mandarin Middle!
Submitted by other on May 22, 2014

Rasism is defended at this school. Many kids are bullied and gang beatings occur. Very bad school
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2014

I am horrified at the lack of interest in the bullying and brutality that happens daily at this school! There is no follow up and the child being bullied is punished as well as the abuser. What kind of policy is that?! As if the child has not suffered enough...! Not a safe place!
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2014

The staff is only there for the paychecks not the kids. They allow fights and act as if they don't see it. This school is perfect if you don't mind if your kid fails and gets into serious fights.
Submitted by other on September 27, 2013

This school definitely accompanies the lowest common denominator. From my time there as a 6th, 7th, and 8th grader this school rates far below par. There are terrible students (disrespectful), teachers move due dates back further and further to accommodate the majority of the class who didn't do the assignment, and there is a lack of enthusiasm and teaching mechanics. The only teacher who inspired me was my 6th grade history teacher Mr. Mingledorff, any other was mediocre and the school is just uninspiring I got straight age from MY KNOWLEGE and needed no help from those "instructors." I applied to Stanton College Prep. and I am succeeding there no help from Mandarin but I can humbly say to look elsewhere.
Submitted by other on May 30, 2013

Seems to be well thought of, I have a child that attends,, and he is doing very well