F A Day Middle School

21 Minot Place

School District

Newton
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
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 December 26, 2023

Arts program, especially chorus and theater, were exceptional. Academics were good. Administration needs to get better.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2022

You wouldn't want to send a vulnerable child to Day as bullying was prevalent when my older child attended; which is why my younger child is going to private middle school. Academically it's pretty good but below other middle schools in the NPS district which are generally quite good. Some of the teachers use their class as therapy sessions to unload personal issues on students and are eager to impose their political and social beliefs. One teacher regularly shared her experiences as a pregnant member of a throuple. Google it if you don't know. Another teacher encouraged her developing teen and pre-teen students to become vegans.
Submitted by parent on December 26, 2021

This school does not handle gifted children nor special education very well. Our child is twice exceptional (both gifted and high functioning autism) and their focus was only on weakness. There was no option for advanced acceleration here, as they claim to teach to the child's level, which we don't believe to be true. Academic and psychological testing done through this school "found nothing" and we had to get outside testing, which revealed several things and also cost quite a bit of money, not to mention wasted valuable time in getting school accommodations (which is the way they plan this- these things cost money for the school after all). Accommodations for the IEP were not followed, and were even illegal at points (confirmed by our advocate and two special education attorneys), and they said that if we didn't like it to "have our attorney call the city attorney." We were not angry or argumentative either, so the way they treated us was completely uncalled for. Our child was also badly bullied here, and they do have a reputation for bullying at this school. The administration told us they were not going to get involved with the bullying, which is actually also illegal when it comes to a child with autism. If we had not moved out of the district, we would have pursued legal action. It is very frustrating to see their claims about "inclusion" and have special activity days on "being kind," but they don't take proactive steps towards truly enacting this. I heard stories from other parents as well, but I think the people that are staying in the district don't want to stand up because they are afraid it will follow their children through their school years there. We chose to live in this district because of its reputation and we spent a lot of money to live there. If you are considering a school in the area, look to Lexington or Belmont. I regret putting my child in this district.
Submitted by student on February 27, 2020

Good, very good, better than other schools my other family members go to.
Submitted by other on April 23, 2015

Although there is very much effort put into the "no student left behind", I noticed that the smarter kids didn't get as much attention as the ones who didn't understand. There is only one level on most subjects and so the smart kids aren't learning anything and just wasting time.
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2013

Kids are beautiful at the school. Teachers at the school are decent to OK. I love kids so so much. They're so cute.