Discovery Middle School

601 Woodbury Road

School District

Orange County Public Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Orange 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 student on April 04, 2024

Currently, I'm a student here, and its sucks that there are rats in the bathrooms and cockroaches, there is poop on the walls, they haven't cleaned the bathroom in 2 years, and the teachers ignore you when you're trying to ask a question, and they make lies about you and accuse you something that you didn't do.
Submitted by teacher on November 15, 2023

I was a substitute at the school. I subbed a sixth grade class for seven periods during this time. Each class came in extremely rowdy and wound up. It would take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to create a safe environment and complete roll calle students used profanity time and time again, they all spoke at once no one raise their hands, it was horrific I do not know how the teachers who work here on a regular basis are able to meet these needs. With a 58 percentile student population of at risk kids. The question is, “is this school focused on educating students or is the focus on teaching the student how to behave?
Submitted by parent on July 04, 2023

My daughter has received an outstanding education at Discovery MS in the sixth and seventh grades there. She has taken honors science, honors algebra and Spanish 1 all for high school credit. She has taken advantage of the excellent electives that are offered, such as playing in the jazz band and symphonic band. She has excellent teachers and the administration is strong.
Submitted by teacher on October 26, 2019

The worst ever. Students can bully one another, curse at one another and they know there aren't any consequences.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2017

There are some very good teachers here but most of them are going through the motions or should not be teaching anymore. On the bright side, majority of the students are good and want to learn. Beware of the male assistant principal and some faculty members; they have very selfish motives and only look out for themselves rather than the school and children.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2017

I have three children who are going through OCPS and I have to say this is the worst school, full of the worst teachers, that I have ever had the displeasure to be associated with. My wife attended this school and even she agrees that it is nothing like it used to be. I even ghosted my child in a class and watched as the teacher simply walked out on her unruly class near the end. The deans and vice principle took fifteen minutes to even notice me standing in the corner. These teachers do not use Progress Book or phone calls or simple emails. This has to be an entry level or end of the line position for Florida teachers. Get your children out of this school as soon as possible. Avalon Middle School is much better.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2015

Out of 3 years and 3 grade levels I have been disappointed with this school.Each year my child has had bad teachers.1st year (6th grade) - a math teacher that showed YouTube videos instead of teaching.2nd year (7th grade) - a reading 'teacher' (I use the term loosely) that bullied my child all year and did not communicate at all. This woman has no place near any classroom.Now 3rd year (8th grade) - A science teacher with zero classroom experience that doesn't know how to teach whatsoever.Can't wait until next year when my child moves on.The Principal is also unconcerned about any of this even after repeated meetings.This school is the victim of nearby apartment dwellers and transient influx. These children repeatedly bully others because their home life is abysmal. Most are single-parent latchkey kids with no supervision or positive reinforcement.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2015

Our daughter attended Discovery Middle during her 7th and 8th grade. She had come from a strict, Christian private school; therefore, we were nervous about introducing her to a public school setting. These concerns quickly vanished due to the caring and support she received from teachers and students. Discovery has an amazing staff of administrators, teachers, and ancillary help, who work closely with the children to ensure success. Education and safety are priorities. The school is in need of some technology upgrades, especially since the other local middle schools have received these upgrades. Out of the many pros that this school offers, my only other con would be the fact that students do not use the school lockers. We have received two answers as to why this is the case: safety, and tardiness to next classes. To us, neither of these answers make sense. There should be a process and a plan in place to address this. However, our daughter has not complained about this. These days, most of the homework is completed online, so books stay in the classroom. Overall, it has been a wonderful experience. We look forward to our son attending this great school.
Submitted by other on February 25, 2014

The teachers are amazing! The food is not that bad either. And we are a high related "A" school. The 1 problem is the principal is not very social, I pass her in the hallways sometimes and say "hi" sometimes or most of the time she does not respond and keeps her head down to avoid any conversations
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

As with any school, this school has it's up's and down's. The teaching staff is great for the most part but the school overall lacks spirit and true leadership. The principal is anti-parent and does not engage with the students or parents whatsoever creating a very cold environment for both - including it's volunteers. Coming from Waterford Elementary where the principal prided himself on knowing every student's name, and at a mkinimum acknowledged them as he passed them in the hallway if he didn't stop and engage in a conversation with them, Discovery's administration could use a swift kick in the rear end when it comes to leadership. This school is long overdue for a leadership change and could use a young and inspiring leader at the top.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2013

This school has been a blessing to our family! The teachers and students are amazing. Bullying is not tolerated here, although we have not had an issue with that anyways. It helps to be in the advanced / honors classes. We are surprised to see bad reviews from parents here. It might be a personal issue or lack of parental involvement. After all, parents must collaborate with the school for success to be achieved. We cannot expect the teachers to raise or cater to our children. The curriculum is challenging; therefore, being organized is a must!
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2013

Very poor. at communication In and out of school. While you have a few decent, much bullying from teachers and office not just children. All around poor. rating poor school. Btw, not just my children either. Good luck at this school.