Ingomar Middle School

1521 Ingomar Heights Road

School District

North Allegheny
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

School Map for North Allegheny 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 other on August 04, 2024

As a recent alumni of Ingomar, I wanted to take the time to write a review. The teachers at Ingomar are truly some of the best mentors I've had the fortune to meet in my life. My curiosity, passions, and leadership skills were able to be fostered in a supportive and postive environment. There are so many wonderful clubs and advocacy projects provided for students. The gifted education program provided additional opportunites that truly enriched the middle school experience. Overall, best three years of my life so far!
Submitted by student on April 20, 2017

I am currently a student at IMS. I have always done very well grade wise and on standardized tests (which have too much weight put on them and are made VERY stressful), so I was just recently admitted into the gifted program. As soon as that happened, my experience improved significantly. I had classes more catered to my abilities, and I was suddenly given many new oportunities. I really should have been able to be a part of that great program a while ago, though. It's far too hard to get into. I have never gotten a B, and I amost always score in the 99th percentile on standardized tests, but it took NA seven years to realize that I belonged in the gifted program. One thing about NA, IMS more specifically, but this is a district wide issue, is that any student in learning support is automatically treated as less than accelerated or average learners. You don't get as many opportunities, and teachers make it obvious that you're in the program, which can sometimes be humiliating, even though there's nothing wrong with it. This is a more personal issue for me because of one of my friends. She's no genius, but she performs moderately well (Bs&Cs) in a regular classroom for students in the middle of the scale academically. She is currently in learning support because of one low stadardized test score, and she can't get out. She is nearly getting straight As, but the school won't permit her to take regular classes. Also, she has told me that student in her class that actually belong there don't get the individual attion they need to succeed. Another big issue I have with IMS is the teachers. Some move way too slowly, some are incredibly mean and unfair,and some don't even teach. This issue is cause by some regulation that makes it incredible difficult for a teacher to be fired after ten years of teaching. I'm not saying all teachers are bad, though. I currently have an amazing teacher who seems to do everything right. But wait! There's more! There is a big issue with the salaries of the staff. The teachers a grossly overpaid, on the paraprofessionals are underpaid. The paras make about $500 dollars a week ($18,000 a year), and I have estimated the pay of a teacher who has worked at NA for over ten years to be more than $100,000 a year. Ridiculous.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2014

I find it difficult to rate all aspects of this school in one review. The teachers my son had were exceptional for the most part. They really care about the students and definitely take pride and accountability in their work. They will go the extra distance and it makes the parent partnership seamless. My son really likes all of his teachers, and has found a wonderful teacher mentor. The office staff and guidance counselors are friendly and helpful. The vice principal, Mr. Swoger is the perfect compliment to principal Stark. He is able to forge relationships with students and communicate effectively with parents while she is more disciplinarian. This faculty cares about its students, and they try to reach out to each one. The academics are fantastic and requires the students to work hard to make good grades. The teachers have high expectations and students continually meet them. Socially, the school is trying very hard to create a nurturing environment for all students with diversity and anti bullying programs. However, it's not necessarily the most effective due to the homogeneity of the group. This goes beyond the school, and it's impossible to fault them because they really try.
Submitted by other on May 16, 2011

I currently go to IMS. It has its good staff and its bad staff when it comes to education. but when it comes to the staff in terms of teaching, they could interact more. some teachers teach different, like one of mine treats us like babies and spends about a month on a chapter. the principal and vice principal pay almost no attention to you, and alot of people suspect that the teachers rig the student council elections for who will win.
Submitted by other on May 15, 2011

This school is below awful when it comes to student teacher interaction. My sister was traumatized by the staff and has never fully recovered. Its a good school for an overachiever, but awful for special needs. If you or your child has special needs.. STAY AWAY!! I would recomend Carson Middle Scool because they have great special needs programs and a great staff.
Submitted by other on April 13, 2011

I went to Ingomar and eventually to high school @ NA. I got a 1st class education and I wouldn't have traded it for anything or any other school, public or private. It wasn't at all perfect, but overall, they did things right @ NA. I always thought they should be a model for other schools to follow.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2010

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Submitted by student on March 14, 2010

Im currently a student at ingomar and I love it! the teachers are amazing and so is the school in general! this year is my first year and it is so welcoming!
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2008

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