White Oak Middle School

12201 New Hampshire Avenue

Silver Spring, MD 20904

School District

Montgomery County Public Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Montgomery 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 other on September 25, 2024

This school has their ups and downs, the upsetting thing is that my child would come home saying there was fights and discrimination of color, even hurtful appearance discrimination. In this environment, a child can’t concentrate in. They also don’t offer many opportunities, only sports. What if a kid wants to do debating? Or crafty things? They don’t put an effort for this. They also don’t put effort for actual sources they can trust for learning. A child shouldn’t learn about something that is wrong. The refreshing news is that children have a few world languages they can learn, from what I’ve heard from my child — is that many teachers do believe that a child has a talent even if they don’t show it. That kids refuse to even try, but a real teacher listens and helps. This, this is what a teacher is, they believe. Last thing is the children. Again — coming from my child about the fights and how students wouldn’t listen to teachers, would say horrible things, and disrespect other students. Obviously for children this is fun to watch, or even participate in. But, please educate your children, and for teachers — go hard on them, soft words won’t change anything. This is my review, thank you.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2022

Cannot recommend this school. There are some very good teachers, there are diverse course options, and they try to serve the needs of high-achieving students with advanced classes. But the overall student body is uninterested in school, behave badly in classes, so any classes outside of honors or advanced are a real bummer for a kids who actually cares about learning. Discipline is a big issue. First week of 6th grade my kid comes home agog at the fact there were fist fights in the cafeteria, kids talking about beating up other kids. Bullying of gay/gender fluid/trans kids is so constant it largely goes ignored because the teachers would have to spend all day chastising and responding to it. The principal lacks any leadership in these areas. The guidance counselors are doing their best and recognize the whole culture needs a changes, but they need about twice the personnel to deal with the behavioral issues. My kid went in happy and excited for middle school but came out of this school with serious mental health challenges, I truly believe in part because of the stressful environment at this school. Another student brought a weapon to school, we were barely notified (lack of detail) and never told student was returning to classes with our kid, but apparently lack of transparency and tolerance for bringing weapons to school is part of 'restorative justice' approach.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2022

POOR management and hardly in parent involvement ! staff turnover is BEYOND high (likely due to behavioral issues from kids that come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds). Bullying is extremely high and classroom environment is BEYOND awful . Hardly any funding goes into the school (such as clubs /extra curricular activities / facilities) . The school is just run to the ground and practically dilapidated .....
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2022

EXTREMELY POOR ! The staff is VERY unprofessional. The principal likes to over talk people and they doesn't do anything to support / improve the school. The school is dingy , lacks funding , non existent PTA and there is BARELY any student / teacher engagement. The parking and drop off have no flow to them. Lack of planning /organization. This place is a mess and needs to be revamped. It Needs new staff/ management ASAP !!
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2022

I wonder is this will be a nice school for me i want to make more bsf beucase i going to miss my old bsf
Submitted by student on January 16, 2022

to be honest, the school is kinda fun the ABC dance is amazing and most of the teachers are okay
Submitted by student on December 19, 2021

If you want a happy child, then don't let them go here...
Submitted by parent on December 01, 2021

I am a parent and this school just helped my sons growth so much
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2019

My kids have had and are having such a wonderful experience at this school! There's a wide range of electives, the teachers really get to know the kids and the counseling staff is top notch! The specials teachers are also excellent.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2016

My son is an honors and special education student both. His experience has been very good- the teachers work extra hours to help him succeed, front office staff is lovely, assistant principals are on top of things, counselors are flexible advocates. He loves all the technology classes. I was uncertain about sending him to White Oak but am very happy with his years there.