South Pasadena Middle School

1500 Fair Oaks Avenue

School District

South Pasadena Unified
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:23
Type

public

School Map for South Pasadena Unified 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 parent on June 24, 2021

The curriculum is excellent, my student’s’ were outstanding learners. They held 3.8-4.0 gpa’s throughout middle school. My experience with South Pasadena Middle School was good during the elementary school years, but unfortunately not in the later years. We felt many days disconnected, alienated & not included. All three years of our attempts to join ASB my kids were turned down. No reason, no explanation, just an empty apology and courage to try next year. Even after tirelessly filling out all the questionnaires, forms, and gathering a number of signatures by members & school staff. We couldn’t figure out why they’d be declined to be involved in betterment of the school, adding different perspectives etc. We knew we weren’t the only one’s, many students were rejected every single year after year. The sports were the same-. They were all by invitation only. You have to have been trained at a young age whether interested in tennis, basketball or any sport. Sadly both kids were never able to join any sport teams throughout all the years of middle school. Every sport (at least 3) they tried out for they were declined, this level of expectations on middle school athletics were very rough and cut throat. How could a school be so tough on middle school sports? It would be understandable for high school. What kind of school does this to young teens? Unless your super prepped & trained there’s no way in. I would have to say the worst part of school were the councilors. They don’t have a minute to spare for parents. Unless you’re lucky enough to get a question answered via email. Many times I wouldn’t get my emails answered at all. By the end, I didn’t bother. When you ask they say, “they’re trying to teach your kids that it’s their responsibility to email the teachers if they’re having any issues or concerning your child, as it teaches them to be independent”. If I had the choice to do it again I wouldn’t send my kids to the Middle School or to the High School , they’re the same. The councilor’s are unhelpful, void, and not interested in helping your child. The principal of the High School, who was in my opinion the best part of the district, dedicated many years, just left her position this year. The middle and high school need to get their act together. The students’ deserve better. It would be nice to hire a new staff of councilors to prepare and actually support the student’s education goals.
Submitted by student on March 17, 2021

The school is ahead academically and has a great community from counselors to teachers. The experience in the classroom is informative but not boring because the teachers are able to make the class engaging. This school is amazing, I used to go to a private school with high ratings but SPMS is better community and learning wise.
Submitted by student on September 16, 2020

Amazing Teachers and staff. The school works as a comunity.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2019

Overall, I would give SPMS a C+ because most of the teachers are very good.
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2018

Excellent! My second child has just graduated from the school. I’m impressed with the thorough education they have received and the strong sense of community and esteem for kindness they have also experienced there. The incredible selection of classes can’t be beat.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2015

Most teachers do not care for the students and show favoritism and disrespect. Vice Principal hides issues going on in the school. Principle does not show support to help students. And the majority of the students need structure and discipline. I do not recommend this public school to anyone who child is not an over-achiever. Also, if you do attend this middle school, donating your time and money will make things easier on your child.
Submitted by other on December 15, 2013

teachers and staff are very caring, nice, and AWESOME at spms. I'm a student here and i learn so many things. the teachers gives me and other students extra help when we don't understand things. there is also band and choir for all grades. instead of band and choir you can choose to do electives which include, cooking, spanish, art, computer and woodshop . i think south pasadena middle school is very awesome!
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2012

My child is 7th grade and his experience has been wonderful. The beginning of the 6th grade was hard for him and us because all teachers required complete assignments and projects on time, being organized of school works, and responsible for own actions. As result, all these requirements helped him become a responsible student. Most of teachers are wonderful, however, we still have to work with him after school in order to earn a perfect grade. According to my experience, compare with some of the private schools in this area, it is harder to have all A's in this school. Personally, I tutor many students from private schools but my son's academic performance is well challenged here. Also, I had an opportunity to observe the accelerated and honor classes because of my college assignments last year. I was impressed by the students' behavior, intelligence and friendly relationship with each others. Thus, if your child is enrolled in the honor classes, in my opinion, the child will be well challenged and gain excellent middle school experience.
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2012

My daughter is entering her Sophomore year at South Pas High. Her Freshman year was a huge sucess thanks to the focused, goal-oriented staff. We moved to South Pasadena from the Bay Area and thanks to this excellent high school I am grateful for that move everyday. Yes the school is competitive but my child was an uderachiever who has turned to an A, B student. THANK YOU SOUTH PAS HIGH!
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2012

Don't worry, parents who read the previous review. If your child has special needs, he or she will never encounter the advanced math teacher who ranks each kid. Yes, he does exist. Yes, he's a great math teacher, which is why all these myths swirl about him among parents whose kids aren't actually in his classes, but he's not for everyone. (No, he doesn't kick kids out of his class. He does suggest a different placement next year if kids can't handle the pace) but if your kid isn't a high achiever in math, you'll never deal with him. There are plenty of non-high-achieving kids who are thriving at SPMS, because there are plenty of teachers who are dedicated to making sure their middle school experience is excellent. SPMS has teachers and classes focused on success for ALL kids--the struggling, the middle-of-the road, and the shining stars. And for those of you who do have high achieving kids and have been obsessing over their "not being challenged enough", it's fish-or-cut-bait-time. The truly gifted will have plenty of chances to shine, and those whose gifts reside mostly in their parents' imaginations will have a great experience too.
Submitted by other on June 13, 2012

SPMS is a great school if your child is a high achiever or can zero in on their schoolwork. If your child has a learning disability, is just learning english, or has a different learning type than the one the school institutes this school is not for them. The school is VERY competitive, one advanced math teacher has a ranking for each kid in the class, anyone who is last in the rankings or gets a B in the class, gets kicked out. There is lots of tension between students and any one who can't compete gets left in the dust, and feels excluded. If your child can deal with this kind of stress, go ahead and enroll but be wary of the challenges they will face if they can't keep up.
Submitted by other on December 12, 2011

An average school school with good extra-curriculum activities but not engaging teachers. The math teacher will help you a lot but the 6th grade science department is really weak.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2011

Mean teachers! Avoid this school if you can. I am very disappointed in the principal, he should pay close attention to what is really going on in the classrooms.