Independence Middle School

1370 Dunstan Lane

School District

VA Beach City Public Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for VA Beach City 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 parent on February 08, 2020

One of my kids suffered racism from 6th grade assistant principal He was never kind or understandable with my son I’m not sure if he still working there, but I hope that this never happen to another kid. This kids are just growing and understanding life and they need good role models specially where they spend most of their time. I’m glad that the main principle doesn’t work there anymore, Because he never did anything about it.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2019

Can't wait to be done with Independence!
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2018

The worse ever. I removed my son, my friend has removed her son from this school, and the staff continues to behave in an unprofessional manner. A child brought a knife to a school, and the staff lied about it being a knife... if the staff likes you; you can get away with anything... if they do not, than standby for multiple meetings of exaggerated issues and disciplinary issues. When the AP laughs because the sight of him upsets the child it is a problem.
Submitted by other on May 11, 2017

The constant harassment you'd receive from teachers would embarrass you harshly in the middle of class, I'd be fine with some scolding because I got something wrong or missed something but it wasn't little structure to toughen you up it was pure horror, constant yelling. You could just look at your teacher and know you're going to be called out in the middle of everything, the students will laugh and humiliate you, the teacher will bark and rant about how bad you are for missing the homework (or something along that). The students are awful, they have no respect or manners. Blurting out mean things in the middle of class, harsh physical fights in the halls or outside, really hateful and extensive bullying. I remember walking down the halls and never once would I not be called some name based solely off my appearance, you have to wear the right attire, be the right weight, height, have the right hair and looks to fit in. Otherwise you'd be constantly harassed and bullied over it, sometimes even by teachers. I remember vividly walking down the school halls and watching people fight each other for attention, even being dragged into those fights for no reason. The school can't control their own students or teachers it'd seem.
Submitted by student on January 09, 2017

I'm a current student here and this school was great my 6th & 7th grade years were great all my teacher's were great. My 8th grade teachers are amazing people and I appreciate the effort they put into their teachings, but the AP for 8th grade is awful he has unfair rules and harasses students (mainly female) for dresscode when they are not going against the city wide dresscode,, he simply has way too many strict rules for it being a middle school. Other than the AP the school is pretty good.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2013

Independence Middle School is outstanding. I like the teachers, Principal Manugo, all the assistant Principals, the office staff and the guidance counselors. I like the enthusiasm and positive vibe I received from the school. They are very dedicated in providing fundamental academics so students can build on their knowledge. They take themselves and students seriously. I would trust them with my son who is currently a 7th Grader. It's a school you want to choose not only for your child's academic but for their extensive extra curricular activities, safe school environment and dedicated extra staff like the Greeters as you enter the school and the lunch monitors who look after our kids when they are eating in the Cafeteria.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2013

My daughter is in the 8th grade, but she's new to the school. Unfortunately, the teachers and the students weren't friendly at all on her first day. They didn't try to make her feel welcome, and they didn't make an effort to accept her. I don't know what's the matter with people these days. Back in my day, I made the effort to reach out to new students and at least be friendly and introduce myself. And I would expect even higher standards from the teachers. I hope to some day revised this rating or delete it -- but as of today, I'm giving IMS One star only because it's the first day.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2013

Independence Middle School provided a quality educational program for my child. His teachers were strong and for the most part championed his success. The 2 head principals were vastly different with the lady being very hands on and visible. The 3 APs varied from strong on curriculum and instruction and great people skills [Mr. Jon Irby: 6th Grade Principal] to functional and fulfilling their duties at a level that appropriately met the needs of the students and staff overwhich they provided supervision. Mr. Rector, 7th Grade Prin., is a by the book no nonsence person; Ms. Timlin is a brand new administrator and tries very hard to be liked and to lead. The Head Principal, Mr. Manugo, prefers to let his administrative team do their thing. He is not as definitive as a leader as was his predecessor, Mrs. Woodhouse. Student Activities Director, Mr. Felton, lacks leadership and the qualities to deal with the public. He appears to be more interested in getting a high school than learning the programs for a middle school. The parents miss the previous SAC, Mr. Lawrence because he lived and breathed his job and was considered Mr. Independence. They named PTA scholarship for him.
Submitted by other on August 01, 2012

Amazing Teachers and programs! But the building itself it extremely outdated! other than that excellent school for a public school!