Berkeley Middle School

1118 Ironbound Rd

School District

Williamsburg-James City Public Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Williamsburg-James 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 student on January 13, 2025

worst school in the district no good teachers nor discipline
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2025

The school is a good school overall. If you look at most reviews on here, many came when this school had behavioral issues and leadership that changed year to year. Like most schools there are some issues and some things that shine and unique to the school. The school has a good team of teachers and leaders who put kids first. The kids have luxuries that are afforded that other schools don't offer. Eating lunch outdoors is an example of this. Reading some of these reviews makes me wonder if some of these people are actually parents at the school. The most recent review talks about a security guard and AP playing basketball after school hours as a bad thing. Not only is most of the review incorrect but not an indicator at all about good teaching and learning. I would reach out to the school if you are considering going here and they will accommodate you with a tour and will answer any of your questions.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2023

The school has a wonderful administrative team leading the way over the last several years. The teachers are overall fantastic.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2019

Both of my sons attended Berkeley at different times. There was at least 4 different principals during that time. Both of my sons have high IQs and learning ability is very high, although one is a book learner and the other is a hands on learner. Both had very poor grades. Both had IEPs. I didn’t know at the time that both were being bullied by the other students as well as the teachers. My youngest son had one health problem after another while he was there. When he was in a wheelchair prescribed by his doctor his math teacher said that he was only in a wheelchair in order to get attention. His IEP teacher told him “not to think, just do”. After they left and moved on to high school I heard from other students there that they were bullied and the teachers did not care. There is an imbedded attitude that new principals cannot break. The only way to increase the learning and student behavior is to start with removing most of the long term teachers and at least two police officers there full time. Also, the students that break laws need to be prosecuted. Otherwise, the bullying in the school, which claims to be a “No bulling zone”, will ever cease.
Submitted by student on January 25, 2018

I am a student at this school. I hate it. Some teachers are good but most are super boring and rude, and its hard to learn. They over stuff you with papers and have a short exchange time between classes. And there is no break to refresh ourselves.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2014

Until Berkeley, our children had only ever attended private school. We are impressed with the extra-curricular activities as well as the leadership within the school. Our children enjoy Berkeley, and feel safe and cared for. Our only complaint is the lack of innovation and creativity in instruction. There is a lot of "sit and get", and a lot of busy-work. We'd like to see more opportunities for technology enhanced learning, project based learning, and student choice and creativity.
Submitted by other on August 14, 2013

I rcently finished 8th grade after spending my entire middle school here. When I was in 6th grade the school was pretty mediocre, the teachers could have been better, and a student's well being wasn't fully protected. After finished 8th grade, looking back the school had improved a lot. My Absolute favorite teaches were Mr. Collins, the band/study skills teacher, Mr. Goode, who teaches Invention & Innovation/woodshop, and Mrs. Wargo, the 8th grade honors english teacher. Police Officers were hired to keep the students safe, and while it may sound a little over-kill, it helped a lot more than a parent could ever see, even if a few of them probably should have stuck to busting actual criminals, and not little kids. There's plenty of after school activities and rewards for well behaved students, mostly dances and that sort of thing. The food, though, could still use some improvement.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2013

I have two children that attend Berkeley. In both 7th and 8th grades. This school is one of the best schools that you can send your school to in this area. Berkeley has great leadership, (provided by its brilliant Principal) along with a great staff and a group of students who are always eager to learn. This is the type of school that can offer your child greater opportunities when the time comes to apply to high school. Also, by being encouraged to always Do The Right Thing, Berkeley is also a beacon in the community. It works with the local Univeristy (William & Mary) as well as othey local establishments. They build on very key social elements,such as character, integrity, values, respect for others as well as self. Love it!
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2013

The teachers at Berkeley are professional, caring and expect high standards from their students. The music teacher is incredible. Mr Collins and is one of the best in our country. Even though alot of the after-school study programs are not as plentiful as they used to be the teachers seem to still extend themselves as helpers for excellence in the students grades. The principal Ms. Swan is very engaged and communicates very well with parents and children alike. Her follow-up is impeccable. She is a breath of fresh air and a credit to this school and community.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2013

One star is very generous here! My child has horrible teachers, and has barely learned anything new this year. The staff of teachers don't even seem to like kids much less their jobs. Communication is poor with teachers and principals. This school has a young, unprepared principal and really needs someone more appropriate. Her biggest downfall is she wants to be friends with her staff and they take advantage of that daily. She seems to be clueless and trusts the teachers to always do the right thing. Calling her or teachers in times of need does nothing as you will never receive a callback. Worst school!! Trying to move out of district for next year. Will only stay if MAJOR changes are made. Don't enroll here unless it's the last option!
Submitted by other on April 18, 2012

After spending time in this school I don't know how any learning happens. Students are incredibly disrespectful, classrooms and hallways are out of control and teachers are apathetic. The administration seems to be more into pleasing people than running a successful school. Lip service doesn't get things done. I hear this school was absolutely wonderful just two years ago. If that's true then the current state of this school is a tragedy.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2011

This box "jumps" when I try to type a comment into it once I hit about 100-150 characters..I am unable to report this where I need to as I get an error message that there is no account with my email address yet here I am signed in. PLEASE fix the technical problems here.