Research Francis Walsh Intermediate School public Schools in Ansonia, Connecticut

“low social, academic, and behavioral expectations; many behavior problems; no program for high-ability students”

“Very little of what we know about how young adolescents learn best is reflected in the programs and structure of this school. The learning and social environment is chaotic; there are few opportunities for exploratory, interdisciplinary learning; although there are some high quality teachers, there is insufficient challenge for high-ability students. Parents who are able to consider other educational options for their middle schoolers should do so.”

“I love my school and I think it's perfect the way it is”

“this school does not offer any programs to gifted students.”

“As a parent of two students one of whom is in eigth grade and one is in tenth I have found the overall experience of this school to be far below the elementary and high school experiences. There is a standard of mediocrity at Walsh which is accepted and expected. As an employee in a local school system we are viewed as substandard. Parental involvement is encouraged only as a politically correct position but in practice is deterred.”

“The open classroom environment makes it difficult for the children to concentrate with all the noise and distraction around them. My child has difficulties focusing on the teacher and the task at hand. Several teachers use in class microphone systems to be heard above the background noise. Classes are too large for the space provided. The kids are packed in like sardines. Extra curricular activities are very good. Excellent arts program. Industrial arts area is well equipped, but safety does concern me. Over all, the staff does well with what they have to work with. It is a beautiful school and well maintained, but the open classroom set up does not work.”

“The teachers are very concerned about the students in their classes. While the open classroom setting is distractive, the students have created noise barriers with file cabinets and bookshelves. Some classes do have full walls as well. The opportunities for the students are great. The variety of classes offered in arts and language, along with afterschool athletics and clubs, allow the students to grow socially as well as academically. The fact that nearly all subjects (gym, music, etc) are graded is a tough transition for fifth graders. It would be better to grade only major subjects in fifth grade. The school did eliminate honor roll for fifth so that does help with the pressure. Overall a great school!”

“The biggest problem with this school is the noise level. It is an open classroom school and there is a constant rumble. Students can hear what's going on in the classrooms around them, making it difficult for some to focus on their own class. For some students this makes it difficult to learn.”

“very hectic with teachers seemingly disinterested and absent often.......open class/mall setting is very distracting. There is ABSOlutely NO security with the exception of students not allowed to bring napsacks to carry books, which would make things more organized and easier for kids.......Security should concentrate on anyone walking in school at anytime with anything including lunacy and weapons!!!.........Really disappointed in lack of communication with teachers and parents..Teachers don't seem to even want to help students, just get by the year and cram all the homework and work they can possibly cram each day”

“This is a well built school. I can say that for the most part teachers are helpful, creative, and willing to go the extra mile for the student. The facilities are well-maintained, which include a pool, a large library of most appropriate genres, and an abundance of personal locker space. This is a most wonderful place for your child to learn and grow in.”