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McKemy Middle School in Phoenix, Arizona

McKemy Middle School Detail

(480) 921-9003
2250 S College Ave
Tempe, AZ 85282
Levels: 6-8
District: Tempe School District


McKemy Middle School Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
White, non-Hispanic:32.99% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:10.84% (2008)
Hispanic:45.33% (2008)
American Indian/Alaskan Native:6.92% (2008)
Asian:3.92% (2008)
Student Teacher Ratio:13.92% (2008)
Percent Free and Reduced Price Lunch:61.45% (2008)

McKemy Middle School Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating4
Average Principals Rating4
Average Teachers Rating4
Average Activities Rating4
Average Parents Rating4
Average Safety Rating4

McKemy Middle School Reviews

this is the best school to ever exist, and i love all the teachers' ability to understand the students' needs. Mr. Pino rocks along with Ms. Dunwoody, they are da best!
This review was posted by a parent.

What can I say about this school. It's uh-mazing. All the teachers are amazing. The sixth grade teachers are excellent. Mrs. Williams was great teacher and helped out the students a lot. Mrs. Wdowin was one on the best science teachers for my child. Mr. Sonnenberg is wonderful math teacher. Ms. Gardner is very very good teacher. For seventh grade mrs. Arroyo is one of the best la teachers you can get. Miss Galloway is fabulous science teacher. Mr. Harris is a very fine social studies teacher. Ms. Richmond is at the top for being the BEST teacher at mckemy. For the electives teachers they make it seem Its not school for my children. Ms. Osborne is good orchestra teacher. Mr. Osman is one of the best computer teachers ever. Coach Jen is wonderful makes p.e. The best!!! Mrs. Knochel is just amazing fun and cool. This IS the best school!
This review was posted by a parent.

I am on my second year at mckemy i have a bunch of friends and the teachers are suprior. I first thought this school was going to be like my other school but seriously its the best performing school in the district. there is great ways your child can learn new fun activitys. there is sports,shop,art,home ec,music classes,Physical Education,ect. I hope you decide to let your child come to this school it is a great year so far.!!!! Sincerly Shelby Shafer 7th grader
This review was posted by a student.

The teachers at McKemy are stellar. To the teachers' credit, the kids are given so many opportunities to expand their learning beyond what the district expects -- preparing for tests. My child actually likes going to school every day and is proud to be a McKemy Tiger.
This review was posted by a parent.

I'm a student here at Mckemy Middle School. This school is amazing. The teachers are great. I'm in honors classes so I get good test scores. Last year I did awesome on my AIMS scores. My teachers last year helped me get excelling test scores. Ms. Osborne is very sweet and helpful. People need to realize that this school rocks. Yes some bad kids go here but I never associate with them so I'm good. Kids can make fun of the smart kids but whatever. All the teachers rock. Go tigers.
This review was posted by a student.

McKemy has always been just a bit better in the test score department among the other middle schools in the district. This year they jumped two labels from performing to highly performing! They missed the excelling label by tenths of a point! I am so happy for this school and for Principal Sturdivant in paticular! Great things are happening at McKemy!
This review was posted by a parent.

McKemy has a staff of teachers that take pride in what they do, and the students feel that they are cared about, thus helping them with their success.
This review was posted by a parent.

McKemy has been a fantastic school for my son. The Orchestra program and Ms Osborne is why I choose McKemy. Their last concert of the year was a 'Hero' theme. Ms Osborne was able to involve the entire school with writing projects and art projects talking and showing heroes. She added a slide presentation during the concert showing heroes that her classed had submitted. She also invited heroes like policeman, fireman, the Mayor, AZ Human Society, Habitat for Humanity and all came. A great overall learning experience. Science has added a new garden for learning and the students are getting a hands on approach to science. Ms Russo in math taught her 7th grade classes about business and made a fantastic class project. McKemy would be a great choice for anyone looking for creative learning.
This review was posted by a parent.

After reading the reviews of several schools I'm familar with, I'm not sure how I feel about participating on a site that bases its school ratings on AIMS scores. Even using a couple more areas of comparison might make for a more sophisticated picture. Lots of apples to oranges. The reviews seem to either be rah rah, our school's the best, or written by a parent with a bone to pick. Part of the problem is that parents are shopping for schools instead of concentrating on helping their school in areas that need improvement. All schools have good points and bad; middle schools are particularly challenged since this age group can be tough to reach. I think McKemy is making progress academically and is working to improve communication with parents. Connecting more w/ ASU is starting to happen. I'm glad we still have a variety of electives incl. shop and home
This review was posted by a parent.

I love Mckemy Middle School. It has a lot of fun activities. Tomorrow we are skipping class if we went up at least one point on our tests and having a giant field day. Mckemy has very nice teachers and are willing to help you when you need it. Mckemy is one o the best schools in the district:) I am very ecsatatic that I attend Mckemy. (I don't know if i just spelt that right)Anyways Mckemy is an exellent school for children to attend.We are also very smart.
This review was posted by a student.

McKemy has good electives. I enjoy shop and orchestra. In shop we get learn about building things with wood. In orchestra we learn lots of music.
This review was posted by a student.

I believe this school is really a great place to go. All the teachers I have met are great at teaching, and are hardworking. They are very nice, and don't give up easily. This school has scored one of the highest in excellence, and its kids learn very quickly nd easily. The music classes are very advanced and I believe its one of the best in the district. The only thing I'd complain about at this school is the Dress For Success, but you get used to it almost right away.
This review was posted by a student.

At first when I heard about McKemy I thought it was just going to be a regular school, just like any other. When I started my first year in sixth grade, it was not like any other. It was better! The education I have received is great. The orchestra is fantastic. I have fun learning every day. I could not be at a better school.
This review was posted by a student.

I have been at McKemy for all 6,7 and 8th grade and the education that is given to us is a great opportunity to receive. I have taken advantage of learning the fine arts of music. The music teachers at McKemy are also wonderful. I can also share my admiration of music with the students that I share the learning program with. All I can say is that McKemy is a great place to learn.
This review was posted by a student.

I really like McKemy for lots of reasons. The reason I like it the most is the orchestra. Orchestra is really really fun and challenging. In orchestra I play the bass, and I've been playing for four years. The teacher of orchestra is really nice, but also pretty strict. I love playing in the orchestra and I will all the way through college. I have lots of friends in orchestra, and together we sound great.
This review was posted by a student.

I am a student here and it is a great school. The orchestra is great and the teacher is awesome. The curriculum is wonderful and you'll have a great experience here. The teachers are all nice. Every tuesday if you have turned in your work on time you get to do a reward activity. If you get good scores on tests you might even get to go to Skateland. There are many more reasons why Mckemy is so great.
This review was posted by a student.

My children started here in the middle of the school year 08-09. We came from one of the top schools in the country to this school. I was not impressed with the lack of attention to the children. They're more concerned about the bad things children do then teaching them. It's like a mini detention center. The lack of respect they have towards the children really shows why there is a 50% drop out rate in this state.
This review was posted by a parent.

i went there all 3 years and i loved the school... the staff was good for the most part!!!
This review was posted by a other.

Well, I say do not believe all the bad stuff about McKemy because this school is awesome!!!!! I mean, there is issues on the activties that a selected students are involved with but, thet doesn't matter much because we get high scores on tests and parents and high school students are constantly complimenting our McKemy Express Choir- which yours truely is a proud member of- because we have gone to compitions of amny kinds and had great socrs there as well! i got to say, I do not regret going here for the last three years at all. the only thing I am sad about is leavimg all the awesome teachers that should be paid more!!! Go Mr. Pino and Mr. Read!!!!!!!!!! Whoo hoo!!!!!!
This review was posted by a student.

mckemy is cool i guess . some of the teahcers could do better off somewhere else , but overall , its been a fun experience so far . currently , ive only had 2 years here , and they have both been really fun ! most of my friends go here , and we're constantly talking about how much fun we have here , i mean with all the activities and things . this school has so much to offer and great potential . we have really fun electives including home ec. , industrial arts , choir (the best) , orchestra , and so many more ! you'll be surprised to see how much fun your kid(s) will have if they come here ! well this is getting long so ... bye !
This review was posted by a student.

This school is amazing! I went there for 6th and 7th grade, but I had to move. Favortie school of all time. (:
This review was posted by a student.

I went to this school for a year and it was not great. The kids are not a good group to hang out with.
This review was posted by a other.

McKemy is so cool. I've been here for 2.5 years now and i love it. I'm in all honors and the teachers are really helpful and nice.
This review was posted by a student.

i love Mckemy i went there for 3 years and i graduated last year and it was the bomb!!!now i go to Tempe High it cool!!! but to all you Out there who thinks Mckemy is a bad school you Shoould Take your childs place for a day and really see how cool it is. the teachers are great and the staff is to and the principle is very nice and understanding!!!! so i give my heart to Mckemy and hope you have a great year>>>>>
This review was posted by a parent.

I think Mckemy is a great school I love the dress for sucsess code it's easyer for me to get up and get dressed! Thank you!
This review was posted by a student.

McKemy is Great school. I loved my learning experience here. the teachers are fabuous, and have incredible teaching techniques! what i love the most about my experience here was playing in the orchestra. The teacher Ms. Osborne is fantastic! learnning to play the violin was one of my greatest achievments! she hepled learn diferent techniques that made it easier, and alot more fun! i really had fun in her class everyday was like a new adventure. Everyday we had fun while still learning! also Ms. Osborne always offered to let people come in early to get extra help. she was always respectful to the students, an showed an interest when they were having a bad day. Learning a McKemy is one the memories i will never forget!
This review was posted by a student.

Wow. There is no better word than amazing to describe the Mckemy Orchestra. I have attened Mckemy Orchestra for three years. Ms. Osborne has taught me for all the years i have participated in orchestra and she is awesome. She dedicates her time to her students and music. I wouldn't have picked a greater orchestra teacher if I could because she is the greatest. If you don't go to McKemy Middle School next year and partcipate in the McKemy Orchestra, then you are missing out on the greatest opportunity of your life.
This review was posted by a former student.

McKemy has great teachers and a FANTASTIC orchestra department.
This review was posted by a student.

Orchestra rules! Also, the teachers are great and patient.
This review was posted by a student.

I have two children that attend McKemy Middle School. All the teachers care about my children and their education. The orchestra director is an excellent teacher. She is an outstanding musician and is teaching kids to be great musicians. The end of the year concert was amazing. One of my kids is a member of the fiddle group. The kids sound great. I highly recommend McKemy. Be sure your kid is signed up for orchestra.
This review was posted by a parent.

McKemy is a great school for middle schoolers it has great teacher and a great environment to be in and the principal is great!
This review was posted by a student.

I think mckemy is a great school with great teachers and staff. They also have great activities.
This review was posted by a student.

Mckemy has the best teachers and the best principle in this school. But the have good cafeteria food and we get to do science and social studies projects like roller costers and castles .This school is better then other schools.
This review was posted by a student.

McKemy is a very cool school. It is better than those other school's. You can get a good education here. The staff is good. This school is awesome.
This review was posted by a student.

I specifically requested a job assignment at McKemy because of the bright and dedicated teachers, supportive administration, and pleasant staff. I see excellent classroom management, creative and effective teaching (especially in the instrumental music program) and lots and lots of learning!
This review was posted by a staff.

I have been very pleased with my experience as a parent of a child attending McKemy. This school is outstanding all around, and puts forth effort in many areas to even better the educational environment for its students.
This review was posted by a parent.

My child attended mckemy from sixth grade and is now moving on from eighth grade to high school. I have been very happy with the school, administration and, especially, the teachers. They helped my child excell in everything and succeed with his expectations and goals he had set for himself. I would highly recommend this school for any child with or without learning disabilities.
This review was posted by a parent.

I am proud to work at McKemy Middle School as the SPARK Behavior Interventionist. It is a school that is filled with students that want to learn, parents that want the best for their kids, and teachers that constantly strive to help their students excel. McKemy is always looking to find the next best way to help students grow and support the communitites these children come from. GO TIGERS
This review was posted by a teacher.

McKemy is the greatest school in Tempe. The teachers and co-staff are kind to student/us and they will help the student to get more knowledge and activities with full support. Children get more benificpal thing and have the fun stuffs to do and they have the fun to do homework and the project work which will cherishes their future life so that will very highly benifit for a bright future of student and also that kind of activities will help to strength knowledge and face any kind of situation.Parents teachers meeting is the best kind of activity with this school this is the best thing to improve student standard .Pricipal of this school is praise worthy whenever need improvement as well as study/administration area Principal action is excellent. Student have many good works to do. Student also like school library and play ground. Student also have the good stuffs to learn and grow.
This review was posted by a parent.

The learning environment at McKemy is excellent. The teaching and administration are quality teachers and staff. My experience the last 3 years was been nothing but extraordinary. My son has shown growth academically and personally. They not only teach academics, but life long skills he will use his whole life. As a parent I know that I can always go to the school, and be treated with dignity and respect. I highly recommend McKemy to anyone. The administration is always willing to give personal tours of the school and classrooms. The music department is the best in the district.
This review was posted by a parent.

McKemy is a great school with a lot of wonderful students and staff. The teachers at McKemy give 110% to ensure that each student's academic, social, and personal needs are met. Each teacher goes above and beyond any basic requirements to make school safe and fun!
This review was posted by a teacher.

Parent involvement could definitely be improved. Apparently no one wants to be a part of their kids life! Honors classes are really good--challenging for students. I would like to see more done with the bullies on campus. They seem to get away with quite a bit.
This review was posted by a parent.

I enjoy teaching at McKemy Middle School. The faculty care about learning and children. The administration is supportive of a learning environment, students, and of teachers.
This review was posted by a teacher.

McKemy has great programs for both the low and high students. It offers free tutoring after school as well as other programs. The staff is qualified in each of their academic areas. I have been teaching here for 6 years and wouldn't teach anywhere else.
This review was posted by a teacher.

The music department at McKemy Middle School is awesome. The orchestra director cares about children and music. We have been lucky to have such a great teacher for our children. There are many excellent teachers at McKemy School. The administration cares about academic progress and support the teachers.
This review was posted by a parent.

McKemy is a great school. The teacher's are friendly and care about all the students. My family and I attended their multicultural fair and it was great. We were very impressed with how everyone worked together to provide an opportunity for families to enjoy the evening events. The teachers at McKemy work hard at trying to provide the students with a safe and challenging environment. I am so proud to be apart of this family!
This review was posted by a parent.

I am impressed by the level of support McKemy offers its special education students. No other middle school in the district has the 'Content Mastery' room staffed by certified special education teachers throughout the day, to help IEP students with assignments from their regular classes. Content Mastery is also available so tests (other than reading tests) can be read out loud to the students. This way the students' actual knowledge of science or social studies concepts is measured not their reading ability. Also, by having separate reading/language arts classes,IEP students aren't embarrassed by having a special teacher work with them in the back of a regular classroom full of their peers. I've seen other special education programs at other middle and jr. high schools and McKemy's is the best I've ever seen.
This review was posted by a teacher.

McKemy's middle school's strongest asset is it's teachers. In all of my years of working with schools, I have never seen so much dedication and commitment. I have never had trouble getting in touch with a teacher, and I feel like I know every detail about how my child is doing. The teachers are so enthusiastic that my child can't help but get excited about going to school. I hope that we are fortunate enough to experience such great things when my daughter gets to high school.
This review was posted by a parent.

Mckemy middle school has some of the best teachers in the state...They truly are trying to educate all of their students in a positive way....I would recommend Mckemy to anyone who expects a great education for their students...
This review was posted by a parent.

I have three children and my youngest is currently at McKemy middle school. My other two went to other middle schools, one in Arizona and another in Texas. McKemy is by far the best of all three. The teachers work closely together and the extra-curricular programs are amazing. The multi-cultural night and field day were two beautifully planned events that many other schools would never have the structure or comittment to plan. Their music program is above average and the student performances are very well planned. My only wish is that my other two students could have gone to McKemy as well.
This review was posted by a parent.

I went to one other middle school and was so scared to come to McKemy. Every teacher I have was sooo welcoming and the kids were so nice. I made so many friends right away and I love all of my classes. I thought that school was boring and too easy at my last school but we do so many fun things that make me learn without even realizing it.
This review was posted by a student.

McKemy Middle School was wonderful for my son. He had teachers who cared about him. He received a solid foundation upon which to build. I am completely satisfied as a parent.
This review was posted by a parent.

My son has had a terrific education at McKemy Middle School. Teachers treat him as an individual. He enjoys playing in an excellent orchestra. He is getting a wonderful education. The principal is kind and cares about students. He is a good leader for the teachers of the school.
This review was posted by a parent.

By looking at the other reviews. I can agree to many of them. McKemy can do better. Teachers do lack motivation where the struggling and troubled students come. If your child is perfect in every way then McKemy is a great school. Cafeteria food is aweful. I did not believe it untill I ate there a few times. You ask for help and no response. Teachers wait until last minute to give out major project details. Not understanding not every child can do it in one night. Aims testing is coming up and I do not see McKemy doing so well from what I have seen as improvements in my students. Sadly , this school needs a boost!
This review was posted by a parent.

There is little communication with parents, and no evidence of any effective leadership. Stands in stark contrast to the gem of an elementary school just across the street.
This review was posted by a parent.

I'm a student that goes to Mckemy Middle School, and I think that overall the school is doing quite well. Even though the teachers might be a problem sometimes, I have made many friends and I continue to learn new things that will benefit me in my personal life as well as educationally wise at this school! So I give Mckemy two thumbs up!
This review was posted by a student.

An excellent school that faces the continueing problem of poor district funding and an ignorrant state legislature that won't fund ELL classes. McKemy has a diverse student body, as well as staff, and has made great strides in keeping attendance high and student achievement elevated.
This review was posted by a parent.

The school is a good one for students who are gifted. They have a very good system for the students that get into trouble often.
This review was posted by a parent.

This is a school where lack of respect comes into play.Teachers do not care whether or not students pass or not.They are there to collect a paycheck. Things go on for days before staff finds out and or before staff catches the students doing things they should not be doing.
This review was posted by a parent.

My Rating for McKemy is a ' F ' . Reasons why: 1: Out of 7 Teachers this year 6 of them do homework helpline!It is May 2006 and homework helpline for one teacher is still Septemember 2005!And the 'principal' was going to make certain she fixed it! Not did Not happen! 2: Out of 7 Teachers 1 of them support my child and do what it takes to see my child gets the help it needs! 3: Cateteria workers are rude!Manager especially! 4: Principal does not follow through!Tells you what you want to hear only! 5: Activities are under supervised! 6: Been here for two years and my child keeps getting the same electives and they say they have no control over what classes a student gets! 7: Music & PE are they only two areas I support and give a good grade to! Last, We will not be back another year!
This review was posted by a parent.

As with many schools, there is a range of quality of teachers. I have one child who is finishing 8th grade and another in 6th. At this point I'd say about 25% of the teachers are excellent, 60% are ok and the remaining 15% are poor to very poor. There is limited extracurricular activities opportunities. The theater program, when they actually tried to have one, was a joke. The activities I have gone to seem to be fairly well supported by the parents. The school facility is showing it's age a little bit and the quality of materials is barely adequate. They have done a good job of transforming my 8th grader from one who was very disorganized into one that can meet almost all requirements on time. The 6th grade is unique in that the student stays with one teacher a large majority of the day instead of switching every class period.
This review was posted by a parent.

My decision to rate this school is a hard one.I am currantly very disappointed in a few areas of this school.One,being lack of communication between teachers and parents.Ever tried to talk to an answering machine? Ever tried to get help from homework helpline on numerous times and it is still stuck on the second week of schools list? Well if this is how they help kids, I can understand the lack of control and support my children complain about. So, we have to remind teachers to do their home work too!
This review was posted by a parent.

Music programs are the best I have seen.I think school has a growing concern for safety and control of it's students.Not at all happy with how school functions are controlled when parents are there , makes me wonder what goes on when parents aren't there.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school is good for ordinary students. The teachers are friendly, open and helpful. One daughter who transferred from Catholic school found it very easy. We have another who is special education with an IAP, which is paid lip service, with no attention to her level - either too hard or too easy. We are pulling our last child out of the school. Discipline can be a problem, depending on the teacher. The administration concentrates on their survival and careers, leaving the teachers more on their own, with varying results.
This review was posted by a parent.

If you want a school that gives a lot of homework than send your kid to McKemy. My child spends at least 2 to 3 hours a night doing homework. Teachers give them projects to do in school and at home but then they pile a ton of homework on top of them. This is giving the students very little time to read, watch tv, or spend time with their family. Overall amount of time spent on school work in one day is unbelievable. Teaching and school work should be done in school with maybe an hour of homework per night. Not here.
This review was posted by a parent.

McKemy currently has a Principle that does not seem to care as much about the students and parents as he does his own 'programs.' The teachers, however do a fine job of overcoming the lack of real leadership. The parents who choose to be involved are wonderful! Many parents find that they can improve the situation if they are willing to help.
This review was posted by a .

I am very upset regarding the Tempe School District. Meyer Elementary and Mckemy Middle are horrible schools with below average principals and teachers. I am currently seeking a different school district.
This review was posted by a .