East Middle School, 6-8 (Public)

Downey Unified School District

10301 South Woodruff Ave. Downey, CA 90241

Phone Number: (562) 904-3586

Fax Number: (562) 469-7240

Website: n/a

See East Middle School at GreatSchools.net

Overall Parent Rating

Extracurricular Activites

Parent Involvement

Principal Leadership

Safety and Discipline

Teacher Quality

out of 27 ratings

Nearby Schools

Nearest Cities

Downey 1.01mi

Santa Fe Springs 2.38mi

Bell Gardens 2.8mi

Pico Rivera 3.09mi

Norwalk 3.25mi

Bell 3.96mi

Bellflower 4.02mi

Paramount 4.29mi

South Gate 4.52mi

Montebello 4.53mi

Demographics
Reviews

Ethnicity Distribution

2/17/2011

I have been an EMS parent for the past 4 years, and I am looking forward to another 8 years more, the principal has made the difference, his involvement in anything that has to do with the school is remarkable, this past year he promoted the PIQE (Parent Institute For Quality Education) and it was a complete success, for a lot of parents was an eye opener and in consequence, more parents got involved. Every day when i drop off/pick up my kid at school I see him or the counselors walking around the neighborhood making sure the kids are OK. as a parent i really appreciate that. This year due to budget cuts some of the PE programs were cancelled, but he found a way to get pass those challenges and came up with a different PE program that is getting all the kids involved, and it's working!! Also our API scores are going up, and they have zero tolerance for bulling. EMS may not be perfect but the pro's are more than the con's. Overall we love EMS.

written by a Parent

10/4/2010

What is the truth about the homework? The posting regarding home are from one extreme to another. Bullying? And the school does nothing?

written by a Parent

8/17/2010

If your child is coming home with no homework from East Middle, they are hiding something from you. The English department REQUIRES daily reading of 30 minutes or more per day. The math department gives homework EVERY night. Science and social studies can be more involved and usually assign things in class that are to be completed at home. Since these concepts can be a bit more complex than math or English, it makes sense to have teacher guided practice in class before it goes home. Again, if your child is telling you there is no homework....you're being duped.....check with the teacher and sign up for the district's Zangle program. I think you'll be surprised at just how much homework your child in NOT doing.

written by a Teacher

7/21/2010

2009-2010 Is the first year (out of three in this school) where the budget crisis has noticably affected the quality of the school. That said, my belief is that the commitment of the majority of the teachers has shielded the school from greater harm. There are a few dedicated parents that stay involved in the school even though middle schoolers are notorious for not sharing information. Parent involvement is evident in open house nights, but the real work is in making up for the funds lost over time for extracurricular activities. The teachers put a lot of their own money into their classsrooms. Even though the economy has affected us all, parents should be willing to do the same.

written by a Parent

5/6/2010

100% agree with the most recent comment. While there are some great teachers, I do agree that not enough homework is given. My 8th grader is so used to having next to no homework (if any at all), and I have serious concerns about his transition to high school in the fall. Also, there is a major bullying problem that the school AND district do nothing about to fix. I, too, had heard great things about East Middle School (it's supposed to be the best in Downey), sadly this is far from the truth. Don't believe the hype.

written by a Parent

3/19/2010

I totally disagree with the parent that called for 'less homework.' My daughter attends EMS and she rarely recieves homework. My wife and I are proactive about her reading, and other lesson plans otherwise she would do no schoolwork at home. Test scores only improve when students actually learn the material.EMS should give more homework, specifically in reading. Homework should be particularly increased in the 7th and 8th grade as the kids are preparing to transfer to Downey high school. Less homework means lazy teachers, students, parents and lower test scores.

written by a Parent

10/3/2009

East Middle is considered a Distinguished school in our city, they have the higherst rank of students that participate in the STAR testing every year. The principal and all the faculty members are very involved in working to make the school a really great & safe environment for the students to learn and grow. They have an outstanding curriculum, and a great physical education program. I heard nothing to good things about East Middle School, and with the budget cuts they can use the money to help with all the school needs not just for this school year, but for more years to come. I want to give my support to a great school.

written by a Parent

8/28/2009

this school is really awesome!! I just graduated from the class of 09 and theres no other way to describe this school other than perfect in every way. they have the best teachers and staff than the other middle schools in the district.

written by a Student

8/26/2009

The school is simply outstanding. I barely have words to describe this school.

written by a Student

4/18/2009

Well im a student and it is my last year here [whoot-whoot kudos too us class of 09!) well let me just start by thanking all the teachers there really great especially my all-time favorite miss.Awad!. And my pe coach mr.Fetter, even thought he made us run thanks for pushing me to improve. I love es1 and the fact i come out in a lot of videos [like the macarena starting video!] and finally all the woonder friend i made and thats just to many to name i love you all and thanks for the memories!(:

written by a Student

5/31/2008

I am a sixth grader at EMS, and I think my school is spectacular. I have advanced and honors classes and I've made so many great friends! I especially love my science teacher and I think my english teacher (though strict) helped me become a fabulous writer! I also love our broadcasting program, ES1. However, it bothers me that the students at East are very materialistic, but other than that, this school is awesome!

written by a Student

11/28/2007

I currently attened East middle school and I love it! Yeah it was hard 2 make friends in 6 grade but now in 8 grade the year has flown by! There are great people who work at east and have made my 3 years there wonderful.

written by a Student

11/27/2007

I think EMS is doing there part in advancing my child's education. Along with my hard work and dedication, my child will be on his way to success.

written by a Parent

10/31/2007

So far the school has been great. My only problem with this school is that my daughter doesn't get to shower after running during PE time. That is not good and very unsanitary, I hope they change that policy soon. The Principal is an awesome person thus far.

written by a Parent

10/10/2007

East Middle School is OUTSTANDING! The quality of lessons & academic programs are exceptional. Social Studies and Science are my kids favorites. I have an 8th grader enrolled at East & 2 graduates. The office staff, teachers & coaches are so dedicated & they truly care about their students. My children have had the opportunity not only to participate but to embrace drama & music through the fantastic drama class and exquisite choir & band program. The teachers are very accommodating when you need to speak with them regarding your child. And in my experience they've always had my child's best interest at heart. When I drop my son off at school each day I know he is in the best of hands.

written by a Parent

6/20/2007

I am very impressed with the eighth grade language arts program at East Middle School. My son has completed several writing assignments including a comprehensive research report, creative writing assignments that include several forms of poetry, and an in-depth study of grammar; even spelling is taught and reinforced through the understanding of spelling rules. The expectations of the teacher are clearly stated and each student is cognizant of what is expected in order to receive a high mark. With an API of over 750 (800 is perfect), I see the results of good teaching firsthand.

written by a Parent

5/22/2007

The academic program at East Middle School is superior to any I have seen in the district. The teachers, in particular one eighth grade language arts teacher, are some of the finest in the state. To think that EMS ia a public school that accepts all students and still scores high on state tests is amazing.

written by a Teacher

4/30/2007

I think that the last parent reviewer needs to do his/her homework. Similar schools comparison is the best gauge for how a school is performing, and East is performing in the 90th percentile.

written by a Teacher

4/19/2007

I have a student attending EMS now in the second year, and I do not feel that EMS is the best middle school around. Before such statement is made one should take a look at its most resent API statewide ranking. EMS did not meet their subgroup growth targets for 2006, and if we compare EMS to other schools in the surrounding cities, one must take a look at other surrounding schools that met their API at the highest level, like Sharon Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Los Alamitos, CA. They have an API statewide ranking of 10 along with outstanding and detail parent reviews. About the great staff comment, I know some great teachers at EMS, but I also know some that are not so great! And the same goes for their administration and office staff!

written by a Parent

7/26/2005

I think that the students should have less homeowrk and more discipline. Alos, the P.E. activities should work more muscles than just legs. But also the brain.

written by a Parent

6/7/2004

As a concerned parent, I think East Downey, has done a fair job. I did hear of the superior job they did with the children & I was very disappointed. 1.Walk the talk-Don't expect a smile or a greeting at the office, but they do encourage all the students to do so. 2.Assumming-Teachers assume every student is there to goof off. The students who want to learn have to go out of their way to make this known. 3.Girls Sports-Only if you have played previously would you be able to make in on a team. 4.Counslors- were of no assistance to help my child assimilate to the school. As a new student, my child found this school very cold & filled with assumptions. She finally made friends toward the end of the year, but it was a long hard process.

written by a Parent