John Yeates Middle School in Newport News, Virginia

“I am greatful for the sense of security and discipline at John Yeates. However, I feel that the school doesn't offer enough activities for students. I'm appalled that the school doesn't have National Junior Honor Society or Beta Club. I feel that the academic structure of the school is a bit too regimented. It seems as though my child is basically doing the same types of projects in all classes each year. Interactive notebooks are great, but come on guys. Let's try a little more imagination with our curriculum.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I attended this school for all three years, just moving to virginia for my 6th, and i had an incredible time :) I struggled a bit in 6th grade but it eventually evened out with help from my teachers and I was accepted into the IB program in 8th grade. The music program is also very nice. Although, Mr.Paquette is verry very wack outta this world, he teaches you what you need to know and more. He's a very very good teacher and although he's incredibly clueless as to whats going on in his class he's a great teacher. He greatly prepares you for a higher level of band and he has prepared us for marching band in high school :) (go warriors!! lol.) If it intrests you or your middle schooler I highly suggest joining his class in sixth grade and continuing through high school. It's worth it.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I think JYMS is a great school. Every thing is great there. The principal is great the staff are nice, the teachers are fantastic, and I could go on forever but the main thing I am saying is if you ever get a chance to send your child there, you really should. You won't regret it :)”
This review was posted by a student.

“i love(d) john yeates. Unfortunately, I had to move to Charlotte,North Carolina. We have fun, the teachers are ok, the food isn't all of that but its ok. I made a lot of friends and quick. My favorite teacher was Ms. Bougouneau.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Discipline is the main objective at this school. It's unfortunate, but the teachers seem constantly on the defensive and the administration's principal objective is to maintain order.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is great I mean at sometimes Suffolk schools can get a little shaky and the teachers can too but other than that John Yeates couldn't be better.”
This review was posted by a student.

“We moved here from Penn. right at the beginning of the 2nd semester. The Pennsylvania school was much further along in Math and Science and the guidance counselor at John Yeates was quite upset with the fact that they were taking courses that weren't offered here. The principal stepped in and allowed my 8th grade child to be bussed to the high school (and receive high school credit) for math and science but they would not allow my 6th grade child to take 7th grade science and math because of the way things are scheduled there. She was bored to tears- and wasn't tested for the gifted program until it was too late to join. Organization within the school itself is also very shaky- no one ever seems to know what the others are doing. And we knew of NO extracurricular activities at all- not even 7&8 grade cheerleading.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughters attended this school for a total of 6 years combined. During that time the demographics of the school's population had not changed much, 50% whites and 50% other. The atmosphere is generally tolerable and the teachers adequate. I find that there is alot of ridgid structure which somewhat gurantees order, however, stifles the child from learning how to navigate indepedently which is of paramount importance when they arrive to high school. Teachers tend to micro-manage the kids and not offer the freedom to be autonomous in alot of areas. As a very involved parent I found that visibility is the ticket to getting information and letting those there know you are very involved with your child and expect your child to be viewed and treated in a respectable manner.”
This review was posted by a parent.