Big gaming

DDMS is struggling with mediocrity. My kids were loaded up with low-quality learning tasks… filling workbooks, hand-copying pages of printed materials, tedious online (glitchy) learning games, autopilot homework mandates (eg quiz apps to be done twice a day every day). A few teachers were engaging, creative & organized but most were not. A few had thick accents my kids could not understand, causing them low scores due to unclear assignments & vague test instructions. My kids saw violence, vaping and bullying. DD does try hard to hold programs & clubs aimed at inclusion. Principal is engaged, & school officials helped troubleshoot problems with an outright mean teacher, but it was overall a stressful experience.

"When I think of Dillard Drive, I think of my friends, the people, and the teachers who are my best friends as if they were family. The downsides: no ""clean language,"" drama/fights, and not to mention the secret vaping in the bathrooms. In 6th grade, there are so many fun activities and moments that you will never forget. Most of the teachers are fun and sweet, and there are lots of celebrations, as well as getting you used to REAL WORK.In 7th grade, things are more of a challenge educationally and emotionally, but you will be more used to the school dn how it works, as well as know everyone and all the grades. There is still time for fun, as long as you do your work. And finally, 8th grade is more mature but exposing, and on task for high school workwise. Dillard Drive is like a second home where there WILL be struggles, and you WILL run into trouble, but it will make middle school one you will not forget. -A student"

Our son and daughter absolutely love Dillard Drive middle. The low scores and other ratings do not in any way reflect our experience. The principal, Mrs. Feldman, balances compassions with a level of discipline that has made this an incredible experience for us. Our kids are strong academically, and their teachers challenge them. There’s also an impressively low level of bullying. Mix in the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity as well, and we honestly wouldn’t even remotely consider sending our kids anywhere else.

Children are not motivated to do their work and the school just allows it to happen, hence the low test scores. Many fights break out and children have even vaped in class. This school is dangerous to not only children but staff as well.