Research Gardner Middle School Public Schools in Lansing, Michigan

“I love Gardner and almost missed out. I will admit I was nervous about sending my son there because of negative comments of other parents. I knew my son would excel anywhere, but I was worried about the teachers not caring & the curriculum not being challenging. Was I ever wrong! My son has amazing, qualified, and caring teachers and is challenged daily. I watch him study for tests and for the first time, he's scratching his head because it isn't easy. He's a 4.0 student and is taking honors classes. I realize now, I was foolish to believe other parents, but smart enough to take a chance on Gardner. (Plus those 'other parents' aren't involved with their children's education and are having the same problems at other schools...hmmm, maybe its them). A few weeks after starting school, my son kissed & thanked me for choosing Gardner. ;o)”

“I love Gardner. I've gone to other middle schools in the area and they don't even come close to Gardner's greatness. Smart parents choose Gardner Middle School for their student.”

“Gardner is AWESOME! It has lots of opportunites for all the students to participate. The after school programs offered include; sports for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, Reaching Higher, Equations, Mathaletes, and so many more. The teachers care about the diverse students that attend Gardner. This is the best middle school in Lansing!”

“I love Gardner because we have fun electives to choose from, we have great food that tastes great, we learn so many things I never even thought about that could be on earth. Its easy to make friends at Gardner because they will help you around on your first day. We also have 6 different classes and we have seperate teams. And if you come to Gardner you will meet this funny lady named Ms.Baker who will make you fell safe. And there are security gaurds in the halls,lunchrooms and even when were outside so tecnically you are safe at all times. We also try to raise up money to make are school the greatest we can. But I absoulutely love Gardner and Im in the 6 grade.”

“Gardner is Lansing's outstanding middle school w/o question. My kids have been to three of them. I know!!! Gardner is the best. It has not always been that way - the staff and principal and his assistants work real hard. These days Gardner has highest test scores, most kids, and best environment. It is the most orderly school you will ever go to. The kids are mostly low income many with trouble at home. Yet they all have a chance at Gardner to be a success in life. Diversity is celebrated with kids and parents from a variety of backgrounds. Sensible policies are apparent, the building leadership makes everyone accountable while making everyone welcome. The principal says 'our door is open to everyone' and he is right. Your kid would be lucky to attend Gardner.”

“This school has an interesting track record with how they discipline children. No positives are apparent in this school. The halls are dreary, the extracurriculars are non existent, no special programs/classes make the school stand out, no leadership and the wishy washy-ness of the rules makes it difficult for the community to stand behind the school. Liven up the 'playgrounds', hold special events at the school, add some fun after school programs, get the staff involved in the school, endorse the PTSA a bit more, show the parents and community that you would like to turn around the school and make it special. Maybe even being one of the first with uniforms in the area would help.”

“My child has not had a good academic challenge. There are limited extracurricular activities and parent involvement is very low. We are now moving out of the district because most of the schools are in need of major restructure in this area.”