Research Explorer Middle School public Schools in Mountlake Terrace, Washington

“This school, no offense I think is a school with low standards. The regular classes do not teach sufficent things. All they have are the basics. The Summit program, is very good, I have to admit, but the regular classes are not satisfactory. If you have a higher level child that can be placed in special classes take them to Explorer to be in Summit, if your child can't I highly suggest a different school.”

“I am a new setudent to the Summit Program at Explorer MS, there are teo sides to this school. Personally, I feel that the teachers and students are well-behaved and highly educated. In the other hand, in the regular ed classes, I observe terrible behavior, slacking students that teachers don't really help out much, etc. Now don't get me wrong, the music programs and after-school activities are plentiful. I've also herd that the old principal Mr.Flotlin wasn't interacting with the kids, but the new principal Mrs.Williams is doing a fine job. So, in conclusion, if you are in the Summit (highly gifted) Program, than there are great students, classes and teachers that will make the expirience fun and educational. Otherwise, if you are in regular ed, go to Harbour Point MS.”

“Hello! I attend Explorer MS and I have to say that Summit has been a quite an interesting experience with all the teachers and glad that I have attended this school. I feel that Summit has helped me grow in knowledge and etc. and got to meet new friends! With Explorer, I have been given a choice to get 3 credits before entering highschool and I feel it is going to help me shape my future. I am dissapointed by some of the reviews and mostly about Mr.Flotlin (our principal) and how he does not interact with the students. Well, he is actually a kind hearted person and I believe he interacts with other students very well, it's just that the other students either become shy or they refuse because of his little 'disability'. I hope this review opened the eyes of the reviwers and this deserves a better rating.”

“I as a previous student who attened Explorer take some of these offensivly. Yes, there are alot of different races that attend this middle school but it has only helped my grow as an individual. I believe that if I would have gone to another middle school that I would no be who I am today. When your child gets to the age to be in the 'real world' they will still have to encounter different kinds of people. Another thing is, the staff at explorer helped me expand my outlook on viewing situations, and conflicts. Mr. Flotin made an inmense change in the way explorer was ran when he first came onto the job and I believe he did an amazing job throughout his whole career there, along with Mrs. Williams too. Explorer is a great school without a doubt.”

“The honors program has been great for my son and he will be starting high school with three credits, thanks to Explorer and the wonderful teachers and classes they offer. The sports and band have been a wonderful experience too! I feel you will get back what you are willing to put in in. The teachers have stayed after class and help any of the students who are willing to take the extra help. Get involved and you will be rewarded. I will miss the staff and teachers and want to let them know how much I appreciate everything they have done.”

“I've attended Explorer the past 2 1/2 years. The quality of the academic programs are great. But some the teacher's are really nice and sort of just let you pass if you just did it. Other then them they do discipline you in your work. Explorer has the regular classes, the Honors classes, and the Summit classes. The marching band and drill did do the best in the past years, I'm not really sure how long. They have a variety of clubs from knitting to jump roping to break dancing, etc. The parents can get involved with plenty of things like helping sell candy grams, the student store, and after school clubs and programs. I recommend this school a lot. The atmosphere makes you feel safe. All the teachers are friendly. Hardly there are trouble-makers.”

“I have spent my past three years as a student at Explorer Middle in the Summit (highly capable) program. Although most of my classes have been taught at a higher lever, I did have some classes with students in regular education. The teachers in the Summit program are great, but outside of the program, the attitude towards students is much different in the sense that they try to distance themselves from students and parents and don't create a one-on-one learning experience. However, the music and sports are amazing at this school. The marching band has won every parade in the past four years. The wrestling, football, and volleyball have done awesome. Ms Williams does an excellent job. Overall, I think Explorer is a pretty great school.”

“My child transfered to Explorer MS after attending a different middle school in the same district. I was shocked at how far behind academicly the school was. Everything my student was learning had already been previously learned at her former school. The lack of communication with the school is also a concern as well as the constant disiplanary 'situations' that seem to arise on a daily basis.”

“The Mukilteo School District's middle school summit program is housed at Explorer Middle School. My son has been in the program for two years. It is a district-wide pull-out program for the top 2% academically gifted students. Curriculum is challenging and interesting. Teachers are well-qualified, caring, enthusiastic and energetic. Parent involvement is high. Music and sports program, especially band and orchestra, are very strong. Program does a good job preparing students to take AP courses in high school. Overall, Explorer is a very well-run school that serves a diverse student population.”

“I have had three daughters attend Explorer. In the past years I have noticed a decline in the staffs attitude with students. Teachers who do not listen to students concerns or questions. The increase in foreign students to the school district has made it very difficult for american english speaking students to get any guidence from Explorer faculty as the majotity of their time is spent tutoring foreign students and their ability to comprehend the class topic.What I find the most offensive with the staff is they don't get involved or try to get involved with their students until there is a problem, I as a parent get involved with all of my childrens education needs. Perhaps Explorer staff should look at their obligations to the students and do a true evaluation of the internal problems that need be addressed before its too late too turn back.”

“Hi. I go to Explorer and think it is the best school I've ever been to! The teacher are great. They ar eincredibly helpful and supportive. The safety is not even questionable. Their curriculum is awesome and taught well by mostly all teachers, if not all. I think that the steps program is a great way of discipline.”

“I am in the process of deciding what to do about my daughter at Explorer. I have volunteered here and I am amazed at the kids who seem to be bouncing off the walls. The principal has no interaction with the students. I have watched him during school concerts and in the halls not take any action to disipline them. The principal needs to go to an office job I feel. He watches the kids in the halls but does not talk to them. The kids need firm bounderies and they need to be accountable! Some of the teachers are wonderful, although some treat their teaching as just as a job and you can see that they are tired and frustrated. I would love to see a new principal in there who has a passion for middle school students. The standards need to be higher!”

“There seems to be an overload of parents attenting 'special meetings' regarding disciplinary issues with their children. Very little cooperation is set forth in supporting parents in guiding their children through the educational process. We know several children who attend this school, as well as our own, and the children seem to be upset most of the time. The principal travels through the hallways and attempts to make personal observations regarding performances of various individuals. I would recommend sending your child to one of the other Mukilteo Middle Schools.”

“I have only praise for the leadership of this school. I believe they try to look at new ideas and comments from parents, and give them a fair shake. I haven't always seen the results I've hoped for, but I do feel listened to and respected as a parent. The current leadership has made huge improvements in the school, morale-wise and practically”

“Explorer is a Title I school with over 1/3 of students receiving Free or Reduced Lunch, but given the challenges it faces regarding attendance and student motivation, the school does and excellent job. Staff morale is high, and teachers meet the students where they're at academically and then challenge them to go higher. The school has implemented a highly successful discipline program, which helps students feel safe at school, as well as promotes citizenship. Overall, Explorer deserves praise for its efforts and successes in meeting student needs and improving student performance.”