Herbert Hoover Middle School

"For those seeking a review on this school, I personally can't always offer a Grade-A report. But, this does not change the fact this school changed and taught me for the better and bitter. Middle school, in the true form of foggy mornings of the campus, or the aromas of prepped school lunches, is gonna be a mixed bag no matter where you end up going. Hoover is just another school like that. For me, at least, this school was a new change- one for the better and one for the worst. I had come to Hoover knowing only two people- (..and honestly not too well, either.) and I had been absolutely terrified. But, you learn. You learn the schedules and the people you hang out with, the teachers and the staff who made it their everyday ritual to keep this school running. I had learned, in a very simple way, that this school wasn't going to be easy. But I met the most amazing, sweetest people here. Friends I hope I will keep throughout high school and maybe even college. This school is not perfect, by any means. Cussing and overall behavior was rocky at times here. Fights broke out over- ..well, middle school stuff. Chips. Mutual dislike. Crushes. That weird teenager stuff that we all deal with. Some teachers were the sweetest, most kindest beings you would of ever met. Some were tougher and difficult. Some were just in-between. If you end up going to Hoover, I offer you a tidbit of hope. Not everyone there is gonna be as big and scary elementary school makes it out to be. You'll meet the kindest, most awesome people who'll you become buddies with, and maybe even some people you'll like. There are gonna be some jerks. Maybe they start off as your friends and drama breaks out. Maybe they have a bad attitude, or hurt you. I ask of you when going into ANY middle school- or any school at that, that you see that each person you meet as human. Silly, right? I've seen countless times of again, and again where middle school peers instead of recognizing a chance to talk- ..maybe even a chance to make up, instead choose for more name-calling and slurs. Words are more than just the letters I type; they are more than just formulated thoughts and things we say to each other. They are the things that make us who we are, what we're known for. So, be someone you'd be proud of here at Hoover. Sometimes you won't always be. You'll make mistakes. But, by no means, does this not mean you can't pick yourself and try again. I won't speak too much of myself except for the fact I urge you to find what makes YOU happy here from personal experience. Whether that's cutting off a toxic friendship, or finding a small corner where you can have some time alone. For me, I was scared of confrontation and loud teachers, and I struggled with anxiety as I trudged through these three years. So I dealt with it as best as I could, hanging out with friends who made me feel comfortable and happy. Sometimes I wondered if it was worth it to make it here. In school- in a place where toxicity grew like weeds in the faded sidewalk cracks, where finding your sexuality, the gender you identified as and the people you surrounded yourself were just mere jokes and slurs to be bounced around like a tape recorder. It was frustrating. Guys would make sexist and gay jokes. Girls would make sexist and gay jokes. Dear god, everyone made sexist and gay jokes there. It completely flabbergasted me. No matter your political stance, however, I urge you if you decide to send your child here- be open. Be aware. Some kids aren't open about what happened at school. Some are. I, even, the giant mouth I WAS, sometimes didn't talk about stuff. Hoover Herbert Middle School is an EXPERIENCE. And if you end up going here- I wish you the best of luck and maybe a hug. You'll get through it. If any of us crazy kids could, then you can. The staff looks out for you. You'll laugh and find good moments with friends, and maybe even some tough moments. Just keep swimming, as they say! Much luck. And.. GO HOOVER!"

"The school said to have an open gym a week ago, drove my kid there, gym was locked and couldn't find anyone can open it. Today, says open gym again, and kids called the school and got the confirmation it truly will open. Whole bunch of kids happily showed up on time. Once again, the gym is locked, and the school staff onsite couldn't find the one who holds the key! A terribly managed school!"

"It's a pretty good school. It's pretty easy to make friends, I've made tons. There are fights here and there, but I'm pretty sure that there will be fights at every school. Some teachers are awesome, some teachers are eh. But then again, in every school you will find good and bad teachers. Overall, I do recommend this school if you are thinking on having your child come here any time soon."

"I just started there in September and I really like it. I love changing classes and teachers. It keeps things flowing. The days seem to go by faster not staying with one classroom and one teacher all day. It's a great school."