Palmer Middle School in Kennesaw | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	6/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement, and using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade (EOG) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.
Student Growth	4/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.

Posted: August 19, 2026

I can't say enough great things about Palmer Middle School! The teachers genuinely care about their students and create an environment where kids feel challenged, supported, and encouraged to succeed. The administration is approachable, responsive, and works hard to foster a positive school culture.

What stands out most is the school's commitment to both academics and personal growth. There are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved through clubs, athletics, and extracurricular activities, helping them build confidence and develop new interests. The diversity of the student body also creates an inclusive environment where students are exposed to different perspectives and backgrounds.

Communication with families has been consistent, and it's clear that the staff wants to partner with parents to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed. While no school is perfect, Palmer has a dedicated team that is continually working to improve and provide the best possible experience for its students.

I would highly recommend Palmer Middle School to families looking for a supportive learning environment with caring educators and a strong sense of community.

Posted: August 19, 2026

Posted: August 14, 2026

Palmer Middle School is a great school where students are challenged to reach a level of excellence. The teachers are attentive, supportive, and genuinely invested in their students success. I appreciate the strong academic expectations and the environment that encourages students to grow, stay engaged, and reach their full potential.

Posted: August 14, 2026

Posted: May 10, 2026

Horrible. I cry almost every day in the mornings because of this school. Ive received a lot of criticism, bullying, homophobia, transphobia and sexual harassment.

Teachers don't care about students, they only care about grades. Ive had horrible grades almost all school year and it's mostly because of stress and how complicated they teach me. Theres probably only been a few times I actually understood what I was learning and most of it I just didn't understand. We always went through different units so fast it didn't make sense.

I'm a transgender and gay student, and the amount of homophobia+transphobia I've received is actually insane, I get bullied for it every single day here and I get misgendered on purpose (I fully pass, people who didn't know I was trans were convinced I was a male a birth) but people who knew misgendered me alot. I don't get how someone can look at me and just bully me because of who I am. I really wanted a school and classes that would support me!

Students get bullied everyday and teachers don't do anything about it. And I also have to mention that teachers criticise me and my classmates, or just rude! Like for example, I had a bad stomachache and so obviously I tell my teacher about it (expecting her to be kind and ask if I think I needed to go to the nurse or use the restroom) but I got hit with a "okay? What do you want me to do about it?"...

Just a horrible school with bullies. I understand if it's your only option but otherwise don't come here.

Posted: May 10, 2026

Posted: February 11, 2026

In ONE class period 12 children got their pants pulled down. underwear included. This was in the lunchroom, class, and halls. no teachers showed concern. There has been shotting threats and bomb threats every year. I reported a shooting threat, and they told the student i reported about my report and who i am. i feel so unsafe walking the halls i had to get put on medication for such high anxiety. There is no way this school is safe and following guidelines. too many girls have been caught vaping in the bathroom, and that's not on the school, but it falls under their jurisdiction. I'm in all advanced classes, and the teachers still do not have control over the more tame students. there are people coming to school high off za. nothing is controlled here. If you have a child with a disability program, they give them a room to melt down in and scream, but everybody can hear it through the walls. there is no privacy at all. if this is your only option, i understand.. but if you can drive your child to school of choice, i'd reccomend that for sure.

Posted: February 11, 2026

Posted: July 11, 2025

Worse school ever! I will never put a child at this school again. If your child has an IEP they will pass them along and do not care if they actually learn anything.

Posted: September 17, 2024

Lowkey I do NOT like this place and going here at 8:40 in the morning and there's girls screaming here makes me wanna cry fr

Posted: September 13, 2024

This school wasnt a great fit for my family. Time after time my student was attacked had her hair pulled out and bullied. Administration didnt do their part making sure my child was safe. They refused parent meetings and deflected many issues. I have made the decision to withdraw my student.

Posted: September 13, 2024

Posted: March 26, 2024

This school does not take genuine bullying and sexual assault seriously. I have not been a victim of bullying here but I have been a witness. People are constantly getting bullied and getting touched in inappropriate ways on campus and none of the teachers do anything about it. On top of that, there are many neurodivergent kids in this school who need extra help during class, and the teachers don't help them. If they mess up, they just tell them to be quiet and don't help them at all. There is so much racist remarks that come from the students here and the teachers do not do anything about it. I have heard more racial slurs in this school then in a COD lobby of angry teens. I am in the orchestra connection, and I hate it. I have talked to many administrators about it and they have lied and done nothing. 0/10, do not come here.

Posted: July 17, 2022

This will be my third year at palmer in august. I'm in mostly advanced courses, and there isn't much to say. It's not a amazing school, but I've heard worse about public schools in our area. As per usual the dress code sucks and the administration is ok. We are however getting a new principle, so some of that might change. I definitely wouldn't tell you not to come here, middle school is rough and it's hard to tell if it's the students or the school.

Posted: July 17, 2022

Posted: May 2, 2022

This school is terrible. They do not take sexual assault seriously. They do not take action in any harassments or assaults unless it is physical fighting. They consider having evidence to be "bullying". You can never feel safe in this school. Another day is another time you get called homophobic or racist things. The staff clearly have better things to worry about than other kid's safety and do not care what happens on or off campus. Although the staff are quite respectful with the LGBTQ+ and POC community, the teachers are not so much. They hire the worst teachers, most barely know how to teach. They need to step up their game because this is unacceptable.

Posted: May 2, 2022

Posted: April 14, 2020

there are so many bullies in this school any one and probably at least be bullied including me and they have never done anything to stop it and my friend suffers from bullying too like getting called anorexic or too skinny.

Posted: April 14, 2020

This school is awful you can never feel safe there. i have been called fat and ugly left and right and they have done nothing, they never notice when girls are getting harrased . and they should notice when kids get called homophobic words because it happens all the time. These teachers never let you explain why you did something when giving you a mark like how one time i helped my friend draw a mouth on a doodle for at least a second and said i was talking too much when the only thing i whispered was "ok" but later i asked what happens to my friend when she talks during a movie she never gets in trouble. many of these teachers show favorites and thats just unfair. i have been harassed by this one kid and i have told the teacher and you know what she did even though she saw it happen? she did nothing.

Posted: April 14, 2020

Posted: March 15, 2019

The teachers at this school do not know how to implement a basic 504 plan for a student with medical needs.

Posted: March 15, 2019

As of yet, my child has not had an experience with bullying from the students.

Posted: March 15, 2019

This school assigns way too much homework! There is easily 2 hours per night, which is ridiculous! The teachers assign homework on weekends and DURING BREAKS FROM SCHOOL (like the September break, February break, etc), so the students do not get much of an actual break. My middle schooler, who is not even in all AC classes, has more homework than my high schooler, who is in all honors classes.

Additionally, most of the teachers have tests count as 70% of a student's overall grade, and there are maybe 3 tests per 9 weeks, so each test averages into the student's grade with a higher percentage than the high school EOCs.

Posted: March 15, 2019

The teachers at this school do not even bother responding to parent emails. The blogs are inconsistent with what my child tells me was assigned. It is impossible to work with teachers that will not communicate with parents.

Posted: March 15, 2019

If the teachers are not displaying it, then it it doubtful that it is being developed in the students.

Posted: March 15, 2019

I had to CC the administration on an email to a teacher that never responded to 2 different emails, and I didn't hear back from the teacher or the administrators.

Posted: March 15, 2019

The teachers at this school refuse to communicate with parents. The teachers won't even respond to any email that contains a questions. The classes are not engaging because the teachers teach to the tests, and the students do not learn any actual critical thinking skills. The fact that tests count as 70% of the students' overall grade is a huge indicator that this school values test scores more than actual learning. Honestly, stay away from the school because your student will not be happy here, and neither will you.

Posted: February 3, 2019

Should have a comparable special needs program to that offered at pitner with small room learning environments for those with special needs

Posted: February 3, 2019

Bishop was the only good teacher there but still wasn't able to give the focused support to my child due to the large classroom environment

Posted: February 3, 2019

My child did not have the support needed with her special needs at all at this school

Posted: March 16, 2017

This school needs to learn what leadership and positiveness means!

Posted: March 16, 2017

Be advised this is not a good caring school for your child the staff is very Mean an disrespectful they criticize students and parents in there face an behind there back. The staff all stick together an treat parents an students like they are trash the staff feel that they are more superior than anyone on planet earth.
I would not recommend this school not even to my worst enemy.

Posted: March 6, 2017

Over all it is not a horrible school. Majority of the teachers are awesome. A few rotten apples, but over all they are awesome. It is the administration that needs to be fixed.

Posted: July 6, 2016

I have had 3 children go through Palmer and all have had wonderful experiences thanks to the high quality teachers and staff. Plus, the building is so well maintained! There are many clubs to select from and the music/art departments have highly qualified/effective teachers. In addition, Palmer is an AVID demonstration school, so there is an obvious and significant emphasis on preparing students for college.

Posted: July 6, 2016

Posted: June 17, 2016

My daughter was bullied in 6th grade to the point that she refused to attend anymore. Administration is ok with dealing with bullying AFTER the fact but it would be better if the bullying didn't happen at all.....

Posted: June 17, 2016

Posted: April 15, 2016

Let me start off by saying administration at this school is horrible!!! Administration bully's the students especially the principle Mrs. Jackson. My child definitely will not be returning next year.

Posted: March 19, 2016

Most of them were very effective, but we did have a few bad apples that ruined the whole batch for us. Some of them need to retire. Our homeroom teachers were the best of all the teachers we had and only male principal was exceptional among his peers.

Posted: March 19, 2016

We hope no one has to experience the hardship we experienced. Our children deserve better!

Posted: March 19, 2016

Our daughter attended this school under the previous administration and we loved it, but our experience with her younger siblings and the current administration left us needing more. We've pull our children from this school because they were bullied by their Assistant Principal, Guidance Counselor, and teachers. Our children did not have a voice. so we had to become their voice, remove them from a very toxic environment, and help them to thrive. When you have children that don't want to go to school anymore you know it's time to find a new school. Every child should love school and feel welcomed. .

Posted: August 24, 2015

All my three girls have been or still are at Palmer, our assigned school.
The 1st daughter Palmer in 2004, her sisters are now in 8th and 6th grades. Much of the staff has changed but the awesome teachers have stayed and only that would be enough already: only good schools retain excellent teachers.
In addition, the importance given to academic accomplishment and the opportunities made available to students to improve and excel in academics make it a special place that truly invests in building outstanding students.
Great appreciated students as consequence have less behavior problems because they are kept engaged in learning with less room to get into trouble. In case they do, there are rules and they are applied when necessary. The students that keep themselves out of trouble are recognized for it and that is one more way to make the students feel safe and encouraged to do the right thing.
Palmer is awesome.

Posted: January 11, 2015

If you have a 6th threw 7th grader don't talk to the vp. Go straight to the principle. Dr. Giles is awesome and very helpful. Dr. V (vp) is horrible. She does all she can do to make your life harder. She even had the nerve to tell my child. She gets bullied because of her choice in clothing and to change her self. Not even saying anything to the other kids who are doing the bulling. Most the teachers are great. The extra's for the kids are great. Only problem we have ever had is with Dr. V the 6th, 7th grade VP.

Posted: November 11, 2014

Not sure about the few bad experiences on here. Over the past year an a half Palmer has become one of the best schools in the county. This is my second child who has come through and the administration has created a whole new climate of success! They are very responsive to parents and students needs and want parents to now be involved in the everyday activity.

Posted: September 21, 2014

Palmer Middle school is not a good choice academically. this review will have the same amount of effort that the school reflects into it students which is none due to the fact that is only allows 1200 chars. thanks bye

Posted: May 12, 2014

My school is a pretty bad environment for a 6th grader like me. I get bullied almost every day. People in my school try to act like they are gangsters and when I ask a question to one of my teachers a question they kind of just shrug it off and take the next persons question. Overall its pretty bad but the extra activities are good.

Posted: April 24, 2014

Palmer middle school has great teachers, music, and art classes. The only flaw is the students. You'll have some great friends but some students will annoy you. They will chew gum even though it wasn't allowed in elementary school. They will curse on the middle of class and the teachers will pretend not to hear. All in all, Palmer is a great school with a couple of downsides.

Posted: February 8, 2014

This is my first year at Palmer and I must say; it's a very qualified school. It has its pros and cons, though. For an example, some teachers such as Mrs. Esserwein and Mrs. Holder are good in the case of a student's problem. The bad news is the students. Some of them are the rowdiest kids you'll ever see. They'll be sneaking past teachers and hanging out in groups, and worse, getting detention almost every week! However, the music and arts program is AMAZING! It's something I look forward to every day.

Posted: December 4, 2013

Middle school has been proven to be very challenging for students, parents, and teachers. My daughter is in sixth grade and, based on what I heard prior to her attending Palmer, I was very apprehensive to send her. Instead, I determined to be an "active" parent for my daughter. I immediately enrolled her in the Palmer Band, made appointments to speak with her teachers and the staff, and made sure my daughter know what was expected of her each day. I make my name and face known and the Palmer staff see that I care by being there. I am fortunate to be able to take time from work to visit Palmer and be involved. For those parents who feel they do not have the time to constantly visit Palmer for their child(ren) because of financial obligations, I say pick up the phone, send an email, write a letter. Your voice can still be heard for your student(s). Signed, "Active-Momma"

Posted: December 3, 2013

Horrible administrators students are treated as irelavant.Worst experience ever for my child. Terrible learning environment.

Posted: February 12, 2013

Go out of the way to make sure parents are not involved. Cannot access Pinacle (grades online) unless you drive to the school and request it. I am disabled and work from home, but they refuse to mail, email, or send access home with my daughter. She is failing three classes and when I called the counselor she had never met with my daughter and said she is too busy and that 70% of the students are failing math. Teachers refuse to email me and let me know what that nights homework is and their blogs are never updated. I asked for any help available and the only help is before school and after school tutoring, which she goes to but she does not ask for help in tutoring. The teachers in tutoring do not check to see what work needs to be done and insure that the students do them. I was told the only way we could get any extra help is if she is a discipline problem, taking drugs, homeless, or if English was her second language. I am very frustrated with this school and it's staff.

Posted: January 16, 2013

The majority of the teachers are great, the band/orchestra programs are strong, and the front office staff is friendly. Unimpressive administration, though.There may be no gangs, but you have kids walking around that think they are in one. Bullying is something that definitely happens and is often not detected or reported. You'd be surprised. A warning to parents that may have concerns, address them via e-mail and keep everything in writing.

Posted: September 27, 2012

This is a WONDERFUL school! The administration here is on the ball & they quickly address any parental issues. I have been extremely pleased with mine & my child's experience here and would highly recommend this school. The teachers are wonderful, the front office staff is supurb, great PTSA. Best middle school in Cobb county, hands down.

Posted: September 27, 2012

We have had nothing but great experiences at this school. The administration is on top of a very strong anti-bullying program. When we had a bullying incident, it was handled immediately & the bullying stopped. There are no gangs at this school, as someone previously posted. When my child needed extra help in a class, the school provided a teacher to assist her before school each day. I have seen nothing but positive administration here that stays on top of what is going on at the school. This is a great school with a great staff.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Heritage Farms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Marietta	GA		3.8 mi
2	Garden Hills	Condominium/Townhouse	Atlanta	GA		18.5 mi

Base	Distance
Dobbins ARB	9.9 mi.
Fort Gillem	32.7 mi.
Camp Frank D Merrill	47.7 mi.

Palmer Middle School

Kennesaw, GA 30144

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Palmer Middle School

Kennesaw, GA 30144

School Ratings

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