Barber Middle School in Acworth | 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: May 18, 2026

This school genuinely sucks. Some students have put one of my friends through hell and the teachers refuse to do anything about it. I cant wait to get out of this school. I wish I could put a negative in the emotional support.

Posted: May 18, 2026

Went to this school for three years, it's terrible!

Posted: May 18, 2026

Posted: May 8, 2026

this school suck please don't go here they have put me through hell

Posted: May 8, 2026

Posted: March 23, 2026

The most horrible middle school in Cobb County. The teachers dont care the administration dont care. God forbid you have a child with special needs or needs special instruction or has any type of learning disabilities they will be ignored. They will be left to fail. Its a horrible school.

Posted: March 23, 2026

Posted: December 14, 2024

Student engagement is a flaw at this school many people hate learning as the topics are barely enough to keep you awake. The STEM program is quite lazy and their use of AI and computer learning suffers as a result. The band program is good as it has some of the best teachers, however the difference between "gifted" and "non-gifted" band students is pronounced and that can make students feel like they cant accomplish their goals because they aren't "gifted". Mental health is something that is never really put in the spotlight, which can make many students feel like they cant talk about their problems with a counselor. The punishment system is very good as it makes sense to the students which makes it approachable and fair. Family engagement is not highlighted just like mental health.

Posted: December 14, 2024

Posted: June 24, 2024

Not a good school foods bad too

Posted: June 24, 2024

Posted: January 11, 2024

I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!! First off all some old heavier set man named Jerry Richardson had only talked about the absurd thuggish activities he has participated/been through. I speak for me and a my peers and the future bright souls. WE DO NOT WANT TO HEAR THAT NONSENSE. NOR DO WE WANT TO HAVE TO LISTEN TO SOMEBODY THAT SPEAKS WITH HIS EYES SHUT COMPLETELY. Im sorry but this has really set me off and pushed my buttons for the last time. I write this review with full sincerity but THIS HAD CROSSED THE LINE. Thank you for your time .

Posted: January 11, 2024

Posted: November 10, 2023

It is a overall amazing school with a bright future ahead.

Posted: November 10, 2023

Posted: February 4, 2022

I have had three students to pass through Barber. They were involved in many aspects of schoolclubs, orchestra, dance, stem class, art, on-level classes, and advanced classes. All three went on to high school fully prepared. The principal knows the students by name. Was there homework? Yes. Was it overwhelming? When my children let it pile up, but usually it was completely manageable with their after-school activities. Its a great place to learn.

Posted: May 25, 2021

As the parent of a 8th grader, I must say that Barber Middle School has been a wonderful experience for my son. Thanks Ms. Tai Amlett for your awesome leadership. Barber is a fun environment where the kids were allowed to thrive. They have concerts, dance classes and various activities that allowed kids to be kids. The teachers are amazing and this past year showed so much dedication and compassion. I am pleased to see that the test scores and ranking have finally caught up to reflect the hard work of the kids and teachers. Barber shows that kids can have fun and work hard.

Posted: May 25, 2021

Posted: October 23, 2018

As a former student who was bullied often each day physically and mentally the school did no help to myself or the behavior of the other student. Without having physical proof of the bullying the school didn't do anything unless the child confesses. Bullying happened everyday in front of the teachers and the most they ever truly did was tell the counselor. In my experience, the meetings with the counselor did no help but instead more harm.

Posted: October 23, 2018

The school loaded us with hours upon hours of uncompletable work. When having 6-7 classes the stack piles up. Each period would give sheets of homework to be completed each night while the student s still had afternoon clubs and other activities. Many students confesses to failed classes due to extreme amounts of work and having to stay up many late nights in attempt to get it all done.

Posted: October 23, 2018

Most all of the teachers at this school are fantastic teachers who really helped student reach a higher potential. They could've done more though.

Posted: October 23, 2018

Though the school holds rally and quarterly talks with the counselor Teachers and staff rarely did anything for discipline to try and keep the school record. In order to remain a top school with "low" Iss and Oss write-ups the teachers never wrote up any kids unless the student harmed another in physical means. The students have to respect for themselves, others, or the staff and nobody stops them.

Posted: October 23, 2018

The school was somewhat effective in this area because when we set up small groups the teachers picked them out by performance rate. The only bad part to this is that the groups were a dictatorship. When voting for the student council in the school the choice is that any student could run, the downside to that is because it became the ultimate popularity contest in who could get the most votes by being a rude selfish prick with the most friends.

Posted: October 23, 2018

The special education program is a great program because it focuses on the students needs. One issue I noticed is that the teachers did not prevent bullying of the children. At one point in my education the entire hallway was shut down and barricaded because students would make fun of the disabled.

Posted: October 23, 2018

I would rate my experience at Murray F. Barber Middle School a 3/5. While the school it's best to follow state and county laws they mainly cared about the test scores and the overall look. While unlike many other schools the teachers there do care about the students and their ability to learn and retain. The fine arts could absolutely be improved along with many other things. It really is great school it just has a lot of kinks to work out.

Posted: February 17, 2018

The main reason am giving this school an average grade is the curriculum. If your child is not into the performing arts he/she is doomed. My son had 2 classes of PE! and yet was lagging behind in math. In 7th grade I practically begged for extra help, summer school, anything to help him improve in math. Nobody came to our rescue. His 8th grade math teacher didn't even want to deal with him from day one! Literally! Now that he is in 8th grade that's when they are scrambling to take him to a remedial class. And he is not alone. Most of his friends are in the same situation. The principal is effective and most of the teachers are great. But they really need to do something about the curriculum...and fast.

Posted: February 17, 2018

Posted: August 23, 2017

Would like to see test scores improve. More programs need to be added desperately. Some kids have physical education for two class periods due to the limited space and only a few elective classes being offered. Needs better books and updated Technology in the classrooms. The teacher are amazing and caring. Administration handles issues swiftly and accordingly. My daughter loves the school, but academically it needs improvement.

Posted: August 23, 2017

Posted: August 19, 2016

This is a title-1 school in Cobb county so it's course offerings, schedule and often course load are dictated by the county. That being said, my son has been there for 2 years and we have been really pleased. All of the teachers seem to care and want the kids involved, the music, dance, fine arts program is extensive and their communication via technology is very helpful (each teacher has a blog and they update it every day - not just a forgotten page in cyberspace). They all focus on helping the kids learn organization and multi-tasking. Very pleased. I saw a poster complain that there weren't organized sports held at the school specifically and that is because in the state of GA middle school programs are run via the high schools. The city of Acworth also has a huge extensive football and basketball rec-league program that plays in the Barber middle school gym.

Posted: June 24, 2016

this is the worst school ever. My son went there for the 6th and 7th and 8th grade. the worst thing was a teacher named Coach Richardson. Instead of teaching all he would do is talk about thugs and how students won't be able to be succeed in the real world. But, there was one good thing. This one teacher named Laurie Caroll. She was so helpful to my child. She would care about the students and try her hardest to make them succeed.

Posted: May 8, 2016

This is a great school in a wonderful and safe community. There is a large involvement from the community, parents and teachers!

Posted: April 14, 2016

I think that there could be a better mixture of course offerings. For example, there are no technology courses offered at this school. Also, Spanish is the only foreign language offered. There are no organized sports at this school. The student must go through North Cobb High School or a community league in order to participate in sports. The teachers are caring and do return parent questions in a timely manner. The front desk staff is friendly and helpful.

Posted: April 14, 2016

My son has homework just about every night, but hardly ever has homework on the weekend.

Posted: April 14, 2016

Posted: November 17, 2015

We heard a lot of rumors and were very concerned about our son's transition to Barber Middle School. We have been pleasantly surprised. The office staff & campus officer have always been friendly & my son has not witnessed any bullying in his first year at Barber. My son's teachers are very dedicated and responsive. My son's math teacher, Mr. Abel, is ALWAYS at the school... no matter what time or event. I am impressed with how many teachers make themselves available before and after school for help. My son is excelling academically and enjoys being part of their superb music programs. He also participates in RSP & Running Club. Where else will you find teachers who volunteer to get up before 6:00 am on a Saturday to mentor & run alongside your student?

Posted: October 20, 2015

I can describe my childs experience with this school in one wordTRAUMATIZING. My son has autism, and was placed in co-taught classes; but the teachers, social worker and administration knew nothing about his disability or how to teach him. Rather than looking at ways to help him, they just wanted him out. Their focus was on making the environment so hostile and intimidating that I would have no other choice but to withdraw him. There was one incident that was so bad that my child just put his head down on the desk and started crying. This led to a nosebleed and instead of helping him they just let him sit there and bleed all over the desk; didnt even give him a tissue. It got to the point that I didnt feel my son was safe at that school, so I withdrew him. I decided to move to a MUCH better school district where they have teachers that are well trained and care about their students; and now my son is doing much better! If you have a kid with special needs, avoid this school if at all possible.

Posted: October 20, 2015

Teachers have no education or training on how to work with kids that have special needs, yet they are hired as special ed teachers. I ended up giving them information on my son's disability and how to help him. This still didn't help. I can only assume they are indifferent and do not care.

Posted: October 20, 2015

The faculty and staff are indifferent to children with disabilities and the challenges they face. They have no integrity, honest or sense of fairness; and therefore, are unable to develop that in their students.

Posted: May 31, 2015

The principal is the problem at this school. She doesn't care about the kids or the teachers. She doesn't listen or interact with parents; she's only concerned about her looks and appearance. She is defensive and aloof. She needs to step down asap.

Posted: April 13, 2015

This school is more concerned about getting a pay check than actually teaching the kids. They spend more time on petty stuff than teaching. They do everything they can to keep you in the dark about your child's learning. I feel like my child is an entire year behind. No review of tests, my child had to check the blogs daily just to see what he made on a test and then they would not review them so he is left with not knowing the correct answers to anything. I am transferring my child out of this school as it has been a complete waste. From the admin to the teaching staff..

Posted: August 4, 2014

Terrible school. The principal is very fake and is more concerned with her appearance than she is the students. If you try to go talk to her, they won't let you. Now I see why more and more parents are choosing home school these days. The connections classes are wonderful. There are also a handful of ac teachers who are as well: Eby, Carroll, and Also Mr. Ruiz and Abel. That's it.

Posted: July 8, 2014

I used to go there two years ago and it was better when i was an 8th grader there. However, the have become more strict because of the upcoming 8th graders. The school is very relaxed and really deal with no issue at all. But the school s very good if you are concerned about academics. Though i believe the school should have more cameras especially behind the auditorium. There are things that happen down there that no one knows about. And they should really lock teacher workroom doors. Kids go in there to do..certain things.

Posted: June 16, 2014

I'm a student, and this is one of the worst schools I've been to. There are drugs, violence, and bullying issues here. The worst part is, the administration doesn't care! If you are thinking about sending your children here, rethink immediately!

Posted: May 23, 2014

This school is a nightmare. They did not do anything special for the students. They were not even allowed to have an 8th grade formal or a field trip. The administrators claim to support the students but do not allow them to do anything. What kind of school does that?

Posted: May 9, 2014

The school doesn't know how to deal with sexual harassment. Guys never leave me alone and follow me in between classes and the administration just tells me it's because of their age and I should be flattered.

Posted: April 21, 2014

I am an 8th grade student at Barber. Unfortunately, I cannot say this is a good school. There are many issues concerning meeting with the principle, bullying, and even attendance keeping. My fellow classmates and I have been to the principle numerous times about bullying and nothing has changed. The students go unpunished. They get a slap on the wrist (metaphorically) and that's it. My father has tried to meet with the principle more than once, but has recieved no form of contact from her or anyone ele in the office. I am a child with not the best health. I have a bad kidney, sever migraines, and that isn't the end of it. I have went to doctors, and have excuses, but they have failed to count them as excused. Ther excuse was "We cannot go back more than 3 days." Which they have done before. So overall, if you have a choice between Barber and another school, choose the other school.

Posted: November 12, 2013

Seriously? I'm sure if he was a fetus then everyone there would be looking out for him.

Posted: November 7, 2013

JUst Google "Texas school tosses 6th grader s breakfast in trash after he can t pay 30 cents" and you will see the rest.

Posted: October 13, 2013

Bullying is a very hard issue here... I think Barber Middle School is a good school I just find it hard for kids to listen in class when students constantly talk and continue to be disrespectful to teachers. I also don't think that the staff pays attention to the language the kids use. The connections teachers are the best thing you can learn at barber. Overall its an average school.

Posted: September 20, 2013

Reading these old reviews nothing has changed ,you can feel the tension . Principal although being accessible is happy to meet with you to insult between the lines . Use email and text to minimize contact with parents. The use of their own judicial system within school and apparent use of labeling and judgement can be detected after first contact not long before the tarnish shows through the silver. I feel sorry for the 1 or 2 exceptional teachers who are stuck there. This school is an easy read a pig in a skirt is still a pig in a skirt . I do like the distance to the school and that its clean. The school can improve by letting the parents parent and teachers teach. Stop complicating communication with parents with deflection ,detect disgruntled employees with teachers who want to work. less bleach

Posted: September 7, 2013

My Daughter is new to 6th Grade this year, I will say that the transition was fairly easy but as the parent I find barber Very difficult to follow along with due to each Teacher has BLOG, some Teachers use Text Message method of communication. The Teachers are nice enough but you can tell they are only here for a Check so they teach the minimum. The Guidance Counselors are GREAT and helpful for both parents and students. Other then that this is very unorganized and complicated and so far this early in the year I'm not feeling the warm fuzzy that my child is getting a caring education. So Parents if your child goes to this school please please please stay very very involved with what your child is learning and stay on top of the teachers if your child needs extra help. I really hope the Principal reads this because I am sending this to the school Board also.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Heritage Farms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Marietta	GA		8.6 mi
2	Garden Hills	Condominium/Townhouse	Atlanta	GA		22 mi

Base	Distance
Dobbins ARB	12.6 mi.
Fort Gillem	35.5 mi.

Barber Middle School

Acworth, GA 30101

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Barber Middle School

Acworth, GA 30101

School Ratings

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