Carroll Middle

Posted: May 31, 2026

Do not send your kids to this school. Just go to any freshman teacher at Sanderson and they'll tell you that they know when you a student was at Carroll
It's because they have to re-teach them everything they should have already learned. They also don't do grades. So you have no idea how your kid doing. You're either Progressing or Needs more Progressing. What does that even mean? No honor role recognition. Our daughter went all three years mainly because of her friends and being a cheerleader. Our son transferred after 6th grade to West Millbrook. Much better experience and was way further along at Sanderson than our daughter.

Posted: May 31, 2026

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Posted: May 26, 2026

This school has one of the worst environments I’ve ever experienced. The teachers and staff only seem to care about the loud, disruptive, “popular” kids while everyone else gets ignored. If you actually need help or report something serious, most of the time nothing gets done about it.

There are rude people everywhere, constant drama, students smoking in and around the school, and aggressive fights happen way too often. Instead of creating a safe and respectful environment, it feels like the behavior just gets brushed aside unless it involves certain students. A lot of kids feel uncomfortable or overlooked because the school focuses more on appearances than actually fixing problems.

The atmosphere is stressful, chaotic, and honestly exhausting to deal with every day. This school seriously needs better discipline, better support for students, and staff who actually pay attention to what’s going on.

Posted: May 26, 2026

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Posted: February 23, 2026

Given the option to do this all over again, I would have picked another magnet school. Discipline is a problem here. Kids mentioning vaping or others coming to school high. Some really amazing teachers caught up with ones who should not be teaching.

Go look at the school report card. Search for “North Carolina School Report Cards”. This one has been at a D for the last 7 of 10 years. The other 3 they managed to squeeze out a C.

Would not recommend sending your children here unless it’s your only option.

Posted: February 23, 2026

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Posted: February 21, 2026

This school has been the most disappointing experience I’ve ever encountered. The administration is disorganized—they even lost all of my daughter’s records. Teacher turnover is constant, faculty morale is low, and there was even a staff walkout. Safety is a major concern: frequent fights, sixth graders vaping in the bathrooms, and ongoing rumors of serious incidents. They can’t secure substitutes; when teachers are absent, students are sent to random classrooms and learn nothing. The focus is almost entirely on managing disruptive students, while those who excel receive no support. The school is a consistently underperforming school for over a decade. There is so much more I could write but I think you get the point. Avoid this school if you can! We are currently looking for another school for next year. I honestly feel bad for all of the kids that go to this school.

Posted: February 21, 2026

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Posted: June 19, 2025

Like all middle schools today I imagine, Carroll has a lot of kids smoking and vaping. The school told me there were only 3 vaping incidents this year, a lie. My 7th grade son had 2/4 core teachers leave halfway through the year. Then the principal left in the same year. Don’t send your kid to this school unless you have no other option.

Posted: June 19, 2025

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Posted: June 3, 2025

Most teachers cannot teach the class properly, bad coordination

Posted: June 3, 2025

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Posted: February 24, 2023

My daughter attended Carroll Middle School for 6th-8th grade. She was able to take accelerated math classes, join many sports teams, build connections with teachers and make new friends. She enjoyed her experience at Carroll MS and it prepared her well for high school. She just finished her 1st semester of high school and is doing very well!

Posted: February 24, 2023

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Posted: August 26, 2020

We’ve never had any issues. The counselors serve by grade level and are very involved.

Posted: August 26, 2020

Excellent - my son learned leadership skills and mastered his course work. Thankful for an amazing team of teachers!

Posted: August 26, 2020

The teachers assign appropriate amounts of homework and provide continuous support

Posted: August 26, 2020

Best staff - they care greatly and put In tons of effort to make kids successful

Posted: August 26, 2020

They participate in Positivity Project and focus on character

Posted: August 26, 2020

Strong group of admins, have built a great team

Posted: August 26, 2020

They use a competency based method, where students work wards mastering concepts. Students can continue to improve and show their understanding of material.

Posted: December 20, 2019

Poor. There are better options in Raleigh. There is little to like here. There are some committed teachers. However, this is the minority. There is little senior leadership involvement in coordinating the activities of the teachers. Communication with the teachers is difficult and some are unresponsive. In general, there are unnecessarily large communication gaps between the teachers, the school leadership and the parents.

Posted: December 20, 2019

Each teacher has used their own approach to communicating homework. Many, but not all, used a common website. However, homework was not updated on the site in a coordinated fashion. Many teachers would not update until Monday evening. The 6th grade Science teacher had a rogue website that went un-communicated to parents until late November. Often, various communication vehicles would disagree.

Posted: December 20, 2019

If your child is motivated to learn and will ensure interaction with the teacher, the teachers are generally effective. However, for the general population and those with special needs, the student needs are not met. There are some teachers that are effective. However, the majority are not. E-mails and phone calls to teachers often go unanswered.

Posted: December 20, 2019

The 7 Habits curriculum is nice, but they are mostly words and not practiced.

Posted: December 20, 2019

There was a vacancy in the Principal position and a temporary replacement. There was a change over to a new communication portal that occurred over the first semester with little to no communication, zero teacher coordination and no visible senior leadership involvement. It was chaos!

Posted: December 20, 2019

This is not the place for students with learning differences. The lack of teacher involvement/caring and poor communication/feedback processes made it difficult for parents to partner with teachers.

Posted: December 20, 2019

Bullying situations seem to be addressed quickly.

Posted: April 23, 2019

horrible, they try to monitor and control the students but they take away their freedom in certain ways, the principle and assistant principles seem to only care about how much money they can make and they treat the students as if they were animals, teachers will yell at students for not understanding material when they should be explaining it and they dont punish the students who are rude, disrespectful, and heinous to other students

Posted: April 23, 2019

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Posted: March 26, 2019

I hardly ever see homework sent home. Everything is web/tablet based. This new grading system which is basically pass or fail (no letter nor number grades) meeting expectations or not meeting expectations is a joke. There is no incentive for students to try their best or to excel because all they have to do is the bare minimum to meet the standard.

Posted: March 26, 2019

Had several issues with teachers at this school. Not pleased with them at all.

Posted: March 26, 2019

Again some non graded period that my children feel is a waste of time.

Posted: March 26, 2019

They have a non graded period that is devoted to leadership and skills which my children find as a waste of their time. Sitting in a circle and discussing how they feel. No educational merit, students are bored, and there is no grade so they don't feel they really need to do anything.

Posted: March 26, 2019

Posted: March 26, 2019

Posted: March 26, 2019

Rating would be on the lower end due to the lack of communication with the school. Example: my child with many others were left at school for over 1 1/2 hours due to the substitute bus driver leaving prior to them being dismissed to ride bus. No call from school, no notification, students weren't given the option to call parents to pick them up. I have to drive to the school and pick up my child after being upset and worried about where they were for 2 hours. Tried calling school and no one answers after 3:30pm, which is ridiculous since most people work til 5pm. Again NO communication from school. When questioned about this issue I was told if my student normally arrives home before 3pm then I need to call the school then before 330pm if they haven't arrived home, again I don't get home until after 5pm!

Posted: December 30, 2018

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Posted: December 30, 2018

We have had a great experience the past 2 years. The new grading system has been a challenge but now that we understand it I support it. Encourages children to get 100% before moving to the next module. a 10 point scale, allows kids to pass with a 75% understanding. Great way to close the learning gap to ensure kids fully retain what they have Learned. Much like the elementary grading scale of 1 to 4.

Posted: December 30, 2018

If students can complete assignments in the classroom then no homework. This pushes my daughter to focus on school during the day and leaves her afternoon open for sports.

Posted: December 30, 2018

Love how enthusiastic the teachers are! They really engage with the kids.

Posted: December 30, 2018

Positivity Project is working! No bullying here!

Posted: November 23, 2017

Posted: November 23, 2017

My son is having a wonderful start to his middle school career at Carroll. His teachers are attentive and creative with their classroom activities and the assignments. The administration is very present. They are checked-in among the staff and make it a point to get to know students and parents. We are very pleased that we selected Carroll as our magnet option.

Posted: November 23, 2017

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Posted: November 2, 2017

LOVE Carroll! Discovery Time has been my child's favorite! She loves getting to pick a new activity each week and has been able to meet a variety of teachers! She has learned so many new things! She also loves P2 and learning about her character strengths. I have really seen her grow as a young lady! Her relationships with teachers have changed so much! The teachers, staff and admin are some of the best around!

Posted: November 2, 2017

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Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Teachers at this school work so hard! They teach their content as well as Positivity Project character education, an elective, AND a digital portfolio class called "My Learning"

Posted: November 1, 2017

Students at Carroll participate in daily Character Education lessons through their partnership with the Positivity Project. The students all know their top character strengths and can speak to how those strengths help kids collaborate.

Posted: November 1, 2017

Mrs. MacWilliams is great! She gives out her personal cell number to all parents and staff so that they can talk to her at any time. She was up for WCPSS Principal of the Year this year!

Posted: November 1, 2017

Through the Positivity Project, Carroll encourages students to learn their top strengths and learn what this means about their learning styles. There are many options given for how standards can be met.

Posted: November 1, 2017

The Positivity Project's hashtag (#OtherPeopleMatter) is what daily character ed classes try to convey. Students work through ways to resolve any peer issues with teachers and counselors. The culture in this school has transformed for the better in the past 4 years and it's great!

Posted: November 1, 2017

I would Strongly Recommend this school to anyone with middle school aged children. The leadership in technology theme allows students to get their hands on the newest tech. My student has been able to design and make something on a 3Dprinter and they've even designed something to be laser cut. They have a 1:1 initiative with iPad 2 Airs for each student. They also use their technology to create digital learning portfolios in google sites, where they follow the 7 Habits methods for goal setting and tracking. How cool is that?! I am very happy with my students experience at Carroll!

Posted: October 26, 2017

Our experience at Carroll had been very positive over the last year and a half. Strong teachers and effective learning practices!

Posted: October 26, 2017

Students are able to get a jump start on homework in class sometimes. They have a reasonable amount of homework.

Posted: October 26, 2017

Super enthusiastic teachers! Good changes last year and this year. Carroll teachers teach the whole child. Great focus on social/emotional.

Posted: October 26, 2017

Students are involved in Positivity Project. They are developing strong character traits!

Posted: October 26, 2017

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Posted: May 18, 2017

Unfortunately, I cannot say anything good about this school. I do not recommend to attend this school unless you do not care about education your child will get and what environment he/she is.

Posted: May 18, 2017

Posted: May 18, 2017

Most of the teachers are disrespectful and have a poor student/teacher connection and educational approach. Many good teachers are leaving this school in a middle of a school year.

Posted: May 18, 2017

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Posted: May 17, 2017

My child has dealt with several situations where students pushed him, stepped on his shoes, pushed him out of a chair, called him the "N" word and this started within the first month of school and has continued to be an issue throughout the entire school year.

Posted: May 17, 2017

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Posted: May 17, 2017

It's too much bullying going on in this school and the teachers abuse their authority instead of being positive and compassionate leaders. They have attitudes that are not conducive to students being more compassionate and respecting their peers.

Posted: May 17, 2017

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Posted: May 17, 2017

This is our first and last year at Carroll. I would not send my other children here or recommend anyone to attend this school as they need to clean up the administration and hire new teachers. My child has dealt with bullying and disrespectful teachers off and on throughout this whole school year and nothing has been done to really correct or change any of these actions. I had a teacher call me this morning and when my child tried to speak to me on the teacher's cellphone she interrupted our conversation when he told me she told him to "shut up" then she hung up on me as if I was the issue. I am OVER THIS SCHOOL and we NOT BE RETURNING HERE EVER! If this was the only public school in our area I would pay whatever to enroll him in a private school or move to another area with better schools! -angry parent

Posted: February 28, 2017

Am I the only parent having problems with their child accessing chat rooms during school hours because she knows she's not allowed to be in them at home.... they shouldn't have access to chat rooms from aNY Ipad device given from the school.... her teacher just called and said that she was in a chat room while in class and got her iPad taken away... she also stated other students have done the same thing.... what can we do to keep our children safe from these rooms?

Posted: January 26, 2017

Two kids attended this school within last five years. Oldest son, honors student, was bullied within first week of attending and defended himself against a perennial ISS student. When I talked to Asst. Principal he could not answer anything about what happened and just would say " We have a zero tolerance policy" and then hung up on me. Wow can I get his job? Daughter (also honor roll) currently in 7th grade indicates teachers do not give any feedback and are always late on grading assignments and tests. She is active in their student government and after school clubs but we are looking into transferring her to West Millbrook or Leesville Road. If you have alternatives I would suggest taking a hard look at them if you care about your child's education.

Posted: January 26, 2017

I do not consider letting obvious bullies bring down good students because of "Zero Tolerance" an effective way to deal with bullying.

Posted: January 26, 2017

I have no experience in this matter

Posted: January 26, 2017

Good counselor (likely because she has had a lot of practice) but Asst. principal needs to be fired and teachers need evaluation.

Posted: January 26, 2017

I could not disagree with this more, it is the opposite.

Posted: January 26, 2017

No feedback given on assignments which makes learning from mistakes extremely difficult.

Posted: January 26, 2017

No timely feedback given which inhibits improvement.

Posted: September 25, 2016

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Posted: September 25, 2016

The new administration at Carroll is deeply invested in providing meaning education for ALL students. We have had one student go through Carroll already and had a fantastic experience. Great teachers and a safe learning environment. We now have a 6th grader and couldn't be more excited about the changes we see taking place. Our student is ACTIVELY engaged in learning and being challenged on a daily basis. We are so thankful to be a part of the Carroll Community. Its just a matter of time before this school is recognized as a model for successful 21st century education.

Posted: April 11, 2016

7th Grade teachers are an embarrassment to Wake County school system. Each is about covering his/her own self in order to keep their job.

Posted: April 11, 2016

In the 1.5 years our child was there she learned about how to get on the good side of the teachers in order to advance. If your child is on the wrong side of a teacher forget it.

Posted: April 11, 2016

This school does nothing to instill these characteristics in its students. The new principal needs to clean house then expect to move forward.

Posted: April 11, 2016

Carroll Middle school is a bully ridden school. The Asst. Principals as well as counselors have turned a blind eye on it due to the current minority issues in the media. Ask the Administration about "Restorative Justice". See what type of response you get. Send your kids to a private school or put in a transfer to another school due to violence issues.

Posted: May 21, 2015

Posted: May 21, 2015

Great school passed my expectations for middle school had lots of fun here with some great clubs and electives

Posted: May 21, 2015

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Posted: May 21, 2015

Carroll is a better Carroll then it use to be. The staff has turned the school around completely.

Posted: May 21, 2015

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Posted: May 21, 2015

The teachers are fair, firm, and consistent. The administration is on top of everything that goes on at the school.

Posted: May 21, 2015

Carroll uses the Leader In Me by Covey for leadership and overall positive life skills and choices. There is emphasis on these positive traits daily and discipline reports have decreased significantly over the last three years. There are always a few kids that make poor decisions, but that's how life goes! The overwhelming majority of kids at Carroll are working diligently to develop honesty, integrity, and fairness.

Posted: May 21, 2015

Carroll has made so much growth and progress in the last few years! The teachers and administrators are invested, caring, and effective. My son loves going to Carroll and enjoys teaching me the things he's learning with his Samsung tablet...I am looking forward to sending my daughter there next year.

Posted: May 17, 2015

Carroll Middle School teachers are inattentive and let bullies take over their classes and harming their students. The books & materials kept in the classrooms are allowed to be destroyed by reckless students writing in curse words and profane drawings so my daughter does not want to open the books to use during class. Curse words are allowed in the classroom without comment from the teachers & teachers do not report the students or remove these students from the classroom. When the book problems or bad languard in class has been mentioned to office staff they say the teachers cannot control the students and this is the standard of OK. Messages about bullying are not returned by counselors and the anonymous bully reporting was terminated in 2014.

Posted: February 1, 2015

I am a student at Carroll and love the learning material, teachers, and principals. this school has really turned around in a few short years and I am sad to leave next year. The students at Carroll are so nice and many new clubs have been started including FCA and Beta Club involvement. The athletic director here is wonderful and incorporates community into the sports. While everyone has flaws, everyone has something great about them!

Posted: December 16, 2014

This school is great for children funny teachers, learn fast and they can go talk to a teacher if they ever need help

Posted: August 25, 2014

EXCELLENT SCHOOL!!! I wouldn't have my child in any other school!! The teachers are great. The principal si very caring!!

Posted: October 28, 2012

i have gone to Carroll middle all three years and it has gotten better and better. my first year was not very good. the principal didn't seem to care at all but since we've gotten our new one, the teachers seem to care more, she's more involved, there are more after school programs, and it's just gotten better overall. I actually like going to school now!

Posted: June 26, 2012

My son attended Carroll for two years. I wouldn't say that it was an awful experience but it wasn't great either. I work, was able to volunteer four times a week at the school and I saw A LOT that went on. I proctored during my son's last year and I believe that the main reason why test scores are so low is because the kids just don't take it serious at all. It was a complete nightmare. I try not to take online reviews so to heart because sometimes people exaggerate. But what has been said here is so true. WRAL did a piece about violent middle schools and Carroll made #8. I've never witnessed violence but there was a teacher who tried to break up a fight and she ended up in the hospital. About two years ago, they had drug sniffing dogs on campus - I still have the email. My son has told me that kids in fact use drugs on campus and at the bus stop. I think more parents need to get involved. It's kind of lame seeing the same faces all the time. The Administration can and should do better.

Posted: June 25, 2012

I had to move due to my husband's job, but I was most disappointed to leave Carroll. The administration was a true pleasure to work with and I felt supported and encouraged by the staff and parents to go the extra mile to improve the quality of educational experience for all of my students. I feel strongly that this school is an excellent work environment for effective and dynamic teachers.

Posted: February 1, 2012

This school is great! The afterschool programs are increasing and the teachers are hardworking, understanding, and they seem to love kids. This school is definitely going in the right place. The new administrative staff is working hard to insure that the school is working proficiently and constructively.

Posted: November 4, 2011

This is our second year at Carroll and it keeps getting better. The change in principal, a new assistant principal, and selected staff facelift has made Carroll a rejuvenated, enthusiastic environment. A much improved reward system and great after school clubs have brought a new since of community. Most teachers are approachable and interested in making the students experience fulfilling. I am also very excited to see the large numbers of PTA members (including a large number of staff) and parent volunteers making Carroll a school not to be dismissed as your middle school preference. posted by an involved wcpss parent

Posted: November 4, 2011

Carroll is on the rise. Great new principal, focused instruction, dedicated staff, and students being held accountable for good behavior and academics. In addition, the staff at Carroll is committed to offering many new clubs and activities which are boosting school spirit as well as providing fabulous student opportunities: Science Olympiad, Glee Club, Drama/Theater Club, Chess Club, Student Council, etc. This is a school to watch and get excited about. I believe test scores will head upward as the ship begins to turn under the excellent leadership now in place.

Posted: November 4, 2011

My child is attending 8th grade at Carroll after homeschooling for the past 2 years. I can honestly say that the school is making a tremendous effort in getting itself on track. The new principal is so positvie and energetic, as well as the staff. It's encouraging to see more parent involvement as well. We look forward to a great year!

Posted: October 26, 2011

I am a 6th grader at Carroll Middle School and I disagree with the negative reviews below. I love this school. There have only been two fights this yearl but nothing big compared to other schools. It is really fun. I love my electives. It really isn't that bad. I say this is a good school and shouldnt have a rating of 3 out of 10. I'm doing good in my classes and i believe those scores will go up this year. There are alot of smart people too. I also think the students are doing their work (this year) and there isn't really anything to worry about. We learn a whole lot in a short period of time.

Posted: March 5, 2011

Carroll is working hard to get the students to do their work. Since January we have been having iterim principals. With our old principals we had nothing done about fights, bullying, bus troubles, and teachers. We now have new teachers more students are getting work done. I hope now with a new principal we get our test scores up and meet state average or higher.

Posted: February 28, 2011

Carroll has a bad reputation so I was worried about this school. However, my kids are doing well. They have a lot more chances to participate in school activities than at their former larger school. Also, there seems to be less of a problem with cliques since the affluent snobs go to other schools.

Posted: February 27, 2011

The administration and teachers are very responsive to the needs of students. While every school has its problems from time to time, Carroll Middle's time with problems is drawing near. Current administration is focused on student achievement. They are also focused on making the best of current and upcoming student assignment by our school board. Students and parents have a voice and just need to remain involved.

Posted: December 3, 2010

This school never meets their end of year testing requirements which is quite disappointing. My daughter reports to me daily that there is an extreme amount of violence and it is interrupting her ability to concentrate in class as well as feel comfortable and safe. We will be moving our child to a better school asap, even if that means paying the big bucks for a private school.