611 Upson St
Austin, TX 78703

A few safety issues. For a long period of time the front door was unlocked at all times, the lock did not work. My main concern is that it is well known that random people not attending the school can come in and walk around for hours without being noticed by staff. I attended for four years and the same sinks that were broken freshman year still did not work senior year. Some staff are great, while others are punitive. Parking spots are also few and far between. There’s also no measurements taken against bullying. I’ve seen students throw drinks at other students in the midst of class and the teachers would not say anything. Pickup at the end of the day is also a nightmare, as parents park in the middle of the road or on the grass to pick up their children, it is an unsafe environment for novice drivers to navigate.

The facility is new and beautiful! People seem so happy going in and out. We have two children having two different experiences. The 1st grade teacher is enthusiastic about her work and seems well trained and prepared. She can speak to specific strengths and weaknesses of our kiddo. Our student is making great strides and is engaged with his learning in positive, goal attaining ways. The class seems bonded and they enjoy eachother.In contrast, our 3rd grader has changed from an engaged student, conversational about topics discussed in class, to a bored kid who went so far as to say they “don’t care anymore”. Classroom management is an issue & reveals a lack of training and maturity (Pointedly using girls to tattle on the boys, assigning seats next to girls as a punishment) We’ve noticed that they haven’t bonded with any adults at the school and even we, successful adults in our professional lives, have trouble meaningfully communicating with faculty. If we struggle and we’re experienced, it feels almost futile for a 3rd grader. Many parents have told us that the 3rd grade teachers have a history of being this way, and that 4th grade is much better. We look forward to next year and a fresh start! Campus leadership is charming and energetic in group/public settings and says all the right things but our individual interactions with leadership have been curt and condescending. Shockingly so. Not, “Oh he’s busy and under a lot of pressure”, more making a point to be unwelcoming and dismissive. I’ve observed an unfortunate dynamic with students. Leadership is either bubbling with positivity or barking orders. But many people adore leadership. Support for him is strong. It’s honestly very confusing. What did we do? Was our PTA donation too small? Do they dislike us?To my knowledge the school does not use corporal punishment, however they do use physical correction. They do grab students by the arm, etc. My spouse observed a teacher do this in line outside. He couldn’t figure out what the child had done. I observed the principal do it to a child in line in the cafeteria who wasn’t facing forward. It was all very public with witnesses, so clearly an accepted part of the culture of the school. Everybody told us how much we would love the school, so in many ways I’m deeply disappointed, on the other hand, it could be worse. And we are fortunate that the student body is solid with involved parents and that the facility and grounds are lovely.

Probably the most rasist school I'vee put my daughter in she got the door shut in her face while she was going in the building