Thomas J Rusk Middle School

Where do I even begin. Pick-up is chaotic and unsafe. On one occasion, my 5- and 6-year-old were allowed to walk across the intersection of Douglas and Mockingbird. By the grace of God, I happened to be at that intersection at the time. When I brought this to the principal’s attention, I was told it was my children’s fault for not following instructions to turn back toward the school. They are five and six years old.How did both children believe their number was called, leave their designated area, walk out the front door, and reach an intersection without any adult stopping them or verifying where they were going? During pick-up there are adults and children everywhere, yet it appears no one truly has oversight of what is happening. This is extremely dangerous.Additionally, the bullying is severe and concerning. My children were the youngest in their classes during our first year at Bradfield, as many students are held back. It raises serious questions about whether this practice is being used to artificially inflate academic scores.

I understand it is the first day of school but this pick up line needs to be improved. I was at the front of the line since 2:24pm. No one came out to the vehicles until 3:25pm calling names from the paper. My daughter’s name was called 5 times and she never came out from the walkie talkie. Everyone was getting off, forming a line to get there children while parents in the vehicles were waiting and waiting. 2 separate schools is not going to work and having a carline for 2 schools is not helping either. I didn’t get my child until 3:45. This is ridiculous having stopped traffic for no reason.

Please consider other options. We moved from another district. And to be hones my son is not getting quality education here. He mentioned that everything he learned in 3rd grade is just being teached now. His teacher punishes the whole class for other kids misbehaving. He hates it there...Thankfully he will no longer be attending this school for 5th grade.

I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone, my child attended this school from Kinder through 4th grade. They really failed my child all of her records were deleted by a teacher who I truly believe was a witch. When asked for help from me and my child's doctor, the school did not take matters seriously. My child was never tested to be placed in special classes for her severe learning delay. It's no wonder the entire staff has been replaced. My child was one of the few African American children at this school and the racial slurs in class became more and more common and teachers would just ignore the bullying.

I didn’t have a good experience. The school tends to sweep issues under the rug. Leaders don’t always practice what they preach.

I was honestly really happy with this school for my child. The teachers actually seemed to care about the students and would take extra time to help if someone was struggling, which made a big difference. The classes were challenging but not overwhelming, and my kid came home actually understanding what they learned instead of just being confused. I also liked how the school had a lot of activities and clubs, so students could find things they enjoy and make friends. Communication from the staff was pretty good too, so I always knew what was going on. Overall, it felt like a safe and supportive place where my child could learn and grow.