Mary B Austin Elementary School

After moving from San Diego, which has awesome schools, I was concerned that my son would not be challenged in an elementary school in Mobile. However, I must say Mary B Austin met the challenge. I am happy with the teachers my son had, and now my daughter is attending Kindergarten, and she loves it there! I know everyday that I leave carpool my children are safe, and receiving an excellent education.
—Submitted by a parent

my daughter is with the Austin family in k5 & she is so happy as Iam happy with the challenging academic programs , the excellent teachers ,the strong principal , Ifeel comfortable about my daughter's future from now.
—Submitted by a parent

Mary B. Austin Elementary recently enjoyed their Centennial Celebration and remains one of the best elementary schools in Mobile, AL. The level of parental involvement is envied by many others. All of the teachers are highly qualified in their field and the principal has a strong yet loving hand. Mary B. Austin is not a school but a family which shows love and enthusiasm for learning and their children. Why anyone would spend money for an inferior education at a private school is beyond me. Recently named one of six Talents Unlimited schools in the country, Mary B. Austin continues to celebrate many more years of "Roots to Success".
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing PTA, Austin kids have music and art thanks to PTA fundraising, b/c Mobile County cut budgets for these programs. But Austin still has these which is important to keep our kids well rounded. Kids should be able to still have a little fun. School is now a Talents Unlimited School and they really explore their individual talents. Check out the schools test scores, at the top - thanks to great teachers. The only public school option in my opinion.
—Submitted by a parent

My children both attended Mary B Austin K-5. As with all schools there may be things that are not as you would like but overall I could not have made a better choice. The teachers are responsive and parents are involved. The school exhibits an atmosphere for development and encourages interaction by all. My 10yr relationship with Mary B as a parent is for a reason. There is not a better school public or private in Mobile County.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children attending Austin Elementary. The principal has a very rigid demeanor toward the children and is not a good communicator. Parents are not given much feedback on their children's academic progress.
—Submitted by a parent

WOW what a great school. The parent involvement is wonderful. Parents are encouraged to volunteer as much as possible. We have been here 6 years and since we have been here only a few teachers have actually left, the teachers love this school. Our PTA is great we just raised enough money this year to purchase a new playground which will be put in over the summer, yeah!(hurricane made old one unsafe). This school is great my children can be children at this school, and the one thing I love is that it is small enough that everyone knows my children's names. Thank you Mary B.
—Submitted by CLR, a parent

Mary B is a great school. Academically, I believe it is as good as any private school in the county (and it's free). The staff is highly qualified with most of them having a masters degree. Mrs. Zeigler is a fabulous principal and treats every child special. Her utmost concern is for the saftey of every child. In this day, I don't worry about my children being at Mary B. The PTA is super and really supports the teachers and children. It is the gem of Springhill. ARB
—Submitted by a parent

I had 3 children at this school. It is very safe as the principal is very concerned about the children being safe. The school is near Spring Hill College and receives many students doing internships. Also students volunteer from nearby St. Paul private school and Murphy High School. The class size is very low (required by the state for all public) and many times there are 3 adults teaching your child. I had a child with a learning disability and they went over and beyond. The teachers are excellent. We are now at a very expensive (and overrated) private school and I can honestly say that MBA is better. I'll miss it.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student at Mary B. Austin. I came from an Elementary school in Chicago and I loved everyday i went to school at Mary B Austin. Now that I live in chicago I look foward to looking for a school that is exactly like MBA. I went there in 1992 and from the looks of things the school got better and now a soon to be Chicago Police officer I can thank MBA for my sucess. I will send my children there in a heartbeat. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Koblas. With much gratitude and love. Emmanuel Sally
—Submitted by a former student

We recently moved here from Dothan, Alabama I was a little concerned about moving my kids to a big city school. When we moved my children were broken hearted about leaving their school. After doing my research of schools I found Mary B. to be the school of choice. It is a great elem. school that gives children the work needed to expand their minds and their educational growth. Made my 3 children feel right at home. My children never skipped a beat during transistion and still make the honor. I would like to thank Mrs Zieglar and the staff for welcoming us with open arms. We Love this school!
—Submitted by a parent

I thinks mary b. austin is a great school, because my kid have improve his reading as well as his relation with other kids. He's report card shows that the teachers there are doing a great job with there students, keep up the good work and thanks for doing such a great job. larry woodson SR.
—Submitted by larry woodson, a parent

I have two children in Austin and I would not send them anywhere else. I myself have met every staff member and every staff member knows my children by name. I would definately say the teachers and staff care about the students and we are communicate like a family. I will miss this school when my children move ahead.
—Submitted by C.S. towery, a parent

Wonderful school. The parents of the children want their children there. All of the teachers compete to get a job there. Lots of homwork. Lots of programs during the day. 100% PTA participation. Strict on uniform policy. Very organized. Great Principal, she knows what she is doing and does it. Knowledgable teachers.
—Submitted by Maria, a parent

I love Mary B. Austin. It is a public school with a private school feel. The PTA is wonderful and really supports the school. The principal, Mrs. Zeigler and her staff do an outstanding job with the students. It is been wonderful for us.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel my children get so much individual attention. Everyone knows my child, from the office workers to the older teachers. I feel like my child is at a small town school within a big city. I love the size of Mary B along with the academics you can't get any better if this is what your looking for.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is over rated. There are more important attributes that a school must possess, other than credentials based upon test scores. If your child has a 'defect' such as ADD/ADHD or Speech/Language delay he/she may not be treated fairly.
—Submitted by a parent