Alice Vail Middle School

My son attends Alice Vail and I couldn't be happier! The principal is awesome!! He makes it a point to know every child's name. The teachers truly care about their students. The grounds are kept clean. I know my child is getting a quality education and is safe and happy here. The newly formed PTSA is getting involved and really getting Alice Vail involved in the community. I am proud to recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

I believe there is a new Principle here. We encountered a situation this year and it was handled promptly, professionally and effectively by the Principle. The PTC has started back up this year. The school seems to be free from violence. We are happy with this school.god d
—Submitted by a parent

This is a good school. It has a ton of electives which is unusual in Tucson these days.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, a good school. My kid is in the GATE program but has friends in both GATE & non-GATE classes. We had a "situation" this year that was not handled properly by the vice-principal. Frankly, he does not know what he is doing. This is my personal experience & opinion. The principal is rarely around & seems to "hide out", away from parents. If he does show up to an event, he is there for about 5 minutes, says something, and then takes off as soon as he can escape! I even had a teacher tell me that she is just biding time until she can retire in a few years. 6th grade GATE is terrific. It is taught in 'blocks' & the kids really are immersed in the subject matter. I like& appreciate most of the teachers I have dealt with at this school, so far. Leadership is lacking.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school. The teachers try hard to get through to students. My son loves all the extra fun subjects, the GATE program is academic but balanced. Many of those students want to go to UHS. The food is good, my son likes it. The rules are clear and counsellors follow through on problem solving. A word to all parents...supervise your student, they need it more than you think, go over the rules and talk about acceptable behavior!
—Submitted by a parent

Alice Vail is a great school. I went there my 6th grade year. the teachers are helpful and actually care. the lunch is great!!!
—Submitted by a student

My son is in the Gate program. He loves it. The teachers study subjects with depth and monitor work loads so the child is not ovewhelemed. No child in the class is allowed to display behaviors that will hold back other children's education. He loves orchestra, P.E, film class, art, Spanish and the Chess club (these are not part of Gate) . The library is wonderful, there are many choices for teenagers. The school tries hard to do well with disadavantaged and minority groups so all children are educated and become a productive member of society. My son has good exposure to all facets of society . He has learned to make positive choices. He feels he is getting a good balanced education without being to intense. The school has a lot to offer if the child makes good choices. The teachers are respectful with parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent students, obsreve with intrest and obedence level is tremendous.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school - The staff and teachers really care about the students and encourage each one to a commitment of upholding high estandards and achievment at the individual's maiximum capacity. It has an outstanding fine arts/band program. One of my children attended the GATE program, I volunteer so have had one-on-one contact with parents, staff, and students over many years. My observation of the staff when dealing with discipline problems has been that they are compassionate yet firm in applying appropriate responses. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed however that a child is not 'eligible' for Honor Roll if they miss school for a doctor's apt. I take my child to the doctor when they are sick (to prevent infecting other students) or so he/she can receive immunizations or dental checkups (thus 'preventative'). Why should the student be penalized for parents who 'CARE' ??
—Submitted by a parent

Alice Vail middle school is a good place to be and it makes me feel at home. I love Vail because of the staff and teachers. Thanks to you all.
—Submitted by a student

I went here like three or four years ago, and was in the gate program. The teachers were... unique and I learned many things.
—Submitted by a former student

I am a student at Alice Vail Middle School and I am in the GATE program. Vail is a good school and we have great staff members. There are not that many fights here, only but some of the students are undisciplined. There are some of after school sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, and track&field, there is also a chess team, yearbook staff, newspaper staff, Science Olympiad team and more that I'm sure I'm leaving out. There is a tiny bit of racial tension (unfortunately most Caucasian individuals are in the GATE program and a lot of Latino students in the 'regular classes'.) The GATE and regular classes have both of their electives together which include: drama, Spanish, cultures, P.E., Personal Finance, Art, Film, and band.
—Submitted by a student

The Vail Gate program is wonderful, I have two older kids, and I wish I knew about the gate program when they were in middle school. Support from the administration for sports and fine arts is high. The school started a science olympiad team this year.
—Submitted by a parent

I really enjoyed this school. Sports program was very good but this school may not be the best if your child is exceeding and needs more of a challenge.
—Submitted by a staff

I have 2 children in this school & have been (for the most part) happy with all that I have seen acedemically. Workload tends to be inconsistant. I am disappointed that there is no PTO. I find it hard to believe that Parents out there just do not have any want to be involved with what their children are doing. How busy can we all be? These kids are our future! My kids are also actively invoved in sports in this school. I think what I noticed the most from this is that they now not only know how to work as a 'team' on the court or on the field but they're applying their teamwork skills in our home as well. Thanks coaches!
—Submitted by Lara, a parent

I go to this school and am in it's G.A.T.E. (Gifted and talented education) program in which selected students that pass a test enroll in advanced classes. I think that this school is ok but there is kind of a racial tension going on.
—Submitted by a student

This school is a very horrible school. I hate to put it down so much but it does tell me to tell the truth. There is many fights at the school my child was bullied alot and most of the kids say some of the most horrible things i have ever heard. It is very rude and I would not reccomend it. The teachers dont care about the students at all.
—Submitted by a parent