Abilene High School

I have two chldren attending Abilene High School. We had a family tragedy in 2009. The kids got behind in classes, and I feared they would not be able to graduate with their classmates in the years ahead. The personal efforts of teachers, coaches, counselors, parents, students and the principal have been and still are beyond what a parent could expect to help my children succeed.
--Submitted by a parent

I have nothing but great things to say about the school in Abilene. I am new to town, and have two special needs students in two buildings. My experiences with the teachers and the principals have been very good. They have been very willing to work with my kids and have gone out of their way to help my children learn. I can't speak to other people's experiences, but I can say that mine have been tremendous. The teachers have been respectful, willing to listen, and completely non-judgmental with the issues my kids present to the school. I would recommend Abilene to anybody considering living here.
--Submitted by a parent

I would have to agree with the parent who posted on 8-4-09. There is not much support for kids who are not what the school considers to be ideal. Quite the opposite happens and students who are different are too often discouraged instead of encouraged. I gave two stars for "teacher quality" only because there are some top teachers who do care and want to see the best for the kids. Otherwise I would have put one or zero stars. Unfortunately the good teachers are vastly outnumbered by teachers who need to be gone. Most parents in this area are supportive of the schools, teachers, and coaches because they place a high value on the education of their children. However, that does not mean most parents are happy with this school or think it's a "great school".
--Submitted by a parent

Overall I saw a willingness for teachers to help my students. They worked to make them accountable for themselves and most set respectable expectations. A small town is quick to gossip and make their own judgements-right or wrong they are tough to change. The teachers may be strong in union, but don't dismiss the parents who fail to support those who are trying to prepare their students. Teacher's have been fairly consistent,no huge turnover rate. Coaches, however, are constantly changing...makes one wonder if it is the coaches or the parents who have the issue.
--Submitted by a parent

Ditto to previous comments. teachers and administration are heavily union influenced and tech to the numbers they can attain under federal grant seeking. If your child is an easy keeper and fits their concept of what they think they ought to be, they should be okay. But, if your child poses any challenges whatsoever, i.e., family issues, medical problems, social challenges, they'll likely be rerouted to another setting, such as the virual school, by being discharged from the High School. Childrten that are less than ideal are considered disposable by this school's administration. Counserlors are great, teachers are hit and miss, as most are arrogant and either unwilling or unable to step up, take a child with challneges under their wing, and turn them into a model student. If you live in this area, you seriously need to consider one of the other nearby school districts.
--Submitted by a parent

Good academics. School is run like a jr. college which can be bad for parent involvement. Socially good if you've lived here all your life. New kids have a rough time and are not easily accepted by their peers. Counseling staff is excellent. Football is important.
--Submitted by a parent