Hill Country Middle School

An excellent school, but it's true - the principal does not allow students in the building before 7:45 and they do sit outside patiently waiting to get in. I think that's heartless, especially since four or five months out of the year its 90 degrees out at 7:45 am, 100% humidity. They also need lockers, it's insane the weight of the kids backpacks. I put my daughter's on a scale and it was 36 lbs. That is what she has been carrying for years now, at least since 4th grade and she's in 7th now. I know that publishers have to abide by weight limits on textbooks, but it's not textbooks they carry - it's folders with every single piece of paper they ever worked on, organized in binders, plus calculators, library books, PE uniforms. There's no safer school around - I have never even heard of a fistfight and we've been here since Kindergarten. They do not offer afterschool programs whatsover - but they think these are stay-at-home millionaire moms with nannies, so what's it to them??
--Submitted by a parent

Most of the teachers at Hill Country are incredibly dedicated, however, if your child loves music, wants to participate in band and is not a robot, take him or her somewhere else. The band directors do extremely well winning awards, because they have an incredible pool of kids to pull from, but they are more concerned with the trophy than the child's love of music; practice records must be perfect, not just an indication of having practiced. Kids who start out loving music often leave, with a profound dislike for band. The administration endorses it, because it looks good when trophies come home. That said, the Latin teachers are incredible, dedicated and fun teachers. There are math teachers at Hill Country who seem never to sleep. And there are science teachers who give so much of themselves, it is truly amazing. We've had two disappointing English teachers. But the history teachers, art, theater arts and sports programs have been wonderful. Overall, this is a great school, but the administration does not make it so; the teachers and students do. And the band directors shouldn't be working with kids.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had dealing with this school off and on for many years. The staff tend to lean toward self intitelment over protection and education of the children under thier care. The Special Education Program at this school is particullary poor for this district. There are great individual teachers. The choir program is absolutly wonderfull. It is particullarly concering that the principle has chosen to force these young children to sit outside unprotected in the mornings because she finds it inconvient to her self and her staff to allow them inside Her biulding. The out of pocket expenses required for completion of home work and participation in school activities is often very high. Many of the teachers assign far too much home work. My child does not complain about having to stay up untill up to 2 am to complete her home work, I do not think this is right.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school! The teachers rock and the principals are awesome. When I leave it will make me sad.
--Submitted by a student

i Am a 7th grade student here at Hcms, and love this school. it is really fun and hard at the same time.
--Submitted by a student

HCMS is an extremely challenging school. Our 7th daughter regularly has 2-3 hours of homework each night. Despite concerns about compeition in all areas, I am very impressed with the educational opportunities at HCMS.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has great resources, and great support for its teachers. It is by far the best school and district I have worked for in the US. I consider myself very lucky to have a job here.
--Submitted by a teacher

HCMS has taught me many things on how to be successful throughout my life, not only do they teach, but they care. Hill Country also has an exelent Band Program.
--Submitted by a student

This school is great and the principal is terrific! I am thrilled that my two boys go to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

The dedicated staff works hard to provide the extra attention my daughter needs to be succesful. They have been very caring.
--Submitted by a parent