Anderson High School

As a professional collaborating with faculty and staff at Anderson High School, I am repeatedly shocked by the level of disorganization and poor building security. Meetings are poorly planned, staff are unprepared, and follow through is lacking in the special education/504 areas and with discipline issues. Students are free to roam the building and grounds during classes and visitors can freely walk through the halls without identifying themselves or checking in. Staff have difficulty locating students when needed. I feel it is an unsafe and disorganized environment. Test scores are only one aspect of a school's success.

Considering that this is supposed to be one of the best schools in AISD, it indeed does have great teachers, and a very laid back environment compared to other more suburban schools. There are plenty of clubs to join, however if your child wants to be involved in athletics, the programs are generally weak. The biggest problem has to do with the administration, and how social life can be towards your student. It is very hard to make friends at this school, and most kids as well as parents have an oddly stuck up demeanor. If you are looking for a good high school, I would suggest you pass on this one. There are many excellent choices such as Westwood or even McNeil which have good academics as well as a nicer facility, which to some matters. To most students, this school has a sink or swim policy; your student will either thrive, or hate it. Personally I suggest that you avoid this school, and either send your kids to private school, or move to a better school district such as Leander ISD or Round Rock ISD.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids at Anderson. Both are in pre-AP, AP or IB classes. For them I think the academics are good. I feel they will be prepared for college. (I've heard that the regular academic classes are disappointing.) There are certainly many outstanding teachers but also some that have been sub-par. As a whole pretty good. For the brighter kids there is a lot of pressure to excel. It's a big school but I think there is a place for everyone. You need to seek out social opportunities through the various clubs and activities. Lots of people have commented that the school has cliques. All schools do. If you have your heart set on fitting in with the Belles or being the star football player you will probably be unhappy at Anderson. If you are just looking for a nice social group to fit in, not necessarily the most popular, you can find it here. I know many kids who came to Anderson from private schools and are thriving. It's what you make of it. Lots of opportunity for parents and kids to get involved and volunteer. A really nice community of parent volunteers.
—Submitted by a parent

A GREAT school. I don't agree. Student lunches that are at 12:16 or 1:54 (or both, alternating days), double blocking football, band, and dance. The principal caters to the booster clubs, so the money continues to flow. (Principal's husband is HR director at AISD, so the teachers really have to be careful) My sons' educational experiences vary. Pre-AP/ AP classes are good; regular classes, fair. This school caters to the top 10% and the lower 10% and the 80% in the middle, its a coin toss. Some do well, others get lost. Not too sure of the role of the vice principals; know the one assigned to 504 actually said that the school is not responsible for " getting the best out of the students". (We transferred that son to a private school, where he excelled). The counseling staff is improving. We have another son starting here in the Fall and we'll see if his needs are met; otherwise we'll find the "best fit" for him. I'd love to see an administration change during our time at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically, this school offers much to Austin students. For those who want a challenging environment to prepare for college, this is a good school. However, administration is significantly lacking. Administration starting with the principal are very beauracratic, poor listners and take the path that is easiest for them, not the students. I have first hand knowledge of the principal lying - manipulating situations to suite her needs often for the sake of expediancy. The teachers are great - just don't hope you need anything from the adminstration..
—Submitted by a parent

pretty decent school now looking back. i only attended here a few months during my sophmore year. the biggest challenge was the size, nearly 4000 students. the teachers were laid back and actually cared about learning.
—Submitted by a student

I completely disagree about the Latin teacher. I thought she was one of the best teachers at the school, and the only one I knew to whom mastery of the subject was paramount.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't take IB or AP Latin. The IB & AP Latin teacher, Susan Fugate, does not teach Latin, & is verbally abusive to students. One math teacher, Gunther, is good. Cathryn McNamara is fantastic: try & take any course she teaches. Our child only had 3 good teachers in 4 years of high school. Below average for an IB level school.
—Submitted by a parent

The academics at this school are unmatched in the Austin area. I attribute Anderson's prestige and high level of achievement to the principal, Ms. Donna Houser. Ms. Houser is fair, kind, and able to relate to the children, but she is also a competent, qualified, capable leader. I cannot say enough about Anderson and the kind of environment Ms. Houser has created there; one which nurtures learning and encourages kids to succeed to their highest potential.
—Submitted by a parent

The best high school i have ever attended, and i have been to 3. the teachers really love what they do, and they try to spend as much time with each student as they can. Go Trojans
—Submitted by a student

Anderson is a good school academically, especially with opportunities to participate in the IB program. The director of the IB program is an excellent resource! My concerns are primarily with the fact that my daughter has had 4 counselors in 4 years. This posed a problem when it came time to request college recommendations. We have hired outside help for the purpose of guiding us through this process. And it is a big school and can be a difficult place to interact socially unless you have a student who is very involved. This is important at any school but especially so at Anderson.
—Submitted by a parent

Great success! This school is very nice and welcoms all to its halls. We found staff very nice. We wish more diverse.
—Submitted by a parent

Even though I only went to this school for my freshmen year, I loved every minute of it. As long as you get involved, you will meet and make lots of friends all ages. Work hard and you will also gain the respect of your teachers... well, most of them anyways. Many fun events happen over the year in the amazing theater. That thing is beautiful. The school environment is great... I always got to class on time between classes. Lockers, there are top and bottom lockers but you'll survive if you do get a bottom one. I certainly did. Sports are probably the weakest quality of the school but I would really recommend this school. I really miss being there. The library is amazingly beautiful and everyone (from jocks to dorks) goes there during lunch. Also, about a 50 min. lunch which is great and you can roam around freely.
—Submitted by a parent

Anderson High School is a terrific school. The school environment is fantastic and the teachers/staff truly cares about each and every student. I wouldn't want to go to any other school.
—Submitted by a student

We moved to Austin after my son's sophomore year and chose Anderson because of its excellent academic reputation, despite being warned by some that the school was very 'cliquey' and difficult to become established and accepted if you were from the outside. While the academics have been as good as expected, we have indeed experienced 'discrimination' from students and staff because my child did not come into the 'system' through the feeder middle school. As a result, he is not being allowed to participate in some activities and hold some positions as a senior although underclassmen from the feeder school are accepted readily with less experience and commitment. We have also had a great deal of difficulty getting the paperwork, transcripts and evaluations needed for college applications in a timely manner. Here again he has been pushed aside in favor of 'established' students. Good academics but don't 'transfer'to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I like this School! It is so komfort and Nice
—Submitted by mike pen, a parent

My son graduated from LC Anderson in 2003. I think Anderson HS is one of the best in the city. I was very pleased with the teachers, staff, administration - all exhibited a commitment to excellence for the students. I would recommend this school to anyone who wanted their child challenged and supported throughout their high school years.
—Submitted by a parent

Very well managed school... our two daughters went there. We found the entire staff very motivated and the teachers dedicated.
—Submitted by a parent

Anderson High School has great academic programs for all students. The teachers have a strong desire to maximize each student's education by building relationships with the parents and the students. The sports programs are great, and there are ample extracurricular activities in which one can get invloved. A highly recommended school! If my wife and I are still living in Austin when our children are at that age, they will most definitely go to Anderson!
—Submitted by a former student

Seems to be a preety good school academically.
—Submitted by a student