Crockett High School

I went to this school a few times to substitute for some teachers. I am a certified teacher here in Texas with a Masters' degree in education. I was totally disappointed with the way professionals are treated in this school. The staff is generally quite cold and rude. The administrative assistants and clerks are rude and act as if they are doing a favor to you when they are asked to assist you with anything! I had one of the worst experiences in my life when going to that school to support other teachers! The assistant principals barely look at you and act as if you are an annoyance if you try to address them regarding any educational matter! The students are rude and disrespectful! Girls and boys make out in the corridors and no one seems to care about the situation!! Girls go to school half naked and behave provocatively in front of teachers! Honestly, I think this school is a disgrace! I a mother of a beautiful daughter and I would NEVER allow my daughter to step foot in that school!
—Submitted by a teacher

I'm a senior at another Austin high school. I spent the first 2 and a half years of high school slipping through the cracks at Crockett. I'm now a week away from graduating and I was told just 3 weeks ago that I never earned a credit for Algebra 1b. I took algebra 1 as a freshman in the 06-07. In 07 I took two credit recovery classes and was told I had my credit but never shown my transcript. I even took delta over the summer when my credit didn't show up on my final report card. In my sophomore year I was put in geometry so I assumed I had the algebra 1b credit and failed geometry b but just the next year I was put in algebra 2 without completing algebra 1b or geometry b!!! I requested to talk to the counsoler but never got the chance.
—Submitted by a student

The teachers at crockett are some of the best teachers ive had growing up. if you want to learn they will help you any way that they can. but the principals staff are the ones that make me uncomfortable at crockett they seem to not really know what crockett is about. Mr. Shapiro and a select few other like Mr. Davidson, is trying but the rest of the staff just seems to be in it for the money. Which bugs me.
—Submitted by a student

The new principal, Craig Shapiro, has helped immensely in Crockett. There aren't as many fights as before and fewer truancy problems. There are still some students who could care less about keeping the peace, but generally, everything has gotten better.
—Submitted by a student

i think the teachers were horrible at crockett they acted like the students sometimes and would over react i never got in trouble with any teacher but it seemed they only cared about their pay not the students but i did graduate
—Submitted by a student

I am encouraged with the new principal at Crockett. My son likes the school and talking with his advisor about the new principal, he has seen the incident rate at Crockett go down. The halls are clean/student free and the fights among students have gone down. He has a four year plan to turn Crockett around! I think he has done a good job in the 9 weeks that he has been there, and hope to continue to see improvements!
—Submitted by a parent

Crockett is an older school and yes, it is in need of improvements, but my experience with the teachers, staff and students more than make up for the lack of bling!
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student I can san that I received an excellent education from Crockett High School. I think the teachers are dedicated and some that are they just for a pay check. Overall teachers don t get a lot of credit. The Fine-Arts department was awesome and made me who I am today. The office staff was always willing and able to help when I needed it. I thank you .
—Submitted by a former student

The school always looks dirty, no paper towels in restrooms, there is hardly any parent involvement.
—Submitted by laura, a parent

I just wanted to let you know that I have had 2 children at Crockett in the past 4 years. My oldest told me things the teachers say and do and I am floored to hear of the teachers language to the students and the ugly attititudes they exhibit during class. I'm sure the students are ugly as well but teachers should set the example. My other child is starting her 3rd year and says the same thing. I have good kids one graduated already and they have respect. Teachers please be an example they are watching closely!
—Submitted by a parent

It's dirty and unkept. Not to mention all the fights that go on. There are some teachers who do not help children with different learning capabilities. I am a spacial learner. I failed chemistry because the teacher would not stop to answer my questions- at all. I have a dissability with math. Numbers dont come quickly to me and my teacher knew this, yet she still did not help me as much as other students. i participated, did my work, but i could not understand what she was talking about. I tried to get help, go in early, at lunch, even stay after school. But she was never there when she said she would be. I just think teachers should assigned according to the students learning capabilities.
—Submitted by Imogen, a student

Great School. Not as involved as possible but still doing great.
—Submitted by a student

I like the leadership class which is offered to the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I, along with most parents of Crockett High School realize that the majority of the students in this area are of hispanic heritage. It does not reflect however on what the outcome of these children's studies and abilities are. I keep hearing that because of this, It is more difficult to teach them, lack of discipline, perhaps two languages spoke at home, parents not as involved. I have two children who attend this school. I am not Hispanic but I grew up in Puerto Rico, I speak fluent Spanish. I have to say that the majority of the kids at this school DON'T. So I don't understand why the administration or the board believes that the speciality classes should be cosmetology and in Travis High School where my older son graduated they are adding 'shop'. Of course those are not opportunities discussed for Bowie or Austin High. This is unfair.
—Submitted by Juli Joerger, a parent

The teachers are very helpful, eager to do what needs to be done for their students, and have always communicated with me about the progress or behavior of my child.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a freshman at Crockett High. She has been consistently challenged and stimulated in her classes. I find that the pre-AP and upper lever classes are well-managed and rigorous. Several of the teachers use e-mail to constantly inform me of my student's progress through personal notes and progress reports. I appreciate the diversity of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter in her first year of high school. I find Crockett firmly faces its challenges in a positive and open manner. I hear complaints from parents of other local high schools saying their schools fail to realize their weaknesses and problems. Crockett staff continually communicates with parents and keep us informed of everything from academic concerns to social/drug/criminal concerns. Staff is very proactive. Some academic areas need improvement, but I think this is a progressive, forward looking academic environment with some very strong and dedicated teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that have either attended and/are still attending Crockett. I have to say that the Cosmotology Program and the Tex-Ann programs are outstanding! I can't say much more for the academic classes though. I have sat in on some of the classes and observed and most of the teachers seem to struggle with maintaining control over the class. There is absolutely no respect on either the student or the teacher's parts.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student I can very honestly say that I received an excellent education from Crockett High School. This success was due in large part to the dedication and in many cases, the endurance, of the teaching staff and the personal attention given to me by teachers over the years. Too often are teachers blamed for poor student performance, but not praised for their dedication and perseverance. I would like to use this forum to extend my gratitude and appreciation of the hard work and fortitude of the teaching staff. There are some special teachers at Crockett that touched my heart in a way that led me to want to become a teacher myself. As I work through college I think of them for strength and as an example of the level of excellence I wish to achieve!
—Submitted by Ileana Zea, a parent

Dr. Gideon, Principal at Crockett is doing an outstanding job. I have had to deal with her on numerous occasions over the past 4 years. She has always been helpful and professional.
—Submitted by Brenda Langley, a parent