Garza Independence High School

Garza was the best thing that ever happened to me. The students, staff, everyone was working to help me graduate. What makes this school different than the others is that Garza actually cares about the students well being. I attended Bowie before I came to Garza and immediately could tell that this was the school I had been looking for. Bowie was so focused on kids getting work done they weren't able to notice how much stress they put the students through. Garza has teachers that help the students one on one work and make effort to be friends with the students. There's also a section in the building made just for students to go in a talk to someone in a private room who are having trouble in everyday life. I'm also graduating a half a semester early. I am so thankful to go to Garza.
--Submitted by a student

Garza is the dream school for the student, parents, teacher... Well everyone!... I've been at Garza since September of 2007 and am graduating in March in the top ten percent. The attention you get from all the staff from your teachers to counselors to admin is amazing for a public high school! The fact that at capacity we only have 300 students and that all are juniors and seniors helps alot. The normal high school drama, he said she said stuff is completely minimized. This high school has only had three physical fights between students since it was opened 10 almost 11 years ago, and all of those have happened off campus. As a student, you really feel like you're learning the material, instead of just memorizing for a test. This is deffinately not only the best school in Austin, but in America because of our success!
--Submitted by a student

Best school on the East side of Austin. Was in a rough neighborhood, but this is now being gentrified and not as dangerous as it was a few years ago.

Garza is definitely my top choice out of the four Austin high schools I attended. I went from being a homeless high school dropout to recently completing my freshman year of college with A's and B's. Not bad. I owe it all to Garza and the wonderful faculty and staff.
--Submitted by a student

Garza is a very exceptional school, my daughter has been in AISD her whole life and has been shoved into the cracks when it comes to getting an education. She wasn't slow enough to receive special help and wasn't quick enough to keep up with the pace the teachers were made to use. We even sent her to Silven Learning Center in the summer before 7th grade, it did help, but at $100 an hour we could only keep that up for so long. Then Garza came into our lifes and she has completely changed, she is graduating this may and will be attending college (something we were not sure she would ever want to do because of low self esteem. The whole Garza staff has an interest in every child that steps through that door and it sure shows in my daughter. I can only say THANK YOU GARZA HIGH!
--Submitted by Sherry Peltier, a parent

Garza has blown me away. It is an AMAZING SCHOOL. If you are looking for a preparation for your child's future, this is the best you will come across. Everyone is there because the WANT TO LEARN. Students work hard and are very dedicated, teachers are caring, persevering and push all students to excel. In 2006, Garza received the highest SAT scores in all of AISD, and higher than many private schools. Garza is a well kept secret and AISD and TEA intend on keeping it that way.
--Submitted by a former student

After I became a teenage mother, I chose Garza as a way to finish my education. I could have not made a better decision. The staff at Garza helped me with anything I needed during my attendance there, and are still looking out for me with open arms. Without Garza as an option for education, I would not be a where I am today. I am currently in college working to become a teacher. Garza can me the confidence I needed to reach my goals. As long as you really want to be there, Garza is the best school ever!
--Submitted by Jennifer Arocha, a parent

Garza has been an amazing school for my child. Garza expanded my daughter's mind about education and especially school. I believe Garza is the perfect school for any student who is willing to work hard. Garza is definately a God-send.
--Submitted by Michele Vinet, a parent

My daughter enrolled her self this past year, and I have never been more impressed with her dedication to her education