Dessau Middle School

As mentioned below, this school struggles. There is no way the school deserves the maximum number of stars! The teachers don't handle the size nor the diversity very well and students pay the price. The communication is almost non-existent. I've been begging for 3 years to be able to know what my children's homework is and to get the materials from which they are teaching so that I can help at home but I've given up. If your child can't handle getting you all that information him/herself, they are content to simply let the student fail. The teachers can not teach, tutoring sessions are really just a place for kids to be after school rather than home alone, and parents can't effectively participate because the school refuses to communicate directly with parents and instead communicates to you through your child.
—Submitted by a parent

The school was amazing great avid program A very well educated school I will never leave the area
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school very well educated the school is very nice and orderly I just love the school no bad comments
—Submitted by a parent

I am pulling my son out of this school and am putting him in private. My son tells me everyday about the things he experiences here and it amazes me. I feel sorry for the students that HAVE to stay that aren't a part of the problem. There are so many problem students attending this school and the "good" students are having to endure the results of the "bad" students problem "homelives". It is really sad. I went up to the school and spoke with the administration and even they told me they have never seen a class like this EVER in all the years they have been teaching. It is bad....really bad. My son has come home two times within the past two weeks crying. I'm OVER THIS SCHOOL!
—Submitted by a parent

Thank God my son was only stuck there for one year ('08-'09). There was horrendoulsly little communication from admin to staff, less from staff to students and none from staff to parents. The band program was draconian (wanted my son to go to a clinic at UT on a Sat instead of taking his only chance to visit a relative whom he hadn't seen in 3 years and dinged his grade when I refused to permit him to go). A miserable experience for both my son and his teacher mom. Done public and private--Worst Experience EVER!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an OK school I just know that theirs better out there. I can say we're great in the sports area, the extra-curricular. We (7th grade) also have the highest cba and taks scores out of all the other PISD middle schools. I have to go to the Westview middle school for my last year of middle school because of a rezoning policy. However, I'd rather stay at dessau, moving for the last year to me is pointless i guess but i guess We'll see! :|
—Submitted by a student

I am so pleased to have a student and DMS. The teachers are amazing at adapting teaching methods to a wonderfully diverse group of students. Any discipline problems are dealt with quickly and efficiently. Truly dedicated teachers and staff create wonderful learning opportunities for the kids. Excellent drama, band and Kickstart programs. You may think you want to live in a swankier area of Pflugerville, but that is too bad, because THIS is the school you should want your kids to attend. (Not five stars because the office staff could be a little friendlier.)
—Submitted by a parent

As a student, I'm trying to base this off of the school only and not the people I'm around with. Overall, DMS is average school, great bands (*very prideful of them*), great KickStart program, intelligent students (we won the UIL!)... But the school spirit is lacking in some places and getting through the hallways is scary (running, pushing, cramped places, and those annoying moments when a arrogant 8th grader walks extremely slowly in front of you while you're trying to get to class). There isn't much encouragement to the whole school and the broadcasts that send daily news are coming apart. We need to become stronger, DMS!
—Submitted by a student

I volunteer on the PTO so I'm around the school often. I am quite surprised at how wonderful the staff, parents and students are to work with. I had heard things about the school which did not reflect a good reputation from years past, however, I would have to disagree with all that I heard. I have no issues with the school or staff. I find DMS a great place to be. Also, the teachers have been wonderful and the communication is great!!! What a change a couple of years can make!

Since the new principal took over last year, the scohol has seen a huge improvement in nearly very respect. The kids seem happier, the teachers seem happier and I've not heard any complaints. I agree the school was horrible under the previous administrator, but it just goes to show that that the right person in the right job can truly make a difference, as it apparently has with DMS. School spirit is very high and I think we will continue to see the results in the form of better grades and higher passing rate. Go Diamondbacks!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends Dessau Middle School and I have been very pleased with the teachers and staff. While I am sure that every middle school will have it's issues due to the changes that are experienced by children at this age, it is obvious that the teachers and staff are doing everything they can to ensure that our children have a positive middle school experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Things have definately improved with the new principal. Great job!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very excited about all the new changes that are going on with this school....Very excited for my son starting 6th grade this fall.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a cold environment.
—Submitted by Vanessa M, a staff

Im sorry but this school was bad! And there are alot of
—Submitted by a student

This is my son's second year at Dessau Middle School. 6th grade was an experience, I chalk it up to him just getting out of elementary. This year 7th grade should tell all. I am excited for my son.
—Submitted by M Atwell, a parent

some of the rules are superficial, teachers are very good, has an awsome band program, coaches are a bit scary and overbearing
—Submitted by brianna, a student

Administrative staff is excellent! Very helpful!
—Submitted by a teacher

My 2 boys are no longer attending this school. The administration is disrespectful to parents and children.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children currently attending Dessau Middle School, and will be moving after this year. There are a number of very good teachers, however, the administration is very disorganized, do not identify with the children, and worry more about assigning blame than finding a solution to a problem. If a change in leadership does not occur in the school quickly, this school will continue its spiral out of control. I for one am not going to wait around for this school to be 'fixed', while my children's education suffers. Although we love our neighborhood, we will be moving to the Leander ISD just as soon as we can get our house sold.
—Submitted by a parent