Jack C Hays High School

i am a 9th grader here and this school is terrible im planning to transfer as soon as i can too Austin this school has so many problems like non helping teachers stupid principle low test scores it cares more about football and cheerleaders than academics its racist and sexist almost everybody does weed and drugs and gets away whit everything no parental involvement and so many other things i hate it here what ever you do dont move here and it will just get worse whit more and more diversity so please dont for your children's sake unless hes a red neck bone head joc then hell fit perfect here
--Submitted by a student

What a FAILING system being run at the middle and high school levels of this district! Does anybody at these levels work? You have teachers w/ mandatory tutorial periods who DO NOT utilize them...just another off period. The staff there focuses more on being your child's peer rather than support the child academically or socially. Why be the bad guy in education, when you can act the same age as the student and be their best friend. Where are the positive role models of life long learning?
--Submitted by a parent

Because we have an AMAZING debate program, even though we lack a coach. We just wen to our first tournament, and won it!
--Submitted by a student

I am a graduate of Hays and later returned to teach/coach. The above review stating 'if your kid is a bone-headed jock, then it's the perfect place' is incredibly inaccurate. While Hays is a school with a passion for athletics/cheerleading/band, etc, it also offers a talented theater department, a fantastic art department as well as many other activities for those don't fall in that category. The lack of 'proper education' doesn't stem from the teachers, but a lack of leadership from the assistant and main principals,etc. I believe it's apparent how little a principal cares for her students when she instructs the special needs students to 'stay put' during a fire drill and bomb threat...that's unacceptable. As a former student, athlete, teacher and coach, I definitely acknowledge that Hays has digressed in the last 10+ years, but to blame the athletic dept. is asinine.
--Submitted by a teacher

I am very disappointed in Hays. MY older brother attended Hays before it went down the drain, and because of how happy he was there I couldn't wait to go. I was very disappointed. The majority of the teachers couldn't care less about their students. Athletes are catered to while people who care about school and are trying their best, but might need a little help, are ignored. The school is more concerned about spirit days and cheerleaders than the severe drug problems, violence problems, and lack of a proper education. Students and parents are very uninformed about things going on around the school unless it has to do with sports. I guess if you or your kid is a bone-headed jock, though, this is the perfect place for them. There are too many good other schools in the central Texas area to settle for this one.
--Submitted by a student

My teachers do everything they can to ensure that I am getting the best education that they can give me. The councilors and administrators go out of their way to be certain that seniors have all of the information they need to get to into college. School spirit has everyone feeling like they are important and can make a difference.
--Submitted by a student

Great parent groups and booster clubs. Most of the teachers are wonderful. Admin could use some house cleaning. Overall, a great place to raise a kid!
--Submitted by a parent

hays has changed way too much in the past 2 years. I dont know why. But im glad i left. Anyways. they are putting up to many rules and regulations. Not to mention shortening Students lunches, The problem with that is that the population has doubled. I dont know whats going on, But someone should come along to fix it. And this isnt the only problem with the school either.
--Submitted by a student

Things have changed since 2004. New buildings, new administration, new staff. Teachers are very concerned about student development. My son graduated from Hays HS and we were very pleased with the school. His experience was great! He was involved in many school activities. The school even created a class for him, taught by a teacher who already had a class. We were very pleased with Hays HS.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former student of Hays High I got to see a variety of events unfold while I was a student. Prior to graduating in 2004 I was a member of many organizations and teams at Hays. The school has its share of problems, but what school doesn't? A school is supposed to provide an academic service for students, not a baby sitting service for parents. Most teachers within the school are interested in student learning, and development towards a better future. There are challenging courses and extra curricular activities to keep students involved. This is a great school that facilitates a good learning environment.