William B Travis Academy

My child attends Travis and I would like to say that although the curriculum is challenging I believe it makes the students better people; that it shapes them into the kind of people we desire them to be and that we parents hope to someday be ourselves. I guess that's just my opinion and everyone has a right to their own.
—Submitted by a parent

Reading through earlier reviews and based on what I heard before our child came, Travis is not the school it once was. Some of the best teachers have retired, and not all of the new teachers are good. Other changes have occurred, such as the kids not being allowed outdoors for even a short recess on many days b/c it is easier to warehouse the kids in the auditorium and not allow any talking. There is not much enforcement of the exit policy, so bad behavior that begins in 4th grade is tolerated, and it only escalates as the kids move up the grade levels. Talking back to teachers, lots of sex talk in the younger grades, and cruel teasing are all tolerated without many consequences. There are still some wonderful teachers; the principal supports the staff; it is likely better than many non-magnet alternatives, but the school could be much better than it is. Also, certain grade levels have excessive homework that is in direct violation of district policy. But the school still has a lot of warmth because there are some great people on the staff who stay the course in the face of demoralizing district policies.

An amazing Dallas ISD school. The teachers and administrative staff enjoy their work, and it shows. My daughter has attended Travis for 2 1/2 years now, and she loves it. My girl is both happier and more socially successful than she was at her last school, as being surrounded by classmates who truly respect academic success is a good thing for a 'serious-student' type child. Travis' curriculum is both challenging and engaging, but the work load is not at all unreasonable for a student with good time management and organization skills. I would not, however, think Travis a good fit for a child (even if exceptionally clever) who needs to be prodded by a parent to get their schoolwork done.
—Submitted by a parent

We came to Travis TAG from a prestigious private school in North Dallas. My son entered in 5th grade. We discovered that he had a lot of catching up to do in math and science. I've heard it said before, and I now see it first hand, most private schools don't teach math and science well. Now that we left the private school world, I see that we were basically paying quite a high price tag for a good education, but not a great one. The teachers at Travis TAG are very demanding and excellent at teaching their subjects. They answer emails on weekends and evenings. Our math teacher even offers free tutoring to help children keep up with her advanced program. All the teachers my son has had have exhibited great insight into his personality. And unlike our previous private school Principal, the Travis Principal actually knows my son's name and says hello to him in the hallway. You won't find a football program at Traivs TAG. But considering the fact that U.S. students rank 34th in the world on math proficiency, I'd say Travis is your best bet for raising a child who is prepared to take on the challenges of the 21st century.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has recently started the new school year at Travis for her first year - 4th - and loves the school. She feels very connected with the other children, her self esteem is higher than ever and the teachers and administrators have her very excited about projects for the coming year. Dropping her off and pick ups are not nearly as bad as I thought they might be in Uptown.
—Submitted by a parent

WB Travis has great teachers who really nurture a love of learning in their students. Their own enthusiasm and goals to set a high level of interest and academic acheivement is what makes Travis so good. A very active parent PTA helps to back up the school's high spirit for excellence.
—Submitted by a parent

When my son attended Travis, he enjoyed great teachers, and the work was challenging and interesting. He never complained of being bored.
—Submitted by a parent

The administration, teachers and entire staff from the moment you enter the building have created a positive, caring atmosphere that holds high standards yet encourages the kids to grow in every way!
—Submitted by a parent

They make learning Fun! Kids love to go to school there. How much more magic could that be? They love the environment. It's all good!
—Submitted by a parent

the teachers, the staff and the students, all truly dedicated to make this school the best environment ever.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers, staff and students are all actively engaged in the pursuit of knowledge! Independent Projects foster a love of learning and are student-driven, This school is truly the best of Dallas Independent School District...it's a hidden gem! Students come from all over the city of Dallas, from all socioeconomic backgrounds, so it is a melting pot of cultures. The teachers are seasoned, gifted instructors with a supportive principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Dedicated teachers, advanced curriculum, great kids. The school is doing a better job of communicationg with parents than last year (2007). Being in a downtown, urban environment isn't as much of a drawback as you might think.
—Submitted by a parent

Communication w/ parents is a problem; teachers are inaccessible. It has great teachers and good academics. Children are not secure in staying there.
—Submitted by a parent

I would hesitate to recommend this school to the parent of a child going into 4th or 5th grade. The school is excellent, but there is no loyalty shown to current students who are thriving there and doing well; All students reappy for 6th grade, and if a child outside the school has a higher GPA from his home school (easier than Travis, most likely), the Travis child can easily lose his/her spot for middle school. This creates major morale problems for everyone a the school, parents, children, and teachers. Many kids who are excellent students do not gain readmission to middle school, so the ones who make it back in lose their friends, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! This is an awesome school and staff. I have never had a problem with any teacher or the principal. This is a loving, caring school with the students' best interest put front and foremost. I have been very happy with the 'motherly' attention my children have had from the principal and all of their teachers! I really appreciate the efforts and systems in place to keep it one of the safest schools I have seen.
—Submitted by a parent

Good points: The students are a neat, creative group of kids. There are a few teachers who are excellent and put a lot of energy into the school. Parents are caring and invovled. Bad points:Principal is disinterested. The emphasis is on TAKs performance and uniforms, not academics It is hard to see how this is a TAG school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with a few minor exceptions. The entrance criteria should be revisited. It requires a student to have 80% or above on their ITBS and an 80 GPA. There are several students who have 85 and above GPA but do not do well on standardized tests. The entrance criteria should weight the ITBS scores such that students are given points depending on their score. It should not be based on whether the student did well on a test on a particular day. They may have had a bad day, etc. The teachers are great. The principal is standoffish and is known to not return phone calls or follow through on things.
—Submitted by a parent

In a district of 160,000+ students, this school is the best that the district can offer for students in grades 4 through 8. that being said, it is a woefully dysfunctional district and there are many things that Travis can do to enhance its status, though leadership at the local and administrative level seems unwilling to advocate for positive growth
—Submitted by a parent