William B Travis Acad/Vangrd for Academically Tag

I'm not a parent, but an anonymous, soon to be alumni. I go to Travis Academy and i am entering the 8th grade. My overall rating for the school is 4 out of a possible 5 simply because of some faculty issues, as always with students, although I will be unbiased for this review. Other problems include some false accusations from faculty, although they are only trying to make the school a better, more safe environment for both themselves and the students that they watch over and teach. If you are a student in grades 3-7, I would recommend applying to this wonderful, magnificent school. As a matter of fact, when I was in the fifth grade here, my whole class (as in grade) made 100% commended on the math TAKS test, which isn't very hard to do, due to our hard-working, diligent math teacher, who shall remain anonymous due to the regulations on this website.

Travis is the best elementary and middle school in Dallas ISD (and, indeed, always ranked in the top 3 in the entire State of Texas). The principal is outstanding; the teachers are dedicated and caring; the kids are fabulous. You don't have to be a nerd to succeed here. This TAG school is challenging but we found that the kids rise to the high bar that is set. You will not find a better school in Dallas ISD.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school! Great leadership and teachers! Some of the reviews sound like they are about another place. We have had nothing but a wonderful experience. The teachers and principals are all about education and not about stoking egos. Maybe that is why some of the negative comments. Evidently, their strategies work! The school has always been EXEMPLARY. Way to go Travis!
--Submitted by a parent

I've been going to Travis since fourth grade and this year is my seventh grade year. Personally, I regret not going to a big middle school where I could face real-world challenges. Travis tries to shelter you from the real world which will eventually hurt us. But the academics are great, sometimes its an overdose, though. I've made the best friends, and I will always stay in touch with them.
--Submitted by a student

I have been attending Travis since the fourth grade and this is my seventh grade year. Personally, the school is wonderful in academics but I never really got to play the role of a normal middle schooler. We don't have a lot of dances, field trips or school outings. They shelter us too much here. That is why I am excited for highschool when I will find out what the world outside of Travis is really like. But overall, it is an alright school. I've learned a lot and I've made a lot of friends.
--Submitted by a student

Wm. B. Travis is the best school academically for elementary and middle schoolers in the City and the price is right!
--Submitted by a parent

I go to Travis,and i really hate how people blame the teachers on their kids not getting all A's like they did at their home school. Travis is a challenge and if your not ready to accept the challenge....why are you here? dont expect to get the same grades you did at your home school. the first few weeks you may get a b or a c on your report card. get over it. you will catch on. i got my first C at Travis that was the wake up call for me. The teachers dont sugar coat anything. thats what i love. theyr real. tey will tell you that if you dont get it kicked up a notch you will fail out of travis. People also say you dont have time for homework. nioope
--Submitted by a parent

Over all, it's a great school and you make the best friends in the whole entire world!!!!!! YOU WOULD NEVER FORGET THEM!!! My class of 2009 have become the best family there is!! Now going off to different magnet schools, like Booker T and Townview (Mostly TAG and SEM), and private schools, like St. Marks, Hockaday, ESD, and Ursuline, we will physically be separated. We will still keep in touch because we have had the bestest times together!!! I will mostly miss my Math Competition Teacher, Drama Teacher, and Band Teacher!!!! But most of al, I will miss many of my friends!!! You need to go to this school!!! It's a great experience!!!!
--Submitted by a student

Travis is always where I've felt at home. Yes, there are flaws, but overall I love it. The teachers are funny, great people that try to help, and as a group my classmates are great. I've learned how to write reports, study, plan, and I've learned how to work hard and not procrastinate. The teachers try as hard as they can to help and make the classes challenging but fun. I will be very sad when I have to leave this great school.
--Submitted by a student

I've had two children go to Travis. One is now in college and the other in high school. Last year when I asked my daughter why she thought she was accepted at her Ivy League college, the first thing she said was 'Travis... They taught me how to study.' Travis is a no excuses kind of place that is for kids who are willing to put forth an effort. Teachers are good and sometimes unorthodox, and my kids thrived there. This place doesn't waste its time massaging parent egos, they prepare kids for college. In my experience at Travis, student problems arose when parents consistently made excuses for their kids. These parents always seemed to to blame the faculty and staff and not the comittment and work ethic of the student and parents. Both my girls learned a lot and had a great time at Travis.
--Submitted by a parent