Dripping Springs High School

I noticed that the class sizes are a little larger than the state average (very surprising). However, the district's students are more well behaved and more acdemically focused than most of the schools in Texas. We moved here because of the exemplary rating and state standing for academics.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school and this district. I feel like, because of the great quality of teachers and student around me, I know where I'm going with my life. I am a freshman at this high school and this year has been great. In 6th grade I was recognized as a "Gifted and Talented" english student and the class for us is terrific. The swim team has an amazing coach and we work as a team, not just as individuals. Some of the teachers are not up to par, however, and if your child doesn't think they'll do well in that class because of them, I would urge them to switch out of the class. Whether your child concentrates on sports, needs help passing classes, or can only think outside of the box, I sincerely believe this is the school for you.
--Submitted by a student

The staff is friendly. The teachers seem to be dedicated to doing the best that they can despite the large class sizes. The school board is excellent. The excellent band program resulted in state championship for marching bands. Parent involvement is very high for a public school.
--Submitted by a parent

the students as a whole are tolerant and supportive of each other.....despite 'sterotypical differences'....
--Submitted by a parent

Just a darn good school. Great teachers and students!
--Submitted by a parent

I have two main problems with this high school. We aren't allowed to have off-campus lunch, not even seniors, despite a multitude of places to eat within two minutes of the school. My other big problem with the high school is its location. The district is very spread out and as far away from the city of Austin as Dripping Springs goes, both of which are two significant inconveniences. DS has a good academic reputation with UT Austin, which makes for a strong application. I always found it easy to learn at DSHS, and my classes usually had a positive atmosphere. Some teachers are sub-par, but they are the minority. Cliques, drinking, parties, and drug use are all somewhat prevalent, but falling in with the wrong crowd is by all means avoidable.
--Submitted by a student

This school puts obstacles in front of the kids and calls it 'rigor.' Do not try to have a conversation with a teacher, especially if you have a question - the teachers are always right and the students always lie. Principal is weak. I would not send any more of my children here, and pulled out the ones that had started. Shameful excuse for education.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former student of DSHS, I had great experiences throughout my career in school. The sports program is average in terms of performance in the district, but the teaching is at a high level. The advanced programs prepared me well for both college and graduate school. Of the top 10% of my graduating class, more than half of them went to graduate school.
--Submitted by a student

What a wonderful place. I put my kids here into High School from private schools and I wish I had done it sooner. I adopted my nephew when his mother died from another state and they were there for him too.They welcomed me visiting the classroom, though few other parents did. When I came to occasionally complain they smiled and called it 'volunteering'.Very strong sports programs. Does not participate in Science fair, but plans to. Zero drug tolerance makes for aura of safety. This time, at this school, is a golden age.Very strict hiring practices.I thank God daily for this school.
--Submitted by Connie G, a parent

Dripping Springs High School is the only High School in the District that includes a large rural area. The principal is not an effective leader or problem solver. The new superintendant is a breath of fresh air and will hopefully be able to bring DSHS into the Twentieth Century realm of modern thinking. The extra curricular programs suffer from a lack of effective leadership, particularly the girls programs. Football has improved, but most of the attention is focused on that activity, often to the exclusion of the others. The AP programs are designed well, but students are not as prepared as they should be to take the AP tests for college credit. Lots of potential, lack of effective leadership by administration.
--Submitted by a parent