South Texas Business Education & Technology Academy

I think this school has really gone downhill; not that it was much better before. Let's hope they don't close it down!
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been here 2 years and has absolutely flourished. In 8th grade, he is learning geometry and reading Night by Elie Weisel. He has been encouraged to volunteer his time in the community and at the school and has made a lot of wonderful friends. BETA is truly a school where learning is the main point, not football or cheerleading or acting like a hoodlum. In 2 years, he has had only 1 teacher I thought was less than stellar. This school is incredibly better than the local middle school that he attended in 6th grade. Parents, I know it is hard to switch your child from the school district you and he have always known, but make the effort if you want him to be a safe, disciplined, caring environment where he will actually learn a lot. You'll be so glad you did.
--Submitted by a parent

I am not a parent; I am currently a senior at BETA to graduate in May 2007. I have attended the school since 7th grade, and I can honestly say I would not be the person I am today if I had not taken the decision to come to this school. BETA is not a school for just anybody. The classes are challenging, and the teachers are highly qualified. I am currently in the top 10 percent of my class, and I have enjoyed every moment of the BETA experience. I can not guarantee that BETA is the school for your child, but I can tell you BETA is definetely beyond your average high school. Even though our school does not have sports, I am currently vicepresident of National Honor Society, future president of Spanish Club, co-captain of the Current Events UIL Team, among others. I hope this helps. :-)
--Submitted by Senior Class of '07, a student

BETA offers alot of high-level classes, and allows students to get more credits than at normal high schools. There aren't any sports at BETA, but there is band and choir. There are alot of clubs including Garden, Adventure, UIL, Guitars & Waffles, Yearbook, etc...
--Submitted by a student

Overall, we are pleased with the school. A good education can be had if a student will apply him/herself. Not sure that all students are there for the education--many sent by parents looking for a 'safe' situation--and then they act up to get sent back to home school? School materials say no tolerance for...foul language...yet the 'F-word' is commonly heard in the halls. Dress code is not consistently enforced either, with many 'goth' attired students. Was disappointed to see TAKS scores--think students (including my own) should have done better. Would like to see 'correct spelling' and handwriting standards enforced across the board. Have about come to the conclusion that it is not done generally in any of the schools because not all teachers can spell correctly themselves. Hope that is not true...
--Submitted by a parent