Marcus High School

Excellent teachers? I'd say hit-and-miss. There are some teachers who don't care, some teachers who care too much, some who teach well, and some who don't. The fact is, the school is very large. 3000+ students, although there is a freshmen center planned. Overall, it has decent teachers, because it would be impossible to guarantee they were all outstanding. From what I can tell, the principals and vice principals vary in degrees of strictness and discipline, but we need all of them for all that they do. But there are most certainly challenging academic programs. The AP classes require self-study rather than a teacher regurgitating information to be memorized, and I would say that on average, students in Pre-AP or AP classes have better chances at getting a challenging and rewarding education than students who take regular classes, and teachers who more likely don't care as much. Overall, the school is pretty good, and has pretty decent testing scores so far. I'll grant that it has problems that are pretty much unavoidable in any public school, but those are inevitable. The facility is nice, and most of the students are nice too. I'd recommend this school as above average.
—Submitted by a student

The councelors are non-responsive. So much so that my chld lost a college scholarship to the first college choice. Next are the drugs. Anytime you have a school with affluent families, you have drugs and this place is no different. Unless you count the schools stance of brushing the problem under the rug because it's to big for them to handle. The teachers are ok, but they are going in the direction of letting the computer modules teach your kids and not all children learn in that manner.
—Submitted by a parent

MY best advice....to any parent thinking of sending your child to MHS ****don't do it ***** I can not post what I really think of this school because they wouldn't post it. There are MAJOR problems. Protect your children. There are too many students who's parents just throw money at them and don't care what they are doing.
—Submitted by a parent

After moving from another district, I was pleasantly surprised by the huge step up in quality of instruction and environment at Marcus. My child has blossomed past all expectations here, and we have definitely found a home in Flower Mound.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with hard working , caring teachers. my son requires a lot of extra support, and is not always on the same page with those working with and for him yet they never give up trying different ways of helping. We have bought land outside of this school district but wouldn't consider moving till my son has graduated.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school. The standards are set very high, and the students work hard to meet the expectations. My son is on Band and Drumline. Both programs are a credit to the quality of the music education at this school. He has opportunities to excel in his AP classes, and his counselour is very supportive. Last year seniors at this school received something like 4 million dollars worth of scholarships, and that is a testament not only to the efforts of the students and teachers, but to how hard these counselours' work on these kids behalf. I have found other homes in Flower Mound I would like to purchase, but if they take my children away from Marcus High School I will not buy them. I know other families besides mine who moved into this area just for Marcus High School; that has to tell you something.
—Submitted by a parent

Nurturing, friendly environment. Excellent teacher - student - parent communication. Large selection of electives. AP, special ed, music and theatre, sports, it has it all.
—Submitted by a parent

As a Hurricane Rita victim, I find that this school was very helpful in dealing with change. The counselors and the teachers of this school has helped my daughter to give her some help in her academics as well as an opportunity to what she wants to do with her life. But it's not just that. Most, If not all, High Schools in general always have the common problems,ie crime, drugs. I find this school has no tolerance for them and the Principals and the Assistants there has a very strong handle on this and makes me feel as well as my daughter safe to attend.
—Submitted by V. Smith, a parent

I am a recent graduate if this MHS and, because I am short on time, I will keep my review short and sweet. Marcus High School is an amazing school with amazing teachers, administrators, classes and students and is centered in an amazing neighborhood.
—Submitted by Blake Powell, a former student

Fantastic faculty, many good athletic and academic programs. Fantastic school.
—Submitted by a former student

My son will be a junior at MHS next year. He started here as a freshman after attending a small private school in Europe for jr.high. I was worried about the adjustment and quality of education, but Marcus has been a very positive experience for my son. Although large, the school offers many opportunities and there is a place for everyone. Band, journalism, theatre, among others, are outstanding. The 'accelerated block' system leaves something to be desired as it creates a hectic pace and potential for year-long gaps between traditionally sequential courses such as certain maths and sciences. Some classes, such as music theory, never seem to 'make' although the problem is apparently money for teachers, not student interest. Our counsellor has been excellent and helpful with planning my son's curriculum, working out occasional minor problems, etc. Teacher quality varies, with some truly exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a wonderful school, I am glad that my child goes there.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent prepared my children well for Texas A & m
—Submitted by a parent

Several thousand students. Band is fabulous, drum line always winning nationally, plus science/robotics team, community service options encouraged, art and language are also very good.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my third year as a Marcus parent. I have found the teachers to be very approachable and supportive of the students. The counselors have also been very helpful. My son requires some support to be successfull, and he has done very well here. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a helpful and supportive academic environment for their child.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been involved in several of the surrounding school districts, and have worked closely with the sister high school in Flower Mound. I have found the staff at Marcus to be more available and open to parents and their concerns. There are support groups in place for students and mentors. The principal at Marcus is a person of high integrity and truly seems to put the students first. I would not consider placing my children at any other public school in the area.
—Submitted by a parent