Adams Middle School

My experience with Adams has been poor at best. My daughter has reported that students often fight and get shoved around the halls. She witnessed a friend getting punched in the face during an AP class, and other friends have been shoved against lockers. Quite frankly I am scared to drop her off some days. The administration lacks strong leadership and the princi"pal" is more interested in friending the children than in controlling the school. I can't wait to get my daughter out of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is finishing his 8th grade year at Adams. Mr. Harrison, the principal, was great but, as with so many great educators, he was promoted to administration. I don't believe that the children were challenged academically and the lack of homework has not prepared them for high school. I was told by an Adams teacher that they are instructed not to give the students homework, so all tests are reviewed in class and all assignments done during class time. Having come from a private school, Adams did not accept my son's outstanding grades and Stanford test scores as reason enough to put him in advanced courses until he had 'proven himself in the public school'. Consequently, the testing took months, the results meant nothing for this year, and he finishes unchallenged with a 96 GPA for the year.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 boys attend this school. They both have been involved in the pre AP programs and enjoyed their classes. The entire staff is friendly, welcoming and cares for each student as a individual. I can not say enough good things about Mr. Harrison as a Principal, HE IS AWSOME !! and the kids LOVE him. He is fare and rewards the good that is done, however he is also strict and runs a tight ship. Every school should have a Principal like him. If they did more good would come out of it.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a student at adams middle school for about to years.I have just left the school to go to the 9th grade but i don't even want to leave. Those two years have been some of my best school years ever.I love my principal my teachers and all my freinds and i will miss them all so much.
--Submitted by a student

I'm a parent to child Desmond H. Mason - 8th grader. I would like for Principal Harrison and the entire teaching and coaching staff to know that they are great at what they do. My son transferred from Crockett Middle School in Irving, TX in which he had many challenges. Since he made the switch this year and last have been his best years in school. Principal Harrison is one of the best principals a parent could ever want. He really cares about his students. I love the teaching staff because they let our kids be kids. I hope Principal Harrison can read this to his staff. I really want them to know that you guys have meant alot to me. Desmond is so very happy with his school - Adams. I'm very proud of what the school stands for, which is higher learning
--Submitted by a parent

Mr. Harrison is the principal and he runs a tight ship. He focuses on creating an environment where the teachers can teach and students can learn. Ms. Mersikosky runs the GT program there and encourages students to reach their full potential with constant reminders that they are laying the foundation for a successful educational career. The teachers love to teach and hold students accountable to reaching their potential - I love the ability to look at my kids grades online and email back and forth with all of the teachers. I highly recommend this school and its excellent faculty.
--Submitted by J. Underwood, a parent

Our daughter is finishing up 8th grade at Adams. She has had 3 good years here. I have watched Adams grow in Acedmics, Morale and Character. The principal was Administrator of the Year by the TCTA. This is his 2nd year at Adams and you couldn't ask for a more dedicated individual to run this school. The PTA has done an OK job the past few years, but there still isn't much parent involvement. It is the job of the parent to get involved and know what is being taught to their children. Overall, our experience with Adams has been good.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school. Everbody is family. Kids, teachers, support staff and administration. Wonderful learning environment! This school has really turned around from previous administration. The staff has stuck it out and the students now reap the rewards!
--Submitted by a staff

There is no teacher involvement with the parents. The principal is rude and does not intervene with your child's best interest.
--Submitted by a parent

Campus leadership is supportive of staff and welcoming to parents. There is a good balance of reward and privilege for academic and behavioral performance. Core teaching staff are good friends with each other and are committed community members as well. Staff care about each other and about the kids. They recognize how much we want for and from our kids and they help them to achieve! Disruptive behavior is not tolerated by administration - this grants kids and teachers freedom to explore. Campus leaders truly like middle-schoolers and they show it. We feel safe sending their children to this campus. Parental involvement is good, but could be better. Parents who don't find ways to participate are missing so much!!!!
--Submitted by a parent