Lanier Middle School

i just graduated from lanier and i really enjoyed it. i was reluctant to go there because none of my friends were going but it didnt take long. everyone is really nice and the teachers are great! i was on the debate team and i really recommend it to someone who isnt 100% sure which elective they are going to take! the debate team has trained me well and i am currently ranked second in the nation in extemporaneous speaking the winner was also from lanier. if you are considering lanier go! you wont regret it!!

I have a 24 year old son who went through the vanguard program many years ago and currently have a 12 year old in the 6th grade vanguard program...I am finding that although the there are many perks (ie, ethnic diversity, good fine arts programs, many athletic opportunities, lots of extracurricular opportunities, minimal discipline issues and great parent involvement) the most important aspect (academics) seems to just be alot, alot, alot of work. Not necessarily advanced, higher thinking or challenging work...simply more regular leveled work. My daughter is telling me that the only class she feels might be at the vanguard level is math. I am also finding that several teachers give out alot of regular leveled work and yet sometimes themselves fall short of grading or giving proper preparation and proper credit for what is assigned. But this one thing is true...the reputation for being a top school filled with many top students is solid and that carries alot of value all by itself...plus my daughter loves it!
--Submitted by a parent

As a student at Lanier Middle School, I can tell you, this is the best school in Texas. If you want proof, just walk in the door; we have rows and rows of thousands of trophies, we continuously earn more every year. Our sports teams are amazing, our 8 time 1st place National debate team, and our fine arts programs make this school great. The competitive nature is very tough, and many students just can't go through with it. If your child is "fragile" send them to T.H Rogers.

I am currently an 8th grade student at Lanier. I am in the vanguard program and i think that Lanier is a great school. Next year I am going to carnegie and i feel Lanier has prepared me well. In sixth grade i was in cluster b and i learned alot. Seventh grade was harder than 6th because we had lonestar which was a very stressful project. However i learned a lot from it. I have to say 8th grade is my hardest year. I am in cluster c this year. 8th grade is more rigorous in academics but it prepares you for high school well. The teachers i have had are excellent and creative.
--Submitted by a student

This is an awesome school. I love how the teachers chalenge you to do much better.
--Submitted by a student

Lanier is an excellent school. The teachers are very creative do and great job teaching. The school does a great job of recognizing student acheivement. It is academically rigorous but the environment is very supportive. The teachers are more than willing to help your child suceed.
--Submitted by a parent

I think Lanier is an excellent school, and everything that everyone else says about it, but it was not the right fit for my daughter. She qualified for the Vanguard program but did not enjoy the competitiveness and felt overwhelmed with pressure and a lot of homework. Her health (mental and physical) suffered. Her core teachers were willing (a couple of them I would even describe as eager) to help her succeed but she just never felt really 'safe' or happy there. My daughter is quiet, completely non-competitive, and tends to freeze under pressure, so this school did not meet her needs emotionally which resulted in less than desired academic results. However, her closest friends absolutely thrived in the same environment.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is extremely good academically, but it stressed me out. There are very strict rules and guidelines that have severe punishments, high expectations, and competition. If you are in the Vanguard program, the kids tend to compare scores. One time, a kid looked over at my paper which had a 'B'. She said, 'Ooh, sorry. Better luck next time.' As you can imagine, this discouraged me quite a bit. I'm not very good at coping with stress, and the atmosphere there had a lot of tension. However, most of my friends loved the school, and the challenge and competition was good for them. They learned more, enjoyed the benefits of the debate team (which is more than just debate, it also includes other communication activities), and made good friends. It depends on the kind of person you are.
--Submitted by a student

Its awsome. Im in 6 grade and cluster c and it rocks. The band teacher rocks. Go purple pups! pe is awsome!!
--Submitted by a student

Ok Lanier is the best. It has outstanding teachers that work so hard, and they really want everyone to learn as much as possible. The teacher at your own pase. I know it had a run in with a 'drug problem' but so what every middle and high school have stuff that goes on like that they are safe not the safest but its safe.
--Submitted by a student