Trafton Academy

I agree with the other one star posting on this page. Trafton is not interested in your child if they actually have to do some work or teach them. Their claims to bringing students to higher level are skewed, as they only accept students who are already testing at a passing level. If the public schools could eliminate the students Trafton segregates out, they would look as good and probably better (since the teachers are used to performing at a higher level) than Trafton. If your child has any kind of learning difference, don't even waste the application fee for this school. It will not matter how many specialists you have working with your child on overcoming their learning difference. Trafton is lazy, at best and not up for the challenge of really educating them. If your child is a pretty strong performer and would pass standardized testing anyway, Trafton may be the school for them. It is relatively inexpensive compared to other proivate schools in the area. Of course, if you take the time to ask yourself why, you may realize it is because they don't really put out the effort they claim to acheive results.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to Trafton. They have a honor class which is academically charllenging and advanced. The teacher for that class is really impressive and demanding, but yet kids like her a lot. We liked the small environment of the school - it is truely like a family. All the teachers and staff there are showing the repsponsiblity and ownership to the growing of the kids. The principal personally knows the students and trys the best to help each of them. The other parents are friendly and my daughter was making very good friends. Overal we missed the school a lot.
—Submitted by a parent

Trafton has really taught me new things to learn in all subjects. The teachers and staff are friendly and cooperative. I can make many good friends there, and the academics are challenging and superior to other schools in Houston. Trafton has recently bought Mrs. Wagner's, and so it will expand the area.

I went to Trafton when it first opened in the 70's. My best time in school. I know it has changed quite a bit sine then, however i have fond memories.

Wonderful experience in learning .The small classes and advanced curriculum challenge and interest the students . We graduated from a prominent elementary school before attending Trafton and are more than pleased at Trafton . It is challenging and my child is happy saying school and friends would be missed over a break . Academic Excellence ! Socially excellent . Kids thrive at Trafton.
—Submitted by a parent

My child spent 3 years at Trafton but we left due to personal reasons. Only months after we left, she took the ACT with high-school students in 11th and 12th grade. Her scores in math, reading and grammar were in the 70th+ percentile. Not bad for a 7th grader among high school seniors. Without a doubt, the academic excellence at Trafton was the major contributor to her achievement. We will always be grateful to Trafton.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Trafton Academy 6th - 8th grades. Trafton offers an academically challenging curriculum (on grade as well as honors classes) in an environment conducive to learning. Trafton is large enough to offer many diverse activities, yet small enough to work with individuals, allowing for individual flexibility and accommodation. The atmosphere at Trafton is wonderful! It is positive, encouraging and develops leaders. It fosters a healthy academic competitiveness where students and teachers work together for success in a positive environment. The facilities have a cozy, homey feeling and are very comfortable. The teachers have degrees in the subject area they are teaching, are wonderful and seem to know each student very well. The small class sizes are priceless! I have heard Trafton Academy described as the best kept secret in the area and as a diamond in the rough It s a gem! I highly recommend Trafton Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

Trafton has proven to us many times that we made the right decision when we enrolled and entrusted our children to Trafton. The staff and teachers truly care about the best interest of each child and stand behind what they teach. Our children are getting a superior education in a real world atmosphere. The extracurricular activities offered cover most children's interests and allows all children regardless of ability a chance to tryout. I feel like my children go to their extended family everyday when I drop them off at school. I am proud to say that my children are Trafton kids and I will send my other kids to Trafton when the time comes without a doubt. There is not a better school offered in our area when you consider price, education, extracurriculars and social atmosphere. Trafton has it all!
—Submitted by a parent

The consensus from absolutely every Trafton graduate we've ever spoken to has been , "Trafton gave me the tools I needed to be prepared for any academic program." Sending our child there for fourth grade was the best educational decision we've made. She has had 3 years of amazing academic instruction as well as the opportunity to play sports, join the National Jr. Honor Society, and make wonderful friends. She has learned to organize her work and manage her time so responsibly. Our second child is starting fourth grade at Trafton because we know just how strong the educational experience is and how warm and interested the teachers are. The outer appearance may not be as upscale as other schools, but that is also reflected in the affordable tuition and lack of pretentiousness!
—Submitted by a parent

I have my second child at Trafton now in 7th grade and my oldest graduated 1 year ago and is about to be a sophomore in high school. Trafton prepared my oldest both academically and socially for high school. We survived the freshman year of high school with small transition issues all of which I credit Trafton. Trafton is one of the best schools in the area and truly believes in teaching the basics. I highly recommend the school for all prospective parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Trafton and I couldn't be happier. We have had experience with many teachers across the grades and I can honestly say the administration and faculty are warm, caring and they inspire the students to want to learn. Trafton is academically challenging and students are encouraged to reach their full potenial. Extracurriculars include sports, student council, Junior Honors Society to name a few. When looking at high schools, both private and IB/AP, I hear the same comment over again, "We love Trafton students. They are so well prepared and they are a great group of kids." Choosing a middle school was tough decision for our family. We had the option of many different private schools and Vanguard/G.T. public. In the end we chose Trafton and we have no regrets.
—Submitted by a parent

My child entered Trafton in the 6th grade after attending a private Jewish day school in the area. He learned more in his 1st semester than he did in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades combined. His teacher was strict, caring, passionate, approachable and held the students accountable if they chose not to put in the effort. She became a true mentor and set him up with invaluable study skills for life. He feels so proud that he made the National Junior Honor Society. Trafton has a traditional approach and the attention spent on teaching him how to write a research paper and "old school" algebra really paid off. He learned organizational strategies and truly became a responsible/accountable student that works hard and takes a lot of pride in his work. 7th grade has a lot to live up to b/c 6th couldn't have been better!
—Submitted by a parent

trafton is a house and several t-buildings. Lack of educational surroundings shows little care of student body.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 4 children that have gone to different public and private middle schools in our area. By far Trafton provides the greatest value. Students thrive in this supportive environment both academically and socially. The extracurricular activities include sports, language and music. Trafton facilitates a smooth transition through the turbulent middle school adolescence experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed to find that the administration enjoys writing reviews on their own school. Are they in it for the money? YES!!! As a Trafton alumn, I am always hesitant to admit that I graduated from such a dismal 'institution.' The school may seem like a 'secret jewel,' but don't let this fool you. The teachers are impersonal, degrading, and incompetant. The athetics are open for only the best of athletes, and the school even requires try outs for each sport. Only a few of the kids ever make the team, and the rest are usually left feeling shamed. In my personal experience, I failed to make the basketball team, and track team after 4 years of trying out. However, I joined the track team at my high school (which did not require tryouts), and currently run a 4:10 mile. Trafton has failed many, dont let it fail you.
—Submitted by a student

Trafton is a wonderful school. They have a strong curriculum with great teachers. I like that they offer an honors curriculum and a regular track curriculum. The sports program is strong, too. My child loves it and is getting a fabulous education! The teachers are engaging and try their hardest to make the kids reach their potential. They have a great language arts curriculum. They write a lot! I can't wait for my younger child to be old enough to go to Trafton in the fourth grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Best kept educational secret in Houston.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent small school that offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities (sports, music) - similar to larger schools. Two levels of academics - on level and advanced/honors. Teachers and administrators are very approachable. One of Houston's best kept secrets! Great value for the money.
—Submitted by a parent

What a wonderful choice for our child!. We enrolled her in the fourth grade because I heard it was harder to get in in the upper grades. I am so glad we did. She excelled and improved greatly in reading and math. The school emphasizes reading, which many schools do not anymore. The teachers and staff are so warm and caring, they truly care about each individual student. This has been such a great experience for our daughter and I feel so blessed that we found this little jewel of a school. It is southwest Houston's best kept secret.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended for 3 yrs. (6th - 8th grades). Benefit was the smaller classes and individual attention. There is a strong sense of community and belonging with the kids.
—Submitted by a parent