Alamo Heights Junior High School

I really think the JS is doing some great things. The teachers are strong. There is a culture of caring about all kids. Teachers are responding to emails much faster this year. My child loves all the extra-curricular options. Academic UIL is amazing!
—Submitted by a parent

It was ok. I used to go to school here. Its really hard to fit in if you're new unless you know people. There's a big bullying problem and most of the kids here are very elitist and rude. I didn't like it because of the bullying and some of the teachers were awful. Its all about looks and money there. If you don't dress nice you'd be bullied and be an outcast. The regular classes are terrible and only the GT classes offer quality education. I would NOT recomend AHJS. -Former Student

AHJS was good for someone who likes easy classes and a big student body. It seemed that most people who "fit in" were pretentious and snooty. Anyone who was not rich or white, was an immediate outcast. In order to make the sports teams, your family had to be connected to the school financially. I was amazed at how excluding the students could be. I would not recommend this school, I left last year.

i been transferred to this school and i love it. Everyone is so helpful, kind and polite. The school has lots of stuff to get involved with. Dr jones the principal is so nice, i really like him. I love this school and recomed to take your child to this junior school. GO MULES - 6th grade student

As a parent of a student who transferred mid-year from out-of-state, I am mostly pleased with the atmosphere and academics of this school. To be honest, I had reservations about moving to this affluent district, but overall the students and families are down-to-earth. Yes, there are groups of students who my child says make a display of their wealth in an attempt to make others feel inadequate, it's true. Fortunately, the norm seems to be students who are focused on education and are polite and kind. The teachers, with the exception of one, have all been great. When we had a problem with a demeaning and demoralizing math teacher, we followed protocol, talked with the counselor, and got our child out of that class. The counselor and the teachers are open to communication and have helped our child transition to this school. Academically, the advanced courses are on par with our previous district. The band is superior. There are many opportunities at AHJS for those who choose to take them. Given the options in San Antonio, AHISD is a good place to offer your child a solid education. My child is happy, eager to go to school and to learn; her response is the best endorsement.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently attend this school, and the GT classes are great. In the advanced and grade level classes, there are a lot more disruptions. There is a LOT OF peer pressure, cliques, prejudice, and bullying on anything from race, affluency, intelligence, and your definitely ostracized if your not a rich, blond haired, blue eyed anglo girl, and the administration does nothing about it. The social environment is terrible, and the academic environment is only good if your in GT classes. -Current 7th Grade Student

Horrible principal. She is a total snob and she gossips about the kids. She is friends with some of the parents and tries to fit in socially. A total social climber that does not care to resolve the issues she is causing. PRINCIPAL KERSHNER HAS TO GO
—Submitted by a parent

Wow, as a parent, taxpayer and additional financial supporter of the district and specifically AHJS, I happen to stumble on this site. I think all the schools in our district do an amazing job. The negative remarks regarding ahjs are obviously from a bitter and hurt parent. Maybe they could pull themselves up by the bootstraps and teach their children how to over come instead of sit UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES, no matter what they may be. America and our own community is about forging new solutions when times get you down. Stop complaining and look at the bright side. YOU HAVE AN EXCELLENT FREE EDUCATION no matter where you go to school. There are always ways to improve, so why not llook into being a part of that instead of part of the "whining"!!
—Submitted by a parent

Not a very positive environment. They have tons of great technology, but not much time to use it, too many clowns. The teachers are pretty good, but they don't do anything about the misbehavior in the halls and stuff. There is a lot of snobbiness, and racism. You can't participate in any of the extracurricular stuff unless you have money. If you don't they offer scholarships that EVERY body ends up knowing about, and teasing about. The principal seems to be snob too, only talks to the wealthy white kids, which there are ALOT of here. They have a councelor that is totally lame and awkward, she cries everytime she talks about kids, and she gossips about the kids who have problems with the other kids! You should consider going somewhere else if you aren't rich and white.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school and I was pretty satisfied. The coaches are good. The teachers are pretty good. I guess it was fun, because you could get by with doing anything there. They kind of let you break the rules, like the dress code, and cell phones in class. The teachers are laid back, they don't jump down your throat if u cuss sometimes. It probably isn't so good if you are not white. You can really get picked on, if your not. My advice to them would be stay out of the poor line in the cafeteria and you'll probably not get noticed or picked on. I liked this school. But not as much as the High School.
—Submitted by a student

The school district should replace the administration at this school. The other schools in the district easily out perform this school in TEA scores, for no apparent reason other than poor discipline, and weak leadership. The children are the same kids that ranked well at the elementary schools and HS, but they are lost, uninspired or too anxious about this junior school environment to do well here. This is a smart and savvy district. I'm not quite sure why they have given up on AHJS.
—Submitted by a parent

I personally loved this school, and the english and art departments are amazing. The GT/PreAP department was great for me, too. But I will agree that socially some kids are picked on endlessly.
—Submitted by a student

I am so disappointed in this school. Students are rude and unruly, the administation is weak to non-existent, and teachers teach to the lowest common denominator. Disuptive kids in classes ruin learning for good kids. Technology is unavailable. The few good teachers are so outnumbered they might as well not be there. We are going to St. Lukes until high school.
—Submitted by a parent

the teachers fall short of expectations and so to the councilers. Out of all the administration, i'm most let down by the principal and councilers. The students are racist and the teachers do nothing to stop them..
—Submitted by a parent

For those of us who have been around awhile, the change has beem heartbreaking. 5 years ago the school was full of dedicated, caring, experienced teachers. The massive exodus of these teachers since the arrival of the new administration has left the school with teachers who are there just for the paycheck, who have no classroom management skills, who are more concerned about being cool and popular with the kids than actually having the kids actually learn anything. There are notable exeptions of course, but they are few and far between.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree administration is terrible. They act like the just starting running this school yesterday. The peer pressure is extremely high for girls. You would expect this for 11-13 year old girls, but it's absoulutely awful They were trying to institute a no bully team and that was a JOKE. I hope that in 7 years, when my youngest gets to the Jr. School, they have a new Principal and new teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

The lack of real leadership at this school is the failing point of this school. The kids flaunt the rules, from dress code, bullying, profanity, and ludeness, to cell phones in class. The good teachers are outnumbered by unruly children, apathetic peers, and absentee administration. We are private schooling until High School.
—Submitted by a parent

Alamo Heights is a private school feel in a public school. The teachers and faculty are first rate. The children are quality kids with amazing potential. There are activities for all personalities to be involved in. Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate in all school activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Socially, this is a really hard school for any student. A lot of kids are picked on. Competition for social standing is especially strong among the girls. Very little individual attention or encouragement from teachers. Terrible school for kids with special needs. Find another school. That's what we did.
—Submitted by a parent

The campus is really going to look great after the recent bond improvements. We will have the best science labs in the state for our children. I've been very impressed with the new principal and the teacher quality. A great match!
—Submitted by a parent