Robert G Cole Middle/High School

I have heard nothing but bad things about this school. For one, the faculty, specifically the main office, is very disorganized. My daughter has had a rough year and needed some doctor's visits frequently. Considering the school only allows 9 days unexcused absences, we asked the office what we could do to turn those into excused absences so she wouldn't have to worry about losing credit. So, we called and said "Can we just bring in any note with my signature on it? That way it's excused?" The office replied with a yes and we were able to move one with my daughter's doctor appointments with ease. However, last week, she was sent to the attendance office and was told she must make up 16 HOURS worth of detention because she went over the limit. I couldn't believe this. Next, I'd also like to think that a tiny sparkle on my daughter's nose isn't more important than her classes. I want to point a finger at "Suzy" Hawkinson, who wouldn't let my daughter leave the office til her nose ring was out of her nose. Keep in mind, my daughter had a huge math test to get to. Her nose was infected at the time and was medically not able to remove it. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

I really like the school. Kids have many extra curricular activities and sports opportunities and are very important Kids are able to take AP Classes. Teachers and administration are reachable and available. School is small. GREAT SCHOOL.
--Submitted by a parent

Phone calls to administration aren't returned -- it's been a week now. Admin and teachers are contemptuous and often condescending to parents and students. Emails to 8th grade teachers are sometimes ignored with no return reply. If a student is struggling, s(he) is regarded with suspicion (esp. if there's a 504). We're concerned and involved parents and the treatment we, and our daughter, receive is the worst that we've ever had in any district. She is regarded with hostility and contempt - is asked, after struggling with tests and homework, if she's manipulating the situation to obtain more help -- or she's asked, by one teacher, isn't my homework important enough? Stay away! No encouragement here. Our poor experience suggests why the state of education in TX is so dire.
--Submitted by a parent

Great High School I had one graduate from this school and I like the high school!!!! The middle school needs help.
--Submitted by a parent

I think the school should have more activities for the middle school. we dont have sports or clubs.(just 2) it feels more like a prison than a school
--Submitted by a student

This school is the worst schools for my children for both academics and treatment of students/parents in my 20 years of being in the military. I would suggest home school or private.
--Submitted by a parent

Cole Middle School will go on and on telling you about how they are a ISD school BUT only the Military Children are allowed to attend. Do they care how they treat the Military Child? Absolutely not! As a spouse of a soldier who is currently on his 4th deployment, this is the worst school for support of any kind, including special needs, in our 24 years in the military. Things that aren't important are HUGE, things that are important are over looked ever single day. I only wish we had either sent them off post to a private school or home-schooled. Ft. Sam Houston is a wonderful place to be stationed... just don't let your children attend their schools.... unless you love stress.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is small, but they have tons of programs available for the students. A large portion of the faculty graduated from R.G. Cole, so school pride is strong. We came from a 5A school to here and are very happy.
--Submitted by a parent

Going to have to disagree with 'blah'. The youth have plenty of oppurtunity if they seek it. When we moved here, the Principal and Vice (2006-7) took my troubled son under their wings and embraced him right away. He flourished at first but made other choices. However, if you choose to communicate and not be negative, an awesome school. Cannot say the same for teachers at Ft Sam Elementary.
--Submitted by a parent

Cole's great. Everyone knows everyone. They students and staff are very supportive. Its also nice since we are a small school everyone can participate in a sport if they want to.
--Submitted by a student