Hobby Middle School

I was employed at Hobby M.S. for five years as a special-education teacher. The five years that I was employed at Hobby, were the only five years (non before and non after) that Hobby was a recognized campus. Albeit, don't expect Hobby to pull-it-off again after next year. If you do, hedge your bets first. Parents, you truly have no idea what goes on behind closed doors. It all comes down to the end-of-the-year state test scores (TAKS/STARR). If your child 'is' taking an annual state test that is 'numerically' important, then your child will garnish the administrator's (and hence the teacher's) attention. If your child is 'not' taking an annual state test that the state politicians deem credible or important, then, good luck in this department. With that said though, I refuse to personally criticize any employee at Hobby, because I know you're likely to take it the wrong way. So, I will let you be the judge.

Took our son out of Hobby and placed him in private school. It is the best decision we have ever made. The social environment at Hobby is rough and it can rub off on your kids if they are trying to fit in. If they don't care about fitting in, they will get bullied. The environment is very negative and a real self esteem killer. The school administrators have weak policies on bullying. Hobby used to be known as a nice school. It now has a reputation as the school to get bullied at if you are smart or have money. The families that can afford to, usually send their Hobby bound kids to private school for good reason. We know about 12 families from very nice neighborhoods whose children should go to Hobby but don't.
--Submitted by a parent

Nothing special, pretty average , usual school where students are allowed to pretty much do or say whatever they feel without any serious discipline consequences it appears. Not impressed

Lots of cussing thugs at this school. If you want to fit in, you better lower your standards. Never considered private school until now.
--Submitted by a parent

Hobby is GREAT!! The principle is OUTSTANDING!! She runs this school with high expectations and strong academic standards. The team at Hobby defiantly shows our children what school is all about, and the importance of a solid education. Much emphasis on college and making great grades. The school is Texas recognized which is HUGE!! Also has made commended performance on the TAAS test. HUGE!! If you don't know what this means for your children I would advise you to read-up on it. Great teachers with great leadership. You won't be disappointed.
--Submitted by a parent

I love hobby. Im a student here, and i think that its the best of the best!! some of the teachers would be better off completely fired but whatever. Dont underestimate the size of the school; its just perfect. Definately hard to get lost in. The classes are great. But, as someone said on this website, the counselors are no help at all. Parents, you could email mrs. Gray as many times as you want about schedual changes, but she doesnt do crap. When i tried, i got yelled at.
--Submitted by a student

I am a student at hobby and I love it! I am in all AP classes and am doing very well. I highly recomend this school for kids because its has a very warm,safe enviornment.Theres an onschool police officer who is very good, and our new principal is amazing! The school is not that big so your student will not be late for classes (5 minuet passing period- I was scared to!) I was nervouse about attending hobby my 6th grade year but they welcomed me with open arms and got me on track. After the first day at hobby everything was very fluent and I knew wear to go. Come on down to hobby! I highly recomend it.
--Submitted by a student

Hobby is a very solid Middle School and offers a wide curriculum to its students. There are plenty of Honors and Pre-AP courses which my child has found challenging. I disagree with the one parent review that cited Rawlinson would be a better choice; we know families at Rawlinson that are having a hard time dealing with the size of that school (larger than Hobby), and wish to attend Hobby. It's been a great community and my child has transitioned in these very crucial years well. I am thrilled with what goes on academically, socially, and with the opportunities for extracurricular activities. I think it's about what you are willing to commit to for your child.
--Submitted by a parent

We just arrived from M xico and my daughter is very happy at Hobby! Excellent teachers! Congratulations! Good environment! and the 6th grade counselor Mr. David Ely a nice person! Thanks for everything you are teaching to my daughter!
--Submitted by a parent

Hobby is surprisingly good. It is a big, economically diverse, and not new. Seeing it filled with all those hormonal middle schoolers is scary. However, come on inside and talk to the administrators and teachers, and find a suprisingly warm, welcoming place. Counselors will tweak a schedule to help a kid socially. Coaches take a rag tag group of kids and turn them into a team. Music teachers know how to alternately baby and push students. Vice Principals are idealistic and will remember your name. The new principal wants to stress academics even more. Forget about an expensive private school. With the range of programs and the caring here, you don't need it.
--Submitted by a parent