Grisham vs Canyon Vista (Austin, West: house, buy, middle school)

[Bubchub68]

Are there any parents or teachers who could give their insights on Grisham middle school. We might buy a house that feeds into Grisham and would want to know about the difference between the two. Thanks!

[hound 109]

my comments from 3 years ago in this thread are still accurate:

//www.city-data.com/forum/austi...l#post20473949

The top 85% of the kids at Grisham are similar in all areas to CV.(academically, athletically, extra curricular....everything). The bottom 15% at Grisham underperform the bottom 15% at CV because of the lower socioeconomic background differences. (this is the main and only difference imo between the two schools....for the good and the bad.....my kid likes the extra layer of diversity at grisham from a social perspective.)

Both schools are 30% or more Asian. Both schools feed into Westwood. GMS has a few more latin & black kids. The top 60% of both schools are over the top academically gifted.

My kid goes to Grisham and loves it. He plays tennis & is great buddies with over a dozen CV kids who also play tennis. They love CV.

Bullying isn't tolerated at either school (but i do observe some good natured "family guy" type politically incorrect ribbing of each other and of each school off campus) i kind of think it's healthy.

The preppy ponies and the ghetto grizzlies (their terms) are probably more alike than different.....& they all become Warriors.

[Bubchub68]

Thanks a lot hound109! Our only concern is if GMS will prepare my son for Westwood. Do you've any input on their IB program?

[Bubchub68]

What are your thoughts on the recent reviews about this school?

Parent Reviews of Noel Grisham Middle School - Austin, Texas - TX

[hound 109]

Originally Posted by Bubchub68

What are your thoughts on the recent reviews about this school?

Parent Reviews of Noel Grisham Middle School - Austin, Texas - TX

40% of the kids at Westwood (the school that delivers very high test scores) come from GMS. Both GMS & CV are both doing a good job of preparing kids for WHS. But....I've heard from 9th graders (kids who attended both CV & GMS) that the workload goes up ALOT from 8th grade to 9th grade....so that's probably the biggest thing they'll need to "prepare" for.

I never have bought the "teach to the test" complaint. 90% of the kids pass "the test" easily & are learning things over & above what's needed to pass "the test". The other 10% -15% are being taught what's needed to move to the next level. For some, it's a struggle....I'm thinking these are the "teach to the test" complainers.

I guess i understand the "IB" grading system.....a 7 means extraordinary (someone who can make a 100 on the test & then fold the paper into an aircraft carrier that will float across Lake Travis). 6 is a solid A student, a 5 is an A- student, etc. But i might be wrong....I'm hard wired to understand the numerical 1-100 system. Which is what they use on the report cards (thank goodness).

My kid is small & kind of a smart alec.....& has never been bullied (& this was my biggest worry). GMS is a melting pot school & it's frankly refreshing to see how all these kids get along. He has avoided athletic PE & is in regular PE since he plays tennis 2 hours a day (most days) after school. Neither GMS or CV has an official tennis team, but the WHS team is very strong & will be stronger over the next 4-5 years (If they can get a couple of strong girls, they'll compete for State, probably win it). Not sure about the other sports at GMS....i know the WHS football team has been very good the past two years.

If you live nearby, I would drop by on a couple of school days & maybe stop by the school during one of the basketball games. See how all the kids interact for yourself.

[hound 109]

double post.

[Bubchub68]

Thanks!