Deerpark Middle School

8849 Anderson Mill Road

School District

Round Rock Independent
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Round Rock Independent School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 23, 2024

Learning- my student has not been taught everything needed for the state testing or for the next grade. Their learning style isn't being considered. They only enjoyed learning, and retained the info, during summer school, which had better teachers from other schools.Teaching- my student has extremely disrespectful teachers. A few have been great, but the majority haven't. One teacher accused my student of being disruptive in class and sent them into the hall daily. At one point the teacher would see my student entering the classroom and just tell them to leave. This teacher then told their AP that they had emailed the parents and left multiple VMs, but that was a lie.I have also been a substitute here and the students are rude and I even had to call an AP when they tried to fight me.Social Emotional- in the 2 years they've been there, my student has only spoken about a few teachers (one of which wasn't even their teacher) and one counselor that have cared about their emotional growth. I only know of a handful of times that my student felt heard by teachers and felt concern for their social/learning abilities. My student is in the early stages of being officially diagnosed with ADHD, which I had to start outside of school, because they would not listen to my request for an evaluation.Special Education- the student success classroom support is lacking, partially because they are understaffed (like everywhere in education), but also because they don't support students learning, just in the ability to test "successfully." The inclusion program is iffy as they encourage success in the classroom, but less concern for situations with other students. However, the program for special needs students, not in general education, have an amazing teacher who does everything she can to take care of her students and work with families for successful outcomes.Safety- I hear too often about fights with no punishment, bullies who only get sent to the office for a bit, and female students being punished different than males. Students even fight teachers and other students get hurt. Medical situations aren't handled right either and physical wellbeing is ignored.Family Engagement- as said above, teachers lie about contacting parents, APs don't reach out about incidents, and I don't hear about things at school until the last minute or after. Or, until it becomes a major problem, that could have been handled before it got so bad if teachers had actually contacted parents.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2024

This school needs attention and so much improvement. I have a student there and it's been a very sad experience the entire time. The teachers are the main problem minus a select one or 2.
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2024

The teachers are violent one of the teacher called my kid a dog the school also has aful bullies and they Say the N word NoN stop and teachers don't do nothing about it
Submitted by other on June 11, 2023

I'm so grateful for the teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and administrators that gave their time and energy to helping us succeed. Unfortunately, the student behavior and working environment is so bad that I will not be attending DMS next year. The entire year was...let's say crazy. The bathrooms on the first floor weren't open until around 9:20 am because of constant skipping class, vaping, and smoking. Students had their phones out all of the time, including during class and even hiding on the toilets to watch Tiktok, make calls, and video chat. There were countless violent fistfights ALL throughout the year. The bullying was nonstop, it's really out of control. There was a student that started mid-year but she only stayed for about two weeks because she was bullied so much. I felt really bad for her and for so many others that I saw were bullied. I still can't believe how many people got SUSPENDED this year, and honestly, the consequences were deserved. Some students were sent to The Rock (alternative school). The bad behavior was constant and everyone would end up suffering the consequences, like not being able to go outside, having free time, and using the restroom 10 min before and after the bell. There were so many class disruptions because of student behavior that it made it difficult for the teachers to stay on the lesson. I had a lot of substitutes throughout the year and students were horrible to them. Many of the students don't respect adults. They are disrespectful to substitutes, teachers, and administration. It's been a disappointing first year of middle school. The teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and administrators deserve better. They try their hardest to make DMS a great learning environment and they care so much for the students. There are students who want to be there and want to learn, but unfortunately the bad behavior from the majority overtakes the school. I hope things change.
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2022

Bullies vaping and nonchalant attitude from assistant principal. She didn't care at all, even staff moved there kids over the dismissive attitude portrayed.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2022

This school has nothing but bullies and the school allows it. They do absolutely NOTHING about it!!!!!
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2019

I have 2 kids currently at this school, and have been very pleased with the experience all around. My kids epecially love the music/theater programs.
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2017

Deerpark has had an incredible impact on both of our children that have attended this school. Our son, who is on the Autism spectrum, absolutely flourished in the Focus program. The difference that the program made in his and our family's life is immeasurable. We attribute his success and the positive changes in him directly to the Focus program and especially Lisa Pozo who is undoubtedly the "Autistic kid whisper". Prior to attending Deerpark all of his educational experiences had been negative. Today, Thanks to Deerpark, he is a happy, normal teenager which is beyond our wildest expectations! We have had a similar, positive experience while our daughter has attended Deerpark. The teachers are all fully invested in the success of all students. There is truly no other middle school that makes such a difference in kids lives.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2017

I've had 3 kids go thru Deerpark, and have been extremely pleased with all of their experiences. My kids were challenged academically, but the most important thing about Deerpark to me and my husband was that this school deals very very effectively with all of the social nonsense that flares up at this age. Middle school can be the most challenging time for kids as they learn how to navigate their growing social sphere. The Deerpark teachers and administration are terrific; inclusive, zero-tolerance on bullying and generally make this a terrific environment from which kids to launch into high school.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2017

My child has struggled all 3 years at this school. She was an A,B student up until she started attending Deerpark. She has had issues with teachers and students and when brought to the principle's attention, nothing was done, and nothing was changed. This year, 2016-2017, they placed her in an elective that was no where on her selection sheet, yet when asked about it, they stated that they place them in what is available.When asked how it is determined as to who gets the classed that they select and whom doesn't, no one could provide me with an answer. There are girls that will catch other girls in the bathrooms, and either threaten them or attack them. Yet when the person being attacked, defends themselves, they are punished as well. I do not understand how it is expected of someone to stand there and be hit repeatedly and not defend themselves... It makes absolutely no sense to me.
Submitted by other on December 04, 2016

My son goes to Deerpark Middle School and they have an awesome choir program. The concerts at the PAC center are awesome. The unique opportunity was for my son to participate at Real Men can Sing, he was able to perform on the terrace at the Long Center. It was a great experience for him. Academically, he is excelling and I couldn't be happier. I'm grateful for all the caring teachers at Deerpark Middle School!
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2016

I’ve had several children attend Deerpark over the past six years and they’ve all had great experiences there. From the great coaches, to the band/choir directors to their regular class teachers, everyone seemed to care a great deal about the children and were willing to go the extra mile whenever necessary. Academically, my children were well prepared for taking pre-AP classes their Freshman year at McNeil High School. I was really impressed with the diversity of the students and was glad my children were able to make friends with students from so many different cultures and backgrounds.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2015

My kids have flourished in this school. I enjoy the diversity in the school (21st Century). The teachers care for all the students. The students will flourish in the future because of the dedication of teachers and staff.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2013

I'm surprised by some of the reviews, I think 5 to 10 years ago there were problems at Deerpark and the wealthier students/families called it "ghetto", but it has really become a family in the last few years under Sonya Hayes' leadership. It was recently named a Texas and a National Middle School to Watch because of the great things the teachers and staff are doing. It is very diverse; socially, ethnically, and economically so there are challenges that some of the wealthier, more homogeneous schools in RRISD don't face, but Deerpark has great students, great staff, and a great principal - and when you look at which middle school the Valedictorians and Salutatorians at McNeil HS have attended, the vast majority over the last decade have been Deerpark students. The students get a great education, both from the books & the great technology learning that is going on, but also from the real world experience & exposure to so many other students of different backgrounds. It is a wonderful school that is still plagued by a decades old reputation. And as one of the other parents said, it gets better every year!! My third and fourth kids are at Deerpark right now and they love it.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2012

Deerpark has done an excellent job in preparing my child for high school. The teachers are awesome and the principals and counselors care about the kids. It has been a good experience for our family.