Nyos Charter School

Reviews

• Submitted by parent on February 21, 2025
  I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent decline in professionalism and responsiveness at the school. My children have been attending this school since they were 3 and 4 years old, and they are now 10 and 12. This was once our forever school, but over the past 2 years, there has been a noticeable deterioration in the quality of administration and communication. I have been trying to contact the elementary principal, Leanna Pesta, for over 2 weeks now regarding a sensitive matter involving a 6th grade student pushing my daughter, a 4th grader, down on two separate occasions. Despite leaving voicemails, making over 15 phone calls, and sending numerous emails, I have received no response from Leanna. As a parent, this lack of communication and action is extremely concerning. It is unacceptable for a principal to ignore such important issues, especially when they involve the safety and well-being of students. I demand immediate action be taken to address this incident and ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to prevent any further incidents from occurring. I expect a prompt response and resolution to this matter. Failure to do so will result in further escalation of this issue. My children's safety and well-being are my top priority, and I will not hesitate to take further action if necessary.
• Submitted by parent on February 19, 2025
  Let me start with the good first. We have had kids at Nyos for over 10 years and Nyos was a Great school. The old campus was small but everyone was like family. The teachers knew everyone and the principals for all grades were amazing. They took the time to get to know most if not all of the kids and parents. They used to run a tight ship where no one was left behind. Now let's talk about the last 3 to 4 years. WOW, everything has changed for the worse. We still have some good teachers, but most dedicated great teachers, including all the principals, are long gone. Grades have declined in all grades and teachers are bringing their own agenda into the classroom. Classrooms are to learn the material and not beliefs, either gender-related or political affiliation. Safety is little to none, yes there are two armed guards at all times but bullying and racist comments towards minorities are heard throughout the campus. Think about your kid's safety before you bring them into NYOS. And if you decide to have them at Nyos, keep a close eye on behavioral changes before is too late.
• Submitted by student on October 17, 2024
  I've been attending this school since kindergarten. The Elementary teachers, at least when I was in elementary i don't know about now, but I have dyslexia and the teachers and assistants were not accommodating at all. The middle school is better but there is issues with bullying, it is mostly mild though.
• Submitted by student on April 25, 2024
  After taking this school since Kindergarten, 10th grade feels like torture. This whole experience of way harder than average work, and the disrespect coming from the teachers, I've had enough. I have siblings in Elementary and they keep complaining that their teacher is straight up bullying them and their friends are vouching for it. I can also verify that most of the staff members below high school are disrespectful as they think the younger kids are inferior to them (I had the same experience in elementary) and some of the high school staff are too. I don't know a single one of my friends who truly enjoys this school. Most of them stay because they have friends, but after 11 years of staying here, I'm ready to change schools. I don't know how this school has a 4.6/5 (at the time of posting) because this is just a nightmare. I feel so exhausted every day from the constant struggle of the huge amounts of work that are grades above my level, only to come home each day and have more work to do. They are stealing my home away from me only to turn it into a second school that I go to at the end of the day. The other kids here are great, they're funny, kind, and at least from my experience don't seem to bully (although middle school is definitely a rude awakening). Even though I fit in with a bunch of kids here and have tons of friends, the school just isn't the same anymore. Sure, before the whole 2020 quarantine, the school was fine. I wouldn't say great but it got the job done. Post-Covid everything changed, worse teachers who didn't want to be here and were just looking for money as well as a less enjoyable school environment overall. One word to describe this school would be a mess, I get anxious just thinking about the next day. If you are planning on sending your child here, they either want incredibly challenging work or to be locked in a padded room because that's what this feels like.
• Submitted by parent on February 22, 2023
  I'm in 7th grade its ok but there are way to many substitutes anyway I'm in the middle of tech so I have to hurry up teachers complain about pay goodbye.
• Submitted by other on September 10, 2022
  I attended NYOS for three years, and I always thought that it would “get better.” The teachers were okay, and good at their jobs. It was obvious that some deeply cared about ye students, but at the same time the school has a serious retention problem. If you look at the jobs section of their website, it’s astounding how many open positions there are. I have a couple of friends who are still at this school, and because so many of their classes are taught by substitute teachers, they end up not learning anything and just watching a movie. NYOS Charter School prides itself on its zero tolerance for bullying, but everyone is trying to get by in bullying everyone else so that they won’t be next. It was by far the absolute worst social experience I’ve ever had, and I can say that I’m so glad that my parents pulled me out as the constant mental abuse I suffered at the hands of my peers required years of therapy to get past. Because the school has such a small pool of students for each grade, it makes it impossible to escape when a contingent of students chooses a victim to bully. It was overall a horrible experience and I’m so glad I have nothing to do with that school anymore.
• Submitted by parent on May 17, 2017
  Our 2 children have attended NYOS for 2 years now, after leaving "exemplary" rated schools in RRISD. Their experiences, though very different, are both equally SO much better than the large public school environment. The teachers at NYOS have more "freedom" in teaching their methodology which gives them the ability to use their strengths to be able to help students with their unique needs in learning. The curriculum is just as strong, if not stronger than the larger ISD's because they have opportunities to explore specific units more in-depth via related field-trips, hands-on experiences, etc. that would NEVER be able to happen at the regular large school, due to the extremely large number of kids! Though they do have limited options in extra-curricular and less 'expansive' options in specific fields ie: computer science, psych, etc... NYOS does allow the student to be placed according to 'level' of learning need. Our kid's extra curricular interests have been fulfilled in other ways in the general surrounding Austin area, which we like because they are exposed to more 'kinds' of opportunities. As far as meeting specific needs, our one child has a 504 and his needs are being met and paid-attention-to at NYOS with no difficulty, whereas in the larger school, we had to basically "pull-teeth" to get him the help he needs. Socially, for the most part, the students are open-minded and are expected to respect each other, regardless of differences. This expectation is absolutely followed through by the teachers, staff and administration at NYOS. MANY parents are present, involved and also respectful of the school and community mission and expectations. My kids also LOVE most of their teachers, who seem to take their time getting to know their students as individuals and make themselves available for guidance, help and support. The front office staff and guidance counselors are also SUPER approachable and kind to the students and parents alike. Though NYOS could use more funding for building, supplies, etc...(which they are constantly working on) Over all- it is an incredible community and school to be a part of!
• Submitted by parent on July 27, 2016
  My daughter has attended NYOS since Kindergarten and is now starting middle school. We have really loved our time at NYOS. It is a very small school so you really feel part of the community. All the faculty knows us and our child by name which adds to that personal touch. I appreciate that they teach critical thinking rather than rote memorization. it's been great so far and we have no plans to leave the NYOS community in the years to come.
• Submitted by student on February 03, 2016
  I am a student at NYOS and I love it! The teachers are all so friendly and nice. We have lots of after school clubs, and if you want to start a club that does not exist yet, you can ask a teacher to sponsor you and help you start it. I am in 7th grade this year and I came to NYOS in 3rd grade. Tutoring is always available if needed, in the morning before school starts and after class as well. The school is year round, meaning we have a fall break, a shorter summer, and a little bit longer for winter break. We also get a half day on Fridays, which might be important in deciding if you will come to the school or not. We go on a good amount of cool field trips and have lots of extracurricular activities. I love NYOS and hope that the NYOS community will continue to grow!
• Submitted by student on December 15, 2014
  I went to NYOS in 2011- some of 2012 the friends were good but the classes are not teaching you 8th grade work, After 7th grade they suddenly want you to do college based stuff that I was not familiar with so I got kicked out of school with no help in tutoring or anything because I wasn't passing my classes and if I were to be offered to come back to this school I wouldn't because the work in middle school was too college like skipping everything I need to know in 9th grade high school. And even though it wasn't all that great the thing I did enjoy there was the rock band class they have it was by far the most class I was interested in.
• Submitted by other on August 15, 2014
  I was a student at this school last year and when my family had to move I was extremely saddened because, quite honestly, NYOS is an excellent school. I had moved from outside the country and they helped advise me and complete my transcript. The community is tightly knit and everyone is so accepting of and compassionate to each other. The class sizes are small giving each student individual attention from all the teachers, who were also amazing. Emphasis is placed on academics and extra curriculars and all in all, I loved NYOS and am proud to have been a jaguar!
• Submitted by parent on April 29, 2014
  NYOS Charter school is great, good teachers, good programs to keep kids on track. Teachers dedicate their spare time to help kids that are having trouble, they are always going the extra mile.
• Submitted by parent on April 09, 2014
  I love this school! My daughter was so shy, but the family aspect of the school brought her to life! The teachers all know all of the students, the parents all know each other and are willing to pitch in and help one another without expecting anything in return! It is a great environment to raise a child in, and I am so glad I chose it for my children! Parents are allowed and encouraged to be involved in every aspect of school life, and there are a number of enrichment activities beyond just sitting in a classroom learning.
• Submitted by other on April 09, 2014
  I have been attending this school since I was in Kindergarden, and I love it!
• Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014
  This school with a silly name is anything but silly. Not Your Ordinary School was started in the late 90s by a group of local regular public school teachers that were tired of the one size fits all, and test-oriented nature of Texas schools. Since then NYOS has grown into one of the best schools in Austin. Our kids have been there since Kindergarten and are now in middle and high school, and will graduate from NYOS. The class sizes are small, the teachers really get to know each child, children can move ahead in math or other subjects if they are ready (example: my 8th grade child goes to a 9th grade pre-AP algebra class every day). Schedule: 2 month summer, 2-3 weeks off in Oct, 2 week spring break, every Friday is a half day. This is better for learning and being refreshed. Graduates go to good colleges. If I had to characterize NYOS in a few words they would be: safe, nerdy, clean, community, human, caring, fun.
• Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014
  My daughter has been here for 7 years now. It was the best thing we have done!!! I love the community aspect of this school. Everyone knows everyone. The teachers do an amazing job with differentiating their lessons. My daughter feels safe and comfortable, and so do I. There are clubs for everyone. All families are encouraged to volunteer, and that helps bring up well rounded children. I've seen other kids, patents and teachers from different schools have many difficult issues with testing, bullying, teaching, or getting lost in the system. That would never happen here. I am confident that this is the best school I could ever imagine. We will not be going anywhere else.
• Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014
  I feel like my child is getting a good education at NYOS. Her class size is 18. She struggles some in math and is getting extra help in a small group with a different teacher each day. I'm not sure that she would be able to get that at other public schools. She's also had some self-esteem issues and has been given a high school mentor that she sees regularly. I love that students do not receive grades until 8th grade. They can focus on learning and not their grades. The teachers are very good at assessing students and reteaching as necessary. We love our shorter summers, but 2 week fall and spring break. On the downside, there are a lot of fundraisers and the facilities are not as nice as other public schools due to funding. Also, K-3 is in one school and 4-12 is at another, I think the school day is a little long for the very young children. I would prefer it be a half hour shorter for them each day without the half day on Friday. It is a really great small, diverse, involved school if that is what you are looking for!
• Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014
  I love the school for it's unique approach to education, how well our children are cared for, the schedule, the families and so much more! Highly recommended.
• Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014
  NYOS may appear to be a charter school that is just like a traditional public school, but it is not. There is a good balance of traditional structure and innovation at work. When conflicts arise, as they invariably do, the teachers and administration work to help the students resolve them in a constructive and meaningful way.
• Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014
  I don't know what my family would do without NYOS! Whether in high school, middle school, or elementary the teachers give 110% of themselves to the education and well being of their students. My kids are both very happy and confident and I'm grateful to have a safe community to provide them with an excellent education.

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