Old Vail Middle School

13299 East Colossal Cave Road

School District

Vail Unified District
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

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 student on December 10, 2024

It is a good schoolk and i recommend it..
Submitted by other on November 05, 2024

My younger brother went to this school for his 6th grade year, and my parents had to transfer him out of that school because of the bullying and the teachers targeting him and giving him detention for no apparent reason. It got to a point where he would fight going to school everyday because of the bullying.From the research that I have done, it seems that two students that have gone to this school have also experienced bullying, but unfortunately made the decision to take their own life, the most recent one being this past Friday (November 1, 2024). That is two too many. Two families lost their child/sibling. They were children. Kids. And who knows how many other students from this school have attempted as well. How many have spoken up, but nothing was done. No one should be feeling like they don't belong on this world, let alone kids. No school should allow bullying to happen, but act like they care when a child from their school takes their own life because of it. And I know it is a big accusation to say that a school allows bullying, but I will say that my parents brought up my brother being bullied to the attention of the principle, but nothing was done, and the bullies weren't punished as far as I know, and if they were, it was a very light punishment, hence why he was transferred.Do yourself and your child a favor, and don't enroll them here. At this point, their own life depends on it.And shame on the district for letting this school get away with it as well, because I have no doubt that they know what is going on at that school.My thoughts will forever be with those children's family. I wish people were kinder to your children. May they rest peacefully for all of eternity, and their pain seize to be.
Submitted by student on August 17, 2024

This is my last year at this school, I’m currently in eight grade. This is the WORSE school. Please for the love of everything good don’t send your kids here- I almost got jumped and got sent a list of death threats and the person who did it only got two days of in school suspension. This school is gross and the eighth grade courtyard smells bad almost all the time. The counselors told me that I would “grow out of anxiety” and are awful at their job. Don’t send your kids here.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2024

My daughter got food poisoning from the cafeteria lunch a few months ago. There is also a very severe bullying issue, as well as lack of support in the teachers, and not meeting accommodations to make students feel comfortable in the school. She will not be going back this year.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2023

No major problems. Both kids have done well here.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2023

This school has made me and my student's lives a living nightmare there is a mass amount of bullying and physical aggression. As well as the teachers not caring or being cooperative. the following teachers should be looked into: Zoila Scott, Stephine Robinson, LAURIE WILSON HALL, etc. THIS SCHOOL IS HORRIBLE DO NOT GO
Submitted by student on April 01, 2023

Here is the thing: it really isn’t that bad if you are used to having no mentality. There is no doubt that my mentality would be way better if I hadn’t gone there. They put up the signs saying bully free zone but then there are kids calling each other stupid.
Submitted by other on April 26, 2019

I would overall rate this school a 0/5 if I was able to but since I can't i will be rating my experience at this school as a 1/5 due to the lack of dealing with bullying and the years of being tormented by students and the administration for not doing anything. Worst school I have ever been enrolled in my life.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2019

Both of our children attend or have attended OVMS. They are uniquely different and both have had an amazing experience.
Submitted by student on July 01, 2017

I love this school so, so, so much!!!!!! I love the teachers so much especially Mrs. Quihuis!!!!! I would rate 5 out of 5 stars and 10 out 10 rating school! Go HAWKS!!!!!
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2014

Old Vail Middle School. The Vail school district is more concerned about their super star status that the kids that really need the help slip through the cracks. Their focus is on test scores ONLY because those are what they review for their ratings. Kids learn at different rates but the Vail School district teaches the same fast pace. If your child picks up things instantly, doesn't need to study or any kind of help, GREAT you're in luck! But for the other 75% of the kids who need a lot of help, don't get it. Better not fall below the standards on those stupid standardized tests either, or they will rip your kid out of their class and be put in a "special" class where they will STILL not get it. They need more tutoring, after school, small groups and not pressure the kids so much on those standardized tests. They are stressed out and too much emphasis is put on those standardized testing.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2012

We are DONE with this school and not returning. The 6th graders are treated like herds of animals, stuck in relocatable buildings in the back of the real school. In the desert with a space dug out just enough to place the buildings. A mud pit during monsoon and watch out if you are little, you will get tossed into the mud pits. 6th graders are not treated as part of the middle school. I agree wtih other comments about the terrible 6th grade math teacher that has her own mental issues. The Curriculum is slow and easy YET you are not allowed to work on "homework" during class so much of the day is wasted. The kids are pressured to worry about test scores for all the wrong reasons and there is no inspiration or field trips or fun. The principal doesn't get back to you. The lunches aer horrid and run out frequently if you choose to eat it. Enroll elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2012

We left this school as I won't allow my 2nd child to attend. First of all, the principal did not ever get back to us regarding the curriculum. The teachers are very mixed from good to horrible. The horrible takes over the entire learning environment. One particular teacher blames the kids for bringing out her mental issues. One teacher chooses to speak of his religion and bonding with the kids that fit into his beliefs. They don't allow kids to be kids but instead make it like a prison for outdoor activities and lunch time. They also do not make sure the the child ran activities are done so fairly. Don't expect to get any math learning if you are not advanced (I can't speak for that program) however I do know ELP (their advanced learning class) is busy work, nothing more. They definitely teach to the test and the curriculum is easy, in fact lame. You can't work on homework in class but you can sit and talk about video games and other nonsense for hours. Too bad...
Submitted by other on March 01, 2012

Poor ,office manager INCREDIBLY RUDE! Principals assistant very rude and harsh for punishment also most teachers have little to no patients and yet complain about grades.My grandson is very smart yet is having s hard time..and with a staff like this ,I can see why!