Schools > Public > Dessau Middle School

Dessau Middle School in Austin, Texas

Dessau Middle School Detail

(512) 594-2600
12900 Dessau Rd
Austin, TX 78754
Levels: 6-8
District: Pflugerville Independent School District


Dessau Middle School Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
White, non-Hispanic:16.6% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:28.4% (2008)
Hispanic:42.2% (2008)
American Indian/Alaskan Native:0.2% (2008)
Asian/Pacific Islander:12.5% (2008)
Student Teacher Ratio:15.6% (2008)

Dessau Middle School Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating3
Average Principals Rating3
Average Teachers Rating3
Average Activities Rating3
Average Parents Rating3
Average Safety Rating3

Dessau Middle School Reviews

Thank God my son was only stuck there for one year ('08-'09). There was horrendoulsly little communication from admin to staff, less from staff to students and none from staff to parents. The band program was draconian (wanted my son to go to a clinic at UT on a Sat instead of taking his only chance to visit a relative whom he hadn't seen in 3 years and dinged his grade when I refused to permit him to go). A miserable experience for both my son and his teacher mom. Done public and private--Worst Experience EVER!
This review was posted by a parent.

This is an OK school I just know that theirs better out there. I can say we're great in the sports area, the extra-curricular. We (7th grade) also have the highest cba and taks scores out of all the other PISD middle schools. I have to go to the Westview middle school for my last year of middle school because of a rezoning policy. However, I'd rather stay at dessau, moving for the last year to me is pointless i guess but i guess We'll see! :
This review was posted by a student.

I am so pleased to have a student and DMS. The teachers are amazing at adapting teaching methods to a wonderfully diverse group of students. Any discipline problems are dealt with quickly and efficiently. Truly dedicated teachers and staff create wonderful learning opportunities for the kids. Excellent drama, band and Kickstart programs. You may think you want to live in a swankier area of Pflugerville, but that is too bad, because THIS is the school you should want your kids to attend. (Not five stars because the office staff could be a little friendlier.)
This review was posted by a parent.

As a student, I'm trying to base this off of the school only and not the people I'm around with. Overall, DMS is average school, great bands (*very prideful of them*), great KickStart program, intelligent students (we won the UIL!)... But the school spirit is lacking in some places and getting through the hallways is scary (running, pushing, cramped places, and those annoying moments when a arrogant 8th grader walks extremely slowly in front of you while you're trying to get to class). There isn't much encouragement to the whole school and the broadcasts that send daily news are coming apart. We need to become stronger, DMS!
This review was posted by a student.

I volunteer on the PTO so I'm around the school often. I am quite surprised at how wonderful the staff, parents and students are to work with. I had heard things about the school which did not reflect a good reputation from years past, however, I would have to disagree with all that I heard. I have no issues with the school or staff. I find DMS a great place to be. Also, the teachers have been wonderful and the communication is great!!! What a change a couple of years can make!
This review was posted by a other.

Since the new principal took over last year, the scohol has seen a huge improvement in nearly very respect. The kids seem happier, the teachers seem happier and I've not heard any complaints. I agree the school was horrible under the previous administrator, but it just goes to show that that the right person in the right job can truly make a difference, as it apparently has with DMS. School spirit is very high and I think we will continue to see the results in the form of better grades and higher passing rate. Go Diamondbacks!
This review was posted by a parent.

My son attends Dessau Middle School and I have been very pleased with the teachers and staff. While I am sure that every middle school will have it's issues due to the changes that are experienced by children at this age, it is obvious that the teachers and staff are doing everything they can to ensure that our children have a positive middle school experience.
This review was posted by a parent.

Things have definately improved with the new principal. Great job!
This review was posted by a parent.

I am very excited about all the new changes that are going on with this school....Very excited for my son starting 6th grade this fall.
This review was posted by a parent.

It is a cold environment.
This review was posted by a staff.

Im sorry but this school was bad! And there are alot of
This review was posted by a student.

This is my son's second year at Dessau Middle School. 6th grade was an experience, I chalk it up to him just getting out of elementary. This year 7th grade should tell all. I am excited for my son.
This review was posted by a parent.

some of the rules are superficial, teachers are very good, has an awsome band program, coaches are a bit scary and overbearing
This review was posted by a student.

Administrative staff is excellent! Very helpful!
This review was posted by a teacher.

My 2 boys are no longer attending this school. The administration is disrespectful to parents and children.
This review was posted by a parent.

We have two children currently attending Dessau Middle School, and will be moving after this year. There are a number of very good teachers, however, the administration is very disorganized, do not identify with the children, and worry more about assigning blame than finding a solution to a problem. If a change in leadership does not occur in the school quickly, this school will continue its spiral out of control. I for one am not going to wait around for this school to be 'fixed', while my children's education suffers. Although we love our neighborhood, we will be moving to the Leander ISD just as soon as we can get our house sold.
This review was posted by a parent.

My son has been at this school for the second year and frankly, it always seems very disorganized, some of the staff and teachers seem very combative and very much into placing blame more so than helping. On the other hand, there are several teachers who are the exact opposite, very courteous, friendly and eager to help. Because the school is so new, I think it will improve as it get more experienced staff who are more comfortable/knowledgable in their positions.
This review was posted by a parent.

The school was great until Ms. Monzingo took over. She inspires nothing in the kids. No school spirit, no pride, nothing. What could have been an awesome school, has become kind of a ghetto school from lack of leadership and discipline.
This review was posted by a parent.

The school has good afterschool programs and various athletic programs. I think the teachers in some cases could do more to help the students with academics and commenting on the students progress.
This review was posted by a parent.