Covington Middle School in Austin, Texas

“This school is a good one. Sure we have our problems, but so does every other school. The teachers are great. People would be surprised if they just spend a day there. Most of the bad things you here about us are judged as an entire school discipline issue, when it is just a couple of students.”
This review was posted by a student.

“The best thing about Covington is the teachers and they are good; however, the military-style of directing the school teaches the children, in my opinion, how to behave in a prison instead of the real world. Thank God for the teachers who realize this manner of control is relative. It has been my experience to have felt like I am intruding when I try to reach my child at school. The person that answers the main line hardly masks an unwillingness to help when you call. Good customer service skills should be a requirement if you answer the phone.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Covington was a great school 2 yrs ago when my daughter first attended, but as she anticipated a wonderful 7th grade yr it was aweful! She has expressed she don't want to attend Covington her 8th grade yr. The safety of the students is slim to none, the students are walking around holding hands and kissing in front of authority figures, and the educators appear to have lack of controll.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Covington has amazing teachers who really care about the kids. The Band is the best! The directors encourage and motivate their students to be the best they can be.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I couldn't be more displeased with the level of absurd rules and laws this school employs. It appears since the latest principal has taken over, the school has gone to pot. Most of the teachers are pretty nice and competent, but there are some that should be running a military school instead. I will be removing my child from this school and ensure my other children never step foot in this hole of an institution. The policing they've enforced to control the children are doing nothing but harming them instead. They are treated like criminals for the smallest acts. What sort of stage is this setting? I'm completely disappointed, to put it mildly. Our experience with Austin schools was great until my child started there. I made the mistake of letting her return for another year, but things have only gotten worse and I long for this year to end.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The key to sucess is having a relationship with your childs counselor and teachers. They have been great (expecially the counselor) when we have encountered problems. This comes from the parent of a Pre- AP honor and national junior honor society 8th grade student.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I could not be more unhappy. My son is in all PreAP classes and band. He has been bullied from the beginning of the school year and nothing stops it! You are ridiculed if you are smart and well behaved. The staff are truly trying to do the best they can but it's an impossible situation. We will move before my child goes back to this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is not a place for your child if they have a disablity! Unless it's a phycial disablity. It all boils down to, if they can't see the disablity there isn't one. In order to get the help your child needs you better have an advocate.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We moved here from an another city and I was a little worried because it is a bigger school and city. They have done a great job of making sure the kids don't get bullied and get a top notch education. My son is in all PreAP classes and it is really challenging him to think. He loves it. Thanks Covington for making it a great transition not only for him moving from 5th to 6th grade but to a new school as well.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Covington is an amazing school!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is very good. Then entire staff work together to see that each student that applies themselves gets the success they strive for. Students are encouraged to show respect and honor each other as well as the staff. The band program is the crown jewel of the school. Over 1/3 of the school enrollment is involved.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Teaching at CMS has been a professionally liberating experience under Dr.Rilling. She would find a way for teachers to be benefically innovative with students. She is particularly keen on helping students experience real world involvement in global issues. Our experienced counseling team functions with a 'student first' attitude. Our assistant principals take on much of the responsibility for the smoothe functioning of the campus on a daily basis. We have a very experienced teaching staff, who have not lost their zest for learning new strategies in their classrooms. CMS is 20 years old, but you'd never suspect its age due to our custodial staffs' attention to maintainance and cleanliness. While it's true that our parents' ability to volunteer is hampered by their work schedules, I have never felt a parent did not care about his/her child's progress. Teachers offer tutoring during their lunch periods as well as after school.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“The best things about Covington have to be the teachers. I've met a Social Studies teacher who, with his unique viewpoints on history and culture, has opened up new worlds to my student and many others. The band directors and the art teacher are some of the most enthusiastic, dedicated, and driven teachers I have ever met. They Love what they do, and it shows. Bravo!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“An excellent principal A very safe environment, teachers are passionate about their subjects, the music program is unique austin wide beacuse the founders of this school were passionate about it and it shows I cannot measure parent involvement but judging from the attendance at honors assembly I can say it is very good”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great teachers,excellent principal, but wild uncontrollable student environment.Good honors classes,adequate extracurriculars,but almost no parental environment.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I will address this from a parents perspective of an honor class student. There are many opportunities available to these students. The classwork is challenging without being more than the students can handle, and the teachers are readily available to help with any difficulties. The students are assigned a counselor when they start in 6th grade. That counselor stays with the children through 8th grade. This allows the counselor to know my child well by the time they graduate to H.S. In return they are able to give guidance and advice that is critical to my child. Unfortunately, with budget cuts, there have also been cuts to 'extra' programs. Music is still excelling, but sports and drama have felt the pinch, IMHO.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“IT has a pleasing look and experienced teachers who make the students feel welcome.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I believe that academci quality is of high standsrds. The administration of this school leaves something to be desired. My experience has been that the administration is there only to 'Police' the children, not to protect and encourage them.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Unfortunately, my child had an impaired teacher this year and the school didn't correct the situation. When he could not stand it any longer, the school had only one means of discipline, ISS, with no creativity in dealing with this very difficult situation. In school suspension doesn't allow a child to play sports and took away the last motivator my child had for good behavior. I found discipline to be arbitrary and very uncreative. The highlight was the school counselor, who was supportive and intelligent. She couldn't mitigate the damage the teachers and vice principals did, however.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is awesome!!! the entire staff work together for all of the students. One department volunteered some of its funding to the school band for some of its expansion goals. What teamwork. At the end of the first part of the year, the staff gathers together for a holiday kickoff breakfast put on by some of the parents. They recognize everyones contribution to the day to day activities, from the custodial staff to the special education student that just mastered a new skill!!!!!! dr. Rilling believes in all of the student's, not just the honor role one's or the athletic ones. The band program is super!!!! over 1/3 of the school is enrolled in band. The only ones not getting anything out of this school are the one's that don't put anything in.!!!!!!! Keep up the good work covington!!!!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter transferred to Covington in 7th grade. She loves the school. I have been very pleased with the caliber of teachers she has had, especially in math, English and Spanish. The band program is truly exceptional with fantastic, encouraging leadership from the band directors.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Covington is a great place for kids to be! Dr. Rilling is a wonderful principal and has created a nurturing environment for middle schoolers. The teachers really seem to care about the students. My son loves it there.”
This review was posted by a .