Doss Elementary School in Austin | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) data from Texas Education Agency.
Student Growth	7/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Percentage of students meeting growth target data from Texas Education Agency.

Posted: August 26, 2024

Doss was a great school for our kids until 3rd grade. By 5th grade it felt like a public school in an extremely under funded area. In 5th my son basically leaned nothing. For example he was taught the water table for the 2nd time and went through the same math class He did in 4th grade. He witnessed fights, bullying, and general lack of engagement in the class room by both teachers and students. It was bad enough for us to take both our kids out and go private for the rest of their education.

Posted: January 10, 2023

Happy, positive climate. This school teaches so much more than the basics, and there are plenty of optional clubs, contests, and after school activities. The teachers are nothing short of phenomenal and most are very experienced--- and fun and kind to boot. Lots of opportunities for parents to be involved; staff are warm and welcoming of parental involvement.

Posted: August 20, 2022

Doss is a good school. Its amazing

Posted: November 28, 2021

This school WAS great! However, with the current administration 14 teachers left at the end of 20\21 school year. Hmmmm.....
Mass exodus.

Posted: November 28, 2021

Posted: August 24, 2020

Amazing school with outstanding teachers and staff.

Posted: August 24, 2020

Posted: June 27, 2019

Through my own children's years at Doss, they have been blessed with wonderfully skilled and knowledgeable teachers.

Posted: June 27, 2019

With principal changes and other admin as well, there have been some bumps in the road.

Posted: June 27, 2019

My kids all love Doss and have wonderful memories.

Posted: June 27, 2019

The teachers I know coordinate with team and admin to agree on assigned homework.

Posted: February 11, 2019

There a lot of"Doss pride" as a culture in the school that is naturally passed on to the students.

Posted: February 11, 2019

My son fell behind when it came to reading in the 1st grade. We came from another district and his prior school was not as advanced as Doss. He had some catching up to do and we thought things were going well until mid-January. Another teacher called us to let us know she had concerns with his reading level compared to his peers. Our own 1st grade teacher missed it! Had the other teacher not noticed it would have gone on for who knows how long. My son had learned to hide the issue by memorizing words. Instead of trying to learn using phonics and sounding out words he didn't know, he would ask what the word was and then memorize what it looked like. I will say once, the issue was found, Doss was quick to help us form a plan to correct the issue. With inner school extra guidance and the after school reading program, he was on level with his peers quickly. By 2nd grade, he had exceeded his peers. Doss has the support to leave no child behind, but the policy isn't always practiced.

Posted: February 11, 2019

We've had issues with bullying on the school bus when the campus was closed for construction and the kids were moved to the temp campus across Mopac. We tried working with the school on it and got minimal help. We ended up working the issues out through the help of other parents that rode our same bus.

Posted: February 11, 2019

My son has attended Doss since 1st grade and is in the 3rd grade now.
*1st grade was a homework nightmare!!! I spent at least 2 hours a day helping my son complete his homework. There was no time given in class to finish assignments. There was also a weekly spelling test and our teacher expected the students to study the 10 words plus 5 bonus words on our own time. Every week we made new flash cards and I came up with several spelling games to help my son learn the words. I tried to make it some what fun since all we did all week was homework. I honestly felt like sending AISD a bill for my hours spent teaching my son. What was his teacher doing all day?!?!?
*2nd grade was a drastic change. We had hands-down the best teacher we've ever had!!! The homework load was the same, but our teacher structured her lessons to give her students ample time to complete their homework in class. Therefore, if your student had homework, it was their own fault for not managing their time well in the classroom. There was a weekly spelling test, but the teacher incorporated the weekly word list (including the bonus words) in her daily lesson plan. We did not have to spend more than an hour or two tops per week on homework which allowed my son to be more social and do outside activities. We picked up piano and soccer. He loves both and has made real friends because of the extra social time. He was severely lacking any social interaction outside of school in 1st grade due to time constraints created from the homework overload.
*3rd grade the homework load has definitely increased. Staying on a set daily schedule is critical because if you don't your child will fall behind and it's almost impossible to catch-up. There's a daily math worksheet, daily reading, and weekly computer programs. There's so many different programs I honestly can't keep up anymore. Every time I think we're on track, something else gets added and we're back to struggling to stay on top of the workload.
*I'm all for homework and understand the importance of it, but there also needs to be a balance in a child's life just like an adult. Adults need work/hone balance and it's just as important for a child to have school/home balance. With this much homework it makes it difficult to keep up a healthy balance.

Posted: February 11, 2019

It just depends on which teacher you get.
*1st grade was awful and you could honestly see the burnout on her face. She didn't catch that my son was behind reading wise from his peers until the beginning of the spring semester. We put him in a reading program and he was reading his older sister's novel by mid-summer. Again, we as parents had to step in.
*2nd grade was amazing. I was the lead parent for the class and my husband and I got to know our teacher on a personal level. She had some major struggles going on but it never touched her attitude towards her students or teaching skills. Every child in the class left 2nd grade with above average to high testing results because she cared about their success.
*3rd grade is going okay. It's not great, but it's better than 1st grade. This teacher seems a bit "judgy" and cold towards students and parents. She doesn't seem to connect as well with the students and it shows in the level of excitement my son has towards school this year. Last year he couldn't wait to get out the door, this year it's a battle. A direct example, he came home very upset about a month after starting 3rd grade. He finally told me that his teacher used him as an example when he raised his hand to ask her a question about the lesson she was teaching because he did not understand a part of it. My son is very outgoing and is constantly asking questions because he enjoys learning new things. He's also not afraid to speak up and say, "Hey, I don't understand, can you help me?". She had him stand up at his desk while every other child in the class spoke together and explained the part he didn't understand. He said he almost cried right there in the classroom. Since then, he is more timid asking her for help and waits until he gets home to ask for help.

Posted: February 11, 2019

Overall, this is a good school. If you are an involved parent, you can overcome any of the issues I listed above. All of our issues stem from the teachers we've had, but the education my son is getting is by far the best he's ever had. He loves his campus, he takes pride in his school work, and has made lasting friendships.

Posted: June 1, 2018

I love the Choose Kind campaign, Leadership group, PALS, Mosaic Club... there are plenty of opportunities to be involved in a positive way

Posted: June 1, 2018

The leadership team is effective and visible. There is an open door policy and they are always willing to help.

Posted: June 1, 2018

My daughter completes her homework in about 20 minutes. It's great review.

Posted: June 1, 2018

The instruction is top notch. Staff is friendly. Leadership is solid.

Posted: May 11, 2018

Janna has a program of "choose kindness" but doesn't actually implement it. She's just as superficial, cold, and arrogant. She does not make a child feel safe and secure. She ignores them, and children are slipping through the cracks because she doesn't actually care.

Posted: May 11, 2018

Janna Griffin has brought this school and community down since her arrival. She's failing our students and our children's rights. Latrese Smith is a just as bad as the principal. Janna continues to bring in less than well suited teachers and staff. Doss and NW Hills is not what it use to be and it's because of her.

Posted: May 11, 2018

It's clear the principal is overwhelmed and exhausted. Her demeanor has trickled down onto the staff and the kids are getting the result of it. It's clear the standards of education, the standard of staff, the standard of administration, and the standard of the well-being of our students have all been lowered in the past 7 years. It's really sad. Janna is in over her head with the school expansion and is too proud to have someone step in to help. Because of this our students are lacking adequate resources, support, and care. Do NOT go to Doss if you can help it.

Posted: May 11, 2018

Posted: December 1, 2017

My son attends Doss and I have been absolutely impressed with his teachers so far. The principal has a "choose kindness" campaign to deal with bullying that the kids really seem to get in to and brings authors in to read to the kids. Good teachers, good admin. The school also has amazing parent and community engagement. I have not noticed the overcrowding, not even sure how it has impacted anything other than they have a few trailers next to the school that are connected by a walkway.

Posted: October 22, 2017

Horrible - Excess Homework - Child has hours homework cannot join after school music dance or sports because of hours homework

Posted: August 14, 2017

I agree with previous reviews about the overcrowding. The school is bursting at the seams. It is ultimately the school district's fault and that is why I tried to not have my child attend AISD at all. This school is full of parents who think their little Johnny or little Susy is the best student in the world and everyone needs to recognize that. The community consists of a bunch of uppity self-absorbed parents. The high-achieving

Posted: December 20, 2016

As I've stated before, my son could not speak until after the age of 4. He is currently 7 years old and is speaking, reading above average and is thriving and happy. We couldn't have done it without the staff at Doss. They have went above and beyond for my family. We suffered a traumatic newborn loss as my son began kindergarten and Jana Griffin and the staff were there for my family. They moved mountains to help my special needs son, and I will be forever grateful. The special needs teachers are the most loving, caring and patient people I've met. I'm making every sacrifice financially to be able to live in this neighborhood, for my son to be able to attend Doss. Education is very important to me and this school has exceeded all expectations. Above and beyond is an understatement.

Posted: December 20, 2016

Doss has an excellent curriculum, that has kept my son on track and flourishing. My child could not speak until after 4. Currently, at age 7, he is caught up to his peers, reading above average and thriving. I could not have done it without Doss' s help.

Posted: December 20, 2016

Doss has gone above and beyond for my family and my sons special needs. Couldn't ask for a better school. Chosing Doss was the best decision I've made. Very happy here!

Posted: April 15, 2016

I'm spending far more on my housing budget than I'd like to, haha, for the main reason that I would not want my kids in another school. I have found the teachers to be the finest I've ever had (and my kids went to Eanes and Leander ISD in the past...their education is my highest priority) but my heart swells when I think of how they treated my family and I with respect and humanity. They dealt with my kindergarten son's behavior issues the first week of school effectively and with heart and worked with me to find solutions that were in his best interest. Now he's in the top of his class and absolutely thriving. To call Jana Griffin "uppity" is ridiculous - she's absolutely amazing. Keeping class size low is one of the most important things an administrator can do, so for other parents reading - this school WILL do what needs to be done to give your kids the best education....even if it means telling an entitled parent that their kids can't join the Mandarin immersion program because it's filled. THANK THEM for that! They take such great care to give all kids the very best and I am grateful every day my boys wake up and can't wait to go to school! The parents here are involved, educated, and as relaxed and cool as can be. We've made so many friends here with the kiddos and parents alike and I can't sing Doss' praises enough. Can't wait for the upcoming school year!

Posted: December 27, 2015

The education quality is great up until the fifth grade, where I believe the teachers are utterly incapable, however the school, as far as dealing with child discipline, has no effective system and leaves children punished for poor behaviors with no clue why those behaviors are bad, leading to repeat scenarios and confusion.

Posted: November 30, 2015

I am searching for an appropriate school for my daughters and found this one that offers a 50/50 immersion program in Mandarin. My children are currently in full immersion and the Principle Jana Griffin was so uppity she would not even entertain the idea that my children would be good enough to test in. If they were good enough she said she would not increase the class size of the upper classes to 22. Even though 22 is the state limit. I'm not surprised by some of the comments on here, what happened to educating the child? Why would you deny children that are more than qualified to attend a program over the fact that you don't want to increase the size of the class?

Posted: April 9, 2015

I love the school, they have great teachers and the staff is very nice, they work hard to do their best. The parents are very active and involved in the school activities, however the school has serious problems, caused by the overcrowding issues. It is almost 100% overcrowded. The school capacity is 500 students and the enrollment (on 4/10/2015) so far is around 940 students. (this websites show 840 students but that number has not been updated). The school is running out of space for portables. The only hope is a bond to build facilities which will not even be ready until next year, and who know if it will pass and even if it passes it would take a long time before the building project is ready. And to make thing worse there are many developments coming up to the area which will increase enrollment on an already extremely overcrowded school.

Posted: April 1, 2015

I moved to the nw hills neighborhood in part because I heard Doss was excellent and a good place for special needs kids. I wish more folks had been honest in their reviews and this wish is why I have to try to warn prospective parents with special needs kids to find a different school. There is neither the will nor the resources to help any child who cannot thrive in a very crowded, tense environment in which there are very few interventions to prevent bullying and very little attention to anything besides getting the kids through the day. My child was kept inside during recess because of a serious physical disability that kept her from writing quickly, and when I asked the school to stop punishing her in this way (p.s. it is illegal) the teacher freaked out and yelled at me instead of apologizing. I am sure that a lack of money and too many kids has doomed the school, but an honest parent will tell you that (especially for a kid at all outside the norm), this school is mediocre.

Posted: March 31, 2015

Doss is the number one overcrowded school in the Austin school district now. To accommodate for more students, they added new portables that covered up part of the track. Growth is not sustainable here and the school is bursting at the seams. Traffic at drop off and pick up is ridiculous and there is very little parking available. There is a very active community of parents. Some are very warm and welcoming, and others not so much. There is not much socio-economic diversity and it very much feels like a school of "haves" with very few "have-nots." There is not much racial diversity -- although there are some Asian families (perhaps drawn to the Chinese Immersion Program at Doss). If your child doesn't require special assistance, they should do okay at Doss. If your child requires attention, they don't seem to have the resources to provide adequate help (special needs or gifted students).

Posted: January 22, 2015

I agree with the review that states the staff does not address the concerns of parents. My 8 year old son has been physically bullied for the last 6 months, bloody lips, torn backpacks and clothing, and nobody took it seriously until he retaliated yesterday. Now they want him to write apology letters to the kids who have been terrorizing him! REALLY!? I won't send him back to this den of terror. A child should not be scared to go to school.

Posted: January 7, 2015

When we moved here to Austin. We heard Great things about this school, But once we spent 6 months in the school , we found that Teachers never respond to parents queries , they hardly have time to respond to parent e-mails. They maintain websites but feedback or communication is useless, My Kid is loosing interest in school . We see more biased opinion.

Posted: November 18, 2014

The faculty at this school is wonderful. However, the school is bursting at the seams and is at 170% capacity. Teachers are at their wits end. I never thought I would consider moving my child out of this vertical team, but the school (thanks to AISD) does not have the resources to support the massive overpopulation.

Posted: August 2, 2013

Doss elementary is such a wonderful school! This is our second year there and the staff and teachers have been so accommodating with my son who has just been identified as Dyslexic. There is so much parent involvement that there are not even always enough volunteer opportunities to go around. Now that is extraordinary school!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Midtown Commons at Crestview Station	Apartment Complex	Austin	TX	2.9 mi
2	Anderson Mill	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Austin	TX	7 mi
3	Mill creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Salado	TX	43.7 mi
4	Evergreen Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Harker Heights	TX	48.1 mi
5	Spanish Oaks	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Killeen	TX	48.3 mi
6	Skipcha Mountain Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Harker Heights	TX	48.5 mi
7	White Rock Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Killeen	TX	48.6 mi
8	Timber Ridge Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Killeen	TX	48.7 mi
9	Knights Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Harker Heights	TX	48.9 mi
10	Savannah Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Killeen	TX	49.4 mi
11	Glenwood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Killeen	TX	49.6 mi

#	Name	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Main street	Salado	TX		43 mi
2	Harker Heights	Harker Heights	TX		49.6 mi

Doss Elementary School

Austin, TX 78731

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Doss Elementary School

Austin, TX 78731

School Ratings

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