Dobie Middle School and College Prep Academy 1200 East Rundberg Lane, Austin, TX 78753

"Ladies and Gentlemen, let me please introduce you to Dobie's singular IT Guru, the great Darrell (Noel) Solomon. It's not often that I meet a young and talented professional within the tech field that can run circles around me, while tactfully and diplomatically educating/coaching/motivating me to push myself even further. It’s the total opposite of humiliation or embarrassment, I swear. This brilliant one-person-band not only effectively manages the entire school's service request workload but is also forward-thinking like Elon Musk and continually planning and anticipating the next low-cost permanent security solution, eliminating any potential risks to FERPA. Noel intuitively addresses the Unknown, Unknowns. Watch and observe as each encounter with a technical discrepancy is viewed as an exciting opportunity to not just educate the users and demystify the terrors of tech, but to permanently resolve any future user needs. Noel is not just a local celebrity here at Dobie. No, the good news of this person's miraculous work travels fast all over the AISD. When Noel walks down the halls, it's like that scene with Jesus and the Lepers, or Beatlemania. Noel doesn't even need to physically lay hands on the machines most of the time, just the belief that the equipment is already fixed is all that is necessary sometimes. Seriously, Noel consistently provides solid and secure enterprise solutions to the entire academic environment that far exceed NIST framework standards, all at little to no additional cost. Not to steal any thunder from this legendary IT prodigy, as I could go on and on ad nauseum about Noel’s superhuman abilities… but I do want to quickly shift the unfolding awareness that there were even more gifted cast members supporting Noel’s protagonist role in my story. Without their presence and demanding technology requirements, in addition to the constant need for synergy and teamwork, Noel possibly would have missed those vital opportunities for growth and resilience of character. This organization appears to have a defined benchmark for procuring only the most talented, severely overqualified and sadly, underpaid staff. These select individuals are passionate about developing tomorrow’s leaders. Every one of Dobie’s priceless employees make me feel like an equal, like family. I can’t even begin to convey what these campus staff and are all about. Noel, as well as all the other Dobie school employees, exude this sweet energy towards everyone. It’s a welcoming feeling, driven by a deep love. These folks sincerely care and enjoy sharing their hard-earned knowledge, wisdom and experiences. This is the foundational hierarchy of needs that can only empower and build resilience in other less confident individuals. What better place for these highly evolved folks to contribute and help facilitate mass enlightenment in others, than to converge at Dobie, one of the finest educational institutions in Austin. What makes Dobie the best is the unique and supportive climate and culture, as demonstrated by the deeply committed faculty. It feels like Disneyland. The energy is placed on optimism, growth and learning. Additionally, this magic kingdom is not just focused on the kids. The ongoing continuing education for the teachers and staff is also supported and maintained by the stellar senior Leadership. The entire staff and even custodians are extremely kind and Lead by example. They not only allow, but encourage individual exploration and learning, very much like a traditional Montessori, but without the high tuition. Had the staff not made the decision to be the most evolved people they could be today, you probably wouldn’t be reading this review or trying to decide where to enroll your children for school. I am grateful that I was able to casually observe those strong, compassionate and mature responses they made, even amid chaos and hysteria. I hope they realize just how critical and special they are to helping others, even in the scope of duties within this growing community."

"Wonderful staff, great oportunities for students if they are up for the challenge! Plenty of scholarship opportunities for those who are wanting to get an education! ;)"

"Dobie Middle School is a great school if not the school used to be it has changed a lot and not all the kids are bad you actually really good and it's and it's a great place to take your kids to school"

"I really enjoyed interacting with the students at Dobie through an after-school program I led. The after-school coordinators are hard-working, but are not respected by the administration. I wish the administration gave them the recognition they deserve."

"When I was their it was really ghetto a stink bomb was thrown in the halls it was disgusting! I went their part of 7th and part of 8th grade and it was pretty bad"