Frequently Asked Questions
What is the school's main telephone number?
The main number for Cole Middle and High School is (210) 368-8730.
The main number for the Cole High School Receptionist is (210) 368-8733.
The main number for the Cole Middle School Receptionist is (210) 368-8729.
What kind of bell schedule does Cole follow?
Both Cole Middle and High School operates on a flexible modular schedule. Core courses meet every day, while some other classes may meet fewer than 5 days a week to allow students flexible time to get intervention, acceleration or time to explore passions.
How many credits are needed for graduation?
Because of recent changes in graduation requirements, the number of credits and the specific classes needed for graduation depends on your anticipated year of graduation. Students who entered the 9th grade during the 2007-2008 school year (or later) need a minimum of 26 credits. Students who entered before then need 22 credits.
Are there any state tests I need to pass to be promoted or graduate?
All students must pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, otherwise known as STAAR tests, for Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II and United States History to earn a high school diploma. Students first have the opportunity to pass the STAAR exam in the spring of the year enrolled in the named class and have multiple chances to pass it. For more information see the Texas Education Agency site on STAAR.
Will my credits transfer easily?
Because our counselors are empathetic to the needs of the military child, every effort is made to assure that all credits transfer to Cole. In most cases, all credits are applied towards graduation.
Do you offer any AP classes?
Cole offers a wide variety of Pre-AP and AP classes for our students. We offer these advanced classes in all four core academic areas.
What extracurricular activities do you offer?
Cole offers multiple opportunities for students to be involved outside the classroom. In fact, most Cole students excel in several extracurricular areas. Links to our athletic offerings can be found under the Athletics tab above.
I was already a cheerleader/varsity band member/Student Council member in my previous school. Will I have the opportunity to do those things at Cole?
At Cole, we want to honor your achievements and commitments that you have made at your previous school. In most cases, if you successfully auditioned for an activity at your previous school, that position would be honored at Cole.
How will I make new friends?
Bear in mind that, while Cole is a public school, almost every student at Cole is a military dependent, and has been the "new kid" before. Because of this, our students are very welcoming and accepting and we find that new students have no trouble finding their place at Cole.
Middle School Specific Questions
Are the Middle School classes self-contained or do the students rotate from class to class, teacher to teacher?
Cole Middle School operates on a flexible modular schedule. Core courses meet every day, while some other classes may meet fewer than 5 days a week to allow students flexible time to get intervention, acceleration or time to explore passions.
Do Middle School teachers communicate with parents in the same way that elementary teachers do?
Our Middle School teachers are dedicated to your child's success and they know that communication with parents is a vital component of that success. However, one of the expectations for our middle school students is that they will accept more responsibility to keep parents informed. Students are all given an agenda to keep track of assignments and other projects. In addition, all of our teachers maintain a class page that is easily accessible. If, however, there are particular issues or concerns during the year, parents will get a phone call or email message from the teacher. Parents are also encouraged to contact their child's teacher any time they have a question or concern.
Are 6th graders in classes only with other 6th graders?
Most times, students are only in classes with their age-level peers. However, students can also be in classes with students from other grades, especially in elective classes.
Are Middle School students ever in contact with the High School students?
Middle School rarely have classes with High School students unless they are in accelerated classes. In addition, Middle School lunches are separate from High School lunches and High School students are not allowed in the Middle School building without administrative approval.
Do Middle School students carry all their books in backpacks?
Yes. While our middle school students are issued lockers to store their books, it is essential that they carry some of their belongings in a backpack.. Part of the organizational training that students get in middle school addresses academic planning.
Are middle school teachers as nurturing as elementary teachers?
Cole Middle School teachers are very caring, and because of our small school size, they get to know students very well. It is natural that as students age and mature they need less hand-holding. One overall goal that parents share with teachers is that students, as they grow, will become as independent and self-reliant as possible. The expectation in middle school is that students will begin taking on more responsibility and will become more independent. The curriculum and culture of Cole middle school is designed to reinforce this basic concept.
Does Cole Middle School have a dress code?
Yes, Cole Middle School has a dress code which is included in the Student/Parent Handbook.