Bonillas Elementary Basic Curriculum Magnet School

My son is in the Magnet program 3rd grade because we were just shy of the school boundary for it. I am so glad I made the switch to this school. It is a tough school, lots of discipline (which also means lots of well behaved kids) lots of homework, lots of parent involvement. My son has improved academically and socially because the rules are enforced, and pride is instilled in the students to suceed. He received a donated dictionary from the Shriners, has to do book reports and read, and the school keeps up to its promise to give each student personalized assistance. The grounds are kept neat, school functions like festivals and skate parties are plentiful. The principal is very involved in this school, and said as much when I met him to discuss enrolling my son there. You can tell he takes pride in his students.
--Submitted by a parent

It is the most wonderful place to teach at with our strong back to basic philosophy.
--Submitted by a parent

Although there is good structure I feel at times my son comes home overwhelmed from anxiety with all the excessive rules, it's hard for him to find school fun due to all the rules upon rules upon rules and detention for every little thing rather than reinforced learning through explaination and talking.
--Submitted by a parent

I think Bonillas is an awesome school. My oldest two have been going since kindergarden and they have excelled. I only had one minor issue with a teacher but she was right about my child. I did apologize to her because during the second semester my son was doing alot better. I think the office staff are awesome ladies who care about the children. Actually everybody does from the principal to the monitors including the bus monitor Cindi. I really enjoy the school. My third will be starting in August at the same school.
--Submitted by a parent

As a magnet parent, this is my 6th year at Bonillas, I have a 2nd grader and a 5th grader. I am very pleased with the teaching styles and academics used at the school. The principal is hands on and really listens for parents input. I have recommended and will continue to recommend parents send their children to this school. Oh yeah, and they can wear shorts now.
--Submitted by a parent

We are just finishing our 14th year at Bonillas (two girls K-5 and one son K-1) and have overall been very pleased. In all those years we've only had one bad experience with a teacher (and she's not there any longer). Over the years they have tended to move toward teaching toward the aims test and a bit away from the Basic Curriculum that we loved when our first daughter attended, but I think that is happening throughout the district. We are looking forward to a few more years there as our son progresses.
--Submitted by Mary Koenig, a parent

Bonillas was an excellent school when I attended years ago and remains a great school today. My children love their teachers, the location and the activities offered.
--Submitted by a former student

This is really a great school. Teachers assess each child indiidually and give work based on their abilities. Children are disciplined to the right amount. There is a good music program in place and a very active PTC
--Submitted by a parent

For a public school within TUSD, this one is among the best. Minor complaints: the GATE program is not self-contained and therefore only meets for about an hour a week, and the kids are not allowed to wear shorts. But the school puts a lot of emphasis on personal responsibility, and the kids 'get it' pretty early on. For the most part, they are kind to each other and to adults. The teachers and principal are all very caring and accessible. There is a lot of racial diversity without much, if any, racial tension. It's a homey, safe environment.
--Submitted by a parent

Was once an excellent school. Has been left adrift and continues to produce lower test scores. Teachers used to have all the same curriculum across grade level. Now they seem to be afraid to cooperate. School and playground rules are no longer enforced consistently.
--Submitted by a parent