Major General William R Shafter Elementary School

We have been involved with Shafter for 5 years and I have so much awesome things to say about the staff at the school. The teachers are easily accessible and sincerely care about my kids. I am blessed with the staff and can not say one bad thing about them. They work closely with the kids with a passion rather than "just a job" and it hows. Its as if my kids go to a private school though its a public school. If I had any concerns they were address right away. Im not sure about the person who posted a rating earlier -- but I love this school and I only wish it went to a higher grade than 6th. I will be looking for a private school after my son finishes 6th grade. I am in awe of Shafter and would and do tell everyone how great they are. Thank you to the staff at Shafter who are very personable!
—Submitted by a parent

Pick up/drop off is very important because kids are running around everywhere and pushing each other into the street! That is a HUGE concern! The principal avoids all issues and I guess only helps out with the special needs children, which is good because the students are getting beat up being in the same class as special ed kids. They'll be working on classwork and get a book thrown at their head from a "special needs student" because they are in the same classroom as everyone else. My kids used to love school until they came here.
—Submitted by a parent

There are more important things to worry about with your kids going to school then whether or not you have to park your car when dropping your kids off (in reference to another parent's comment). I'm grateful for the MPs who stand out in front of the school as I certainly feel my kid is safer for it. The teachers and staff are extremely caring and professional. My son is a first grader with special needs and his teacher couldn't be more incredible! The principle, Ms. Martin, is outstanding, as is the entire office staff!
—Submitted by a parent

Great curriculum! Our son made an easy academic transition to TX schools. Not sure why the parent who wrote the most recent reviews was not happy with the curriculum. Our son attended Shafter Elementary from 2007 - 2010. He made the equivalent of As and Bs in all subjects during his time at Shafter Elementary. He transitioned to the Fort Sam Houston Elementary in 2010 and made straight As as a 4th grader. He changed schools again this year to a highly rated public school in San Antonio and is making straight As as a 5th grader. The curriculum at Shafter Elementary (while he attended) was every bit as good as the curriculum at Hardy Oak Elementary (which he now attends) and much better than the curriculum at Fort Sam Houston Elementary. I cannot imagine there being a significant decline in such a short amount of time. All of my friends who have PCSd from Fort Shafter have also said their children made easy transitions to mainland schools.
—Submitted by a parent

The school got a new principal since 2010 and 5 times more students due to tons of new housing. That is why 2011 and 2012 reviews aren't the same as 2010- a lot has changed in a very short time!
—Submitted by a parent

Pick up drop off is coordinated by an MP that will give tickets if you are not parked in a stall. There are no stalls to park in by the way- which leads to many tickets! The principal should be outside putting kids in the car and keeping the line moving. There should be no parked cars or MP's! The teachers just stand out there sleeping while people are getting tickets for picking up their kids! This is horrible- combined with a terrible curriculum- I wish we stayed at MoanaLua elementry!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great! It was a smooth transition for both my children. The staff is very involved and my children are motivated and happy. I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Shafter elementary is an awesome school. What makes thw school is the staff that they have. .. all the staff are friendly and my son is not lost in the crowd- the school is small (less than 200 students) but ALIVE with many activities throughout the school year. My son loves scool because of this environment! !! The staff are always available and are top notch in teaching! !!
—Submitted by a parent

I came from Germany and this school helped me very much by getting used to the new country. By having great teachers and staff.

Bad school...This school has a very bad curriculum. She is doing work that she did in school (in texas) the year before. I feel like my daughter has lost a year.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a very small elementary school (less than 200 students) serving children pre-K to 6th grade. This school is within the gates of Ft. Shafter, and serves primarily military children. Because of the small amount of children who attend here, the staff always are able to find time to help a struggling child, or to help a gifted one to be challenged. My son has spent the last 3 years here, and I am going to be sorry to leave!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have gone to many schools and this is one of my favorite. This school mainly consists of military children, so the school is aware of the needs of some military families. It's a small school (approx.200) so a lot of the staff knows most of this kids by name. The school is very welcoming to new students and their parents. I have never seen any staff member being mean to any parent. They are all very friendly and helpful. The kids are not afraid of, but respect the principal. She is very involved with the children. Unfortunately, she is retiring. They now have all new textbooks. The children have more extra curricular activities compared to some other schools. You have to pay to ride the school bus no matter which school you attend.
—Submitted by a parent