George Herbert Walker Bush Elementary School

This is a wonderful school full of committed, hard working teachers. I have been very pleased with both of my child's teachers the last two years, and have no complaints or concerns in that area. I do, however, agree with the posts below about the less than impressive principal. She is impossible to speak to, rude, and completely unapproachable. I am so disappointed that this beautiful school full of tremendous potential is being run by a principal that does not put families, children, or even her staff as a priority. Going to the school for my child's birthday, lunch, or to volunteer is an absolute nightmare because the administrative staff is impossible to deal with and very cold. I would give the school five stars if the administrative staff weren't lacking so much because the teachers and all the campus has to offer is out of this world. I would recommend this school because the teachers are committed to a challenging and positive educational experience for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

To quickly summize my thoughts... we LOVE this school! The teachers we have experienced have been GREAT. This is a nice NEW school. We are happy to be here. Have not had a personal conflict with the principel (as others I know have had), but I can say COMMUNICATION to the parents is terrible. Lucikly for me, we have a great homeroom teacher that keeps us informed on what is scheduled each month. Feel there is room for improvement for the leadership team on that topic for sure.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with nearly every one of these comments for Bush Elementary... especially when talking about the leadership. Instead of breaking our lease and moving to an unknown area of Dallas . It benefited me and my child to find ways to work around the impossible-to-deal-with-and-speak-to-Principal (and in my opinion, the Vice Principal is no better just does what the Principal says to do or NOT do). Now, in order to bring focus to the 100% POSITIVES of this school the teachers and support staff are fantastic! I have found there are several staff members and teachers who are more than willing to help when needed or at a minimum counsel with you, when you have a concern about your kids education. They will go out of their way to make sure you understand any and all challenges your kid may have and will offer additional support afterschool or give you tools to be able to do at home to provide extra support. Due to the extra help from this schools teachers and staff my son is now excelling. I feel these people do care and have compassion for their students I am glad my child is at this school. I would recommend this school to other families.
—Submitted by a parent

Bush Elementary is a GREAT school where kids learn and are the priority. Parent communication is good and I know everyone there cares about the children. I think Principal Dash does a great job and is working to make Bush an even better school. Despite some challenges she is facing she is committed to that campus. I appreciate her and so do the kids and I know they are her focus.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great and the teachers are terrific! The principal is lacking for sure - but where the prinicpal falls extremely short - the teachers and parents rise to the occasion. To summarize one persons earlier statement - if you participate in the school, the parent activities, volunteer when you can, offer assistance to the staff and teachers - generally support the school, then you will have a positive reaction and feel great about the environment where your children are being educated. Key item here is you must participate! If you are seeking a school which offers so much in a NEW campus, great facility, environmentally clean, offering a variety of classes - then you MUST check this out! We do not regret one minute sending our children here.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very fortunate to have this school in the Town of Addison. From our personal viewpoint... we find the teachers to be amongst the best we have experienced - as our youngest child is attending this school (and previously attended a local private school). Agreeing with the other comments on the Principal (as this person is not committed to the students, parents or the school) and is difficult to speak with. I would give her a 1-star rating at a minimum - as there was not a '0' rating. Luckily for the school - the school is full of supportive / nurturing staff / teachers around the campus to assist parents/families when the leadership falls short. The school offers - art, music, gym, computer classes, TAG, two-way dual language, library services, educational garden, YMCA afterschool program., etc... This is a unique school in that is new and has a bright future ahead of itself. We do not regret transferring our child to this public school!!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved our son out of this school as fast as we could. He was being buliied by another student and it seemed to take a lot of prompting with the vice principal before enough was done to prevent it and the child in question was dealt with appropriately. We found communication with our son's teachers difficult, often not receiving a reply to an email. We also feel that there was not enough communication with parents from the teachers about the curriculum and how they wanted homework assignments approached. I read some of the instructions myself and as an educated woman couldn't figure out what the blast it was that they wanted. We are now in a better school district and our son is much more settled and happier. I wouldn't recommend this school. Even at PTA events where our kids performed, we felt like outsiders. Left an overall bad taste in our mouths for Bush and DISD.
—Submitted by a parent

Addison is an area where most families send their kids to one of its many private schools; while, we can afford to do the same Why should we? The debate on the pros/cons; priorities/goals of public vs private are often inaccurate and irrelevant. After weighing our options, we dove in without hesitation and after 1-year, I am proud to say we do not regret our decision - as you do "create your own environment . If you want a poor experience sit back and do nothing. Being involved/supportive in our children s education to make sure the environment is what we expect is key. The school is excelling beyond our expectations, especially given it is DISD. The school is not perfect and those issues we personally have would be found in any school whether it be public or private. The school provides a beautiful/safe/clean learning environment, with all of the modern conveniences expected in a new school with ample opportunities to achieve academic excellence for those who want it. Teacher involvement (for us) has been phenomenal with constant communication and support. Frustration will be high for those who feel the school should deliver excellence without working for it.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had 4 teachers that have been exceptional. From an academic standpoint - all teachers have delivered. They have taught our student how to read in Kindergarten. They have brought forth exciting, hands on material for science, social studies, reading, writing and math. The teachers have demonstrated a real passion for what they do and have nurtured and loved our student. Parents must be involved and engaged. I'd recommend this school
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! The teachers are hard working, dedicated, and passionate about what they do. We've only had experience with Kinder and 2nd Grade teachers, but they were awesome. My children love going to school and I love knowing that they are really learning. My child was struggling and the teacher reached out to me before it became a problem. Next, she was getting after school tutoring and a packet of practice sheets and other resources to help out at home. My only complaints are that the kids only get recess twice a week, even in the lower grades. I feel like kids NEED that recess time and three days of gym is NOT a substitute! Also, there are only specific days I can eat lunch with my kids. I thought that was weird. At our old school, a parent could eat whenever they wanted with their child! Overall, I'd recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have found the current principal there to be uninviting, rude and fake. I have been to the school several time and when Principal Dash entered into the front office she never acknowledged me as parent. Everytime I was in the office she never greeted parents by saying good morning. To me the principal is more concerned with making announcements over the intercom then interacting with the students. She does not allow the students above second grade to have recess. The good get punished for the bad. This includes the Honor Roll students. Now they will not allow the kids to talk at lunch time. Really?? When can the kids have their time to take a break and have a little fun. I'm all about education because both my kids are honor roll students, however, I do believe school should be fun and not a prison. I always hear from my children that the assistant prinicipal engages with students and parents more so than the prinicipal. As far as the teachers, I only know of two good ones there because my kids had them but the rest of them are unhappy and their for a paycheck. I know more about the teachers personal life then whats on the school cirriculum.
—Submitted by a parent