Providence Elementary School

The VP at this school had my child come into the office to complete work, day after day. It was supposedly not punishment and was she only missing her recess every day so she could have extra time to do work. I was notified by a secretarial person about this situation. The VP had a very ugly, inflexible attitude and she is very poor at communication. She showed no sign of caring about children or parents. She cares about rules. She gave my child a kind of sticker chart. When that sticker chart didn't work, her next solution was another sticker chart. Eventually, when the sticker charts weren't helping and the problems continued the disciplinary solution was to send our 2nd grader to the alternative school. We had to take her out and homeschool her. My child was having a special ed issue and was later diagnosed. She hasn't had any serious discipline issues since receiving accommodations and she was commended on her TAKS tests. Things have improved, but what I remember about having to interact with this VP was her lack of ability to establish rapport with my child or to explore any solutions other than the meager and ineffective one she had to offer.
--Submitted by a parent

I love my son's school! I love that they are the Patriots! The school has been awarded for academic excellence and is truly a part of the community. My concerns are that there seems to be too much turnover in the staff, young inexperienced teachers that are laying the foundation for our children's future education, and, due to a very small percentage of ethnic minority students, the student body and the staff tend to stereotype those students. Minority students are ostracized and are focused on during TAKS, etc. Teachers are quick to assume that they have a learning disability and quicker still to focus on them with stricter disciplinary measures, etc.
--Submitted by a parent

Both my children have attended this school and it's fantastic. I have had experiences w/ teachers, staff, and the administration. Everyone has been wonderful. A really great school.
--Submitted by a parent

We really like this school and for the first and second grade our child was a straight A student. Third grade was a different story and we identified a significant conflict with the teacher. We brought to attention of the VP and were told that would be addressed immediately and that our child would be moved to another class. We were later contacted by the P and told that the VP did not follow proper procedure and that the VPs commitment could not be implemented. Frankly, we could care less about proper procedure. We just wanted to get out of the condescending and destructive environment that was ruining our child s experience. This year has been a complete turn around and we are glad to have a child who again looks forward to the experience. We suggest going above the immediate administration (director of education) when you have an issue.
--Submitted by a parent

We have 6 kids. Our 2 youngest have had the UNFORTUNATE experience of going to this school. I can honestly say there is not much to love about this school. I am surprised at the positive ratings. I can only assume the 5 star raters have never experienced another elementary school. While there a handful of good teachers, the principal and vice-principal are more concerned with themselves and ratings than their students. Many of the teachers show little caring towards the students. I know of MULTIPLE (and I mean over 20 in 2 years) instances of extreme bullying that are barely addressed. My children have come home with injuries where I was failed to be notified. My son was left on the playground for over 15 minutes! My kids are A students and not troublemakers. I am transferring them out of the school this year, and will not come back.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have both thrived at this school. The teachers really care. The staff is helpful. We moved from Plano to Providence 3 years ago and I was nervous about switching schools at that time but I have to say, it was the best thing I ever did for my kids. Even through these unstable economic times, I have been tempted to move into an apartment, however, I have not due to the fact that I would have to move my kids out of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my childs second year at this school.. We love the teachers and feel as though she is getting a wonderful education here! We have been thinking about moving and this is going to be the hardest part of all is removing our daughter from a great school such as providence elementary school!
--Submitted by a parent

Providence Elementary HAS been rated EXEMPLARY for several years now (perhaps not in a row but that was not previously stated). I think it dropped a notch one year but it is back to Exemplary status for the current year (2008-09). I am a very involved parent and my findings are based on official school ratings.
--Submitted by a parent

There is an inaccuracy in the previous review. The school has not been exemplary for several years in a row. Please refer to actual TAKS ratings, not neighborhood builders' signage!
--Submitted by a parent

this school is one of the most amazing school I , and sertianly my child has ever seen.
--Submitted by a parent