Steiner Ranch Elementary School

I am from the Northeast and have not been impressed with the schools here in Texas (public or private). We moved to Steiner because of the schools and have been very happy. It is the best elementary school we have found here. My kids love it, the teachers and principal are wonderful, and the parental involvement is fantastic. It has definitely met our high expectations.
—Submitted by a parent

SRE has an incredible staff and curriculum. My daughter has excelled way above her grade level 'standards' since kindergarten and has gotten support I couldn't have dreamed of from a public school. The parent support has had invaluable benefit at compensating for the district and board restrictions. The schools in Steiner Ranch are the reason we live here.
—Submitted by a parent

I am moving to Austin from Louisiana. I need to know which elementary and middle school in the Austin area would best serve my 10 year old autistic son. He has no behavioral problems at all, and learns easily, but needs small group instruction. I hope to find a welcoming school and staff for my son with his special needs. I have been an elementary teacher myself for 20 years now, and I want him to be accepted and continue to progress academically and socially. Thankyou for your help!! Angela
—Submitted by a parent

We moved into the district in 2008, from another exemplary rated district. Our children have attended three elementary schools, all exemplary rated, and Steiner Ranch is by far the best. We enjoy almost daily updates on our children's progress, the teachers make themselves available by phone and email. There are frequent parent teacher conferences, and more if requested. As noted by some comments below, the parents are probably the weakest link as there are a lot of helicopter types that want to tell the teachers how to do their jobs. They are doing a GREAT job and we feel lucky to have our kids at Steiner Ranch.
—Submitted by a parent

My two adopted children attened SRE for several years (1st grade through 5th) until they moved on to Canyon Ridge Middle School this year. SRE was an excellent school that I was very impressed with. Compared to the public schools I attended as a kid growing up in CA, SRE seemed like a private school. They were supportive and worked to educate my children, including my son who has special needs. We did have to be involved sometimes to ensure we got what we needed, but who doesn't need to be involved to help their child? So thankful that my children went to SRE...
—Submitted by a parent

I was shocked reading a couple of the reviews about Steiner. This school is awesome. My children are in the Quest (GT) program and it is great. The parental involvement is wonderful. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this school and we came from a private school which did not even compare. I hear great things about Canyon Ridge Middle School that my kids will be attending. Steiner Ranch is an awesome place to raise your kids!
—Submitted by a parent

One thing that concerns me about rating schools here is the lack of understanding that many have when it comes to the way schools are run. Teachers and principals have little power and most things are determined by a school board (and State Board) with those who want to run it like a business. That is the problem. We have been running our schools as we needed to in the industrial age, but needs of our society have changed since then. Parents, instead of pulling your kids out of private school, educate yourself on the root problems, and get involved with what your school board and State board of Education are doing. Steiner has many very smart and hardworking teachers that take risks to not teach to this or any test. These are teacher who could drop out and go private, but instead, believe in your children.
—Submitted by a parent

Typical teach to the TAKS test school. I have since put my kids in a private school. I think the school has lost a lot of its appeal when they mysteriously ousted the principal a couple of years ago. GT program is a joke! Its a pull out program that has nothing to do with how your shild does in the classroom and offers no support. GT kids are supposedly in cluster classrooms but that just means they are left on their own while the teacher struggles to teach the rest of the kids to pass the TAKS test! Parent involvement is high which is great yet overbearing. THe school is over crowded. The main problem is really a district problem and settling for averageness. Not a good place for GT or advanced kids.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the poorest school my daughter has ever attended. Most parents think of it highly but that is likely because they haven't another school to compare it to. My 5th grade daughter (who is already in their advanced classes) is doing kindergarten work (the word 'I' was on her recent spelling test) I told the principle who ushered me out of her office saying she sees nothing wrong with that. Incredulous behavior! My daughter has attended two other schools in other states and both were way above Steiner. My daughter has wasted a year. Incidently, her project the last two weeks?...coloring in a manual.
—Submitted by a parent

If your child is in special education or is not 'the average' student then I would avoid this school at all costs. Too many classes and children without enough leadership from the school and district. Some teachers are very inexperienced. The principal doesn't seemed involved at all with the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

The best public elementary school that I have ever come across! Sending your children to Steiner Ranch Elementary is more like sending them to an elite private school than a Texas public school. The teachers and staff are excellent, and there is 100% parent participation in the PTA. The large number of parent volunteers allow the teachers to provide a higher quality of education. Another thing I love about SRE is the atmosphere. Parents are always welcome, and there's a creative and laid-back quality about it. Children and their families feel comfortable and happy as soon as you step foot on the campus.
—Submitted by a parent

Recent unexplained departure of principal. Huge parent support to bring him back. Very parent involved school in suburban planned community in beautiful & safe neighborhood. Many hi-tech transplants. Daughter in gifted & talented program (QUEST) & accelerated math. Reading program in K has them reading in K. Pre K program for special needs kids. Only Exemplary rated elementary in Leander. Neighborhood also has middle school & will probably eventually build a high school
—Submitted by a parent

I can not brag enough about this school! It has been a blessing to have my 2nd grader and Kindergartener there. The school has the most parent involvement in the district. Incredible PTA and a very strong principle. This neighborhood is outstanding. You will be paying alot of taxes annually to live here but you will benefit from having your kids in one of the best public education districts around!
—Submitted by a parent

We feel that our children have received the best possible experience from attending Steiner Ranch. Our son that is now in 7th grade, started at SRE. Our daughter is currently in 4th grade. We only have one more year to attend and will be sad next year to say good-bye to one of the forces that have contributed to our successful children and their future. We thank the district, LISD, the teachers Mrs. Evans and Mr. Medlyn for making all of our years better than the last! We are truly blessed.
—Submitted by Michelle Broyles, a parent

Steiner Ranch Elementary is an exceptionally well-rounded school. I have had children in this school for eight years and speak from vast experience. It has always been a high-ranking performer on achievement tests, always in the top three for elementary schools in this district. It has a very involved parent body and PTA that supports its teachers and students with various activities and funds for continuing education. They teach nutrition, they have wonderful PE and running programs, and the principal is overwhelmingly loved and respected by students and parents alike. The students are also taught to care for each other and every year they perform a 'pay it forward' activity/fundraiser to raise money for a cause of their choice. The school has a very warm and loving feel from the staff, children, teachers and parents. You would not be disappointed in this choice.
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school for kids who are bright and motivated. The pace moves pretty quickly, and students can easily get behind, so it can feel overwhelming and stressful for the kids and parents. There is an emphasis not only on academics but on developing students' character. Parents are encouraged to request teachers that they believe will be a good fit for students. Leander ISD tends to cram too many kids in a school, and SRE's population has ranged from 600 to 1100 students, with 8 Kindergarten classes. Tries to emphasize a feeling of family. Lots of parent involvement and good leadership.
—Submitted by a parent