Casis Elementary School

My sons attended Casis Elementary last year (K and 1st Grade). Mrs. Christian is an absolutely fabulous, warm, caring, loving and firm teacher that every child should be lucky enough to have. There are also several other great 1st grade teachers. My kindergartener had some behavioral challenges in the classroom, and the school counselor, Vicki (Lynne) Johnson was absolutely amazing at helping us work through the issues. The entire leadership and staff smoothly and professionally provided our family the support we needed to thrive in elementary school. I very much wish were were still living in ATX!! I can't say enough good things about Casis Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Casis from kindergarten to fifth grade and he is graduating Wednesday. I can't say enough good things about the wonderful caring teachers at Casis in every class my son was in. I never for a minute doubted the quality of education and the quality of treatment my son was receiving. Every member of the staff actually really cares about the job they are doing as evidenced by the tenure of the teachers and all of the staff there, as well as the comaraderie of the parents. I was a student at Casis also when they had a 6th grade (wish they still did). They are first rate all the time and I highly recommend this school to any parent that wishes a great education and positive environment for their child. The parents level of involvement is also very high which helps things immensely. We've had a wonderful experience there. It is not only a place of learning, it is a place of fun and wonderful memories. It is with a bit of sadness that we are leaving. I will miss everyone there.
—Submitted by a parent

The Principal, the Assistant Principal and the teachers make this school the wonderful place it is. The quality of teaching in this school is exemplary and so is the caring of the people who work here.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children at Casis and we love it. The students grow in an environment that nurtures self-confidence and independence. This self-confidence translates into academics which is apparent in their test scores. It is true that most students are from affluent families, but there are also a good number of middle income families who have bought smaller homes because of the school (including our family) who are perfectly happy here. My children have a lot close friends from school (in all income brackets) and have not had any experience of being left out just because of social status or what they are wearing. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended pre-k, kindergarden and 1st grade at Casis and we absolutely loved it. The teachers were great and the parents are very involved in what goes on in the classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

For general ed kids, this school is great. If you are not rich, realize that most of the kids that go here are wealthy, so there's some potential for a stigma attached to a kid who does not wear all name brand clothing, etc. The teachers here are top notch, excellent. The Principal is all about pleasing his 'elite' parent population of politicicians kids. If your child has special needs, realize you are up for a huge fight to mainstream them here unless you are related to someone who has some political power or big financial means. It's sad that it's like that because this school has more resources than any other school in the district. You'd think they'd be ready to help out a child who needs it. Gen ed= A++ Best EC!
—Submitted by a parent

Casis is a wonderful school. It feels very safe, the teachers are excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

This School has a wonderful atmosphere and the academic programs are rated top in the nation. Parents are very involved and the kids enjoy author visits, Casis Cares ( parents come in and teach about morals/values) and every teacher is top notch...they care about your child in every aspect. The principal is very good at communicating and takes pride in his job at Casis. I highly reccomend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Casis has incredible parent involvement and support. The children have so many wonderful opportunities to learn in outdoor classrooms, the Casis Forest and extensive afterschool activities such as chess club, mad science, music, yoga and other groups. Our son has enjoyed the three years he has been there and learned a lot as well. We have been impressed with the author visits and international festival as well. We can't say enough good things about Casis.
—Submitted by a parent

We chose Casis over private schools and we are so glad we did! The principal, Dr. Aidman, is phenomenal--strong, engaged, fair, enthusiastic, handles problems extremely well--can't say enough good things about his leadership. The teachers are all strong and experienced, and passionately dedicated to the kids. There is an air of excitement at this school--everyone loves being there. Parents are actively envolved, and financially support the technology, spanish and library programs in particular. Of course, there are things I would recommend improving (isn't there always?) but they are minor or district-wide issues (such as: need more music and PE class time, parking is limited, need better after school programs, need to find ways to let working moms get involved, not just stay-at-home moms, etc.)
—Submitted by a parent

We love Casis! Our child is a first-grader who absolutely adores his teacher. Our child has learned so much from this group of educators. Not just in the area of academics, but in social development as well. At the end of our child's kindergarten year, he scored a 28 on the DRA reading assessment test, placing him at a third grade reading level in first. The school even had a special guest author visit during Reading Literacy Month to encourage young readers and writers. They also introduced a social skills curriculum into the classroom called Casis Cares. This introduced our child to the diverse cultures of our community. The classrooms radiate energy all the way in to the halls. There is excellent communication and parent involvement, and something new and exciting to be a part of every month. We love Casis, and would recomend it to other parents for their children!
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student teacher for a semester at Casis and it is ideal in every sense. The parents are very involved and helpful in enriching the classroom. Great outdoor play areas. Great school community and kids all seem happy and excited about coming to school.
—Submitted by a teacher

Very positive environment. I rate the art and music very high.
—Submitted by a parent

Highest quality academic programming we have ever seen. Tons of parent involvement and extra curricular activities. As good or better than any of the private schools in the area. There is nothing bad to say about this school. Not much in the way of ethnic diversity, but other than that - a blue ribbon school.
—Submitted by a parent

Active and involved parents make Casis a great school. I agree with the previous reviewer, though, about G&T program--it's pretty hit-or-miss. Very safe, pleasant campus, lots of extracurriculars. Mr. Dunn (music) and Mr. Batiansila (5th) are jewels in the crown.
—Submitted by a parent

Need more focus on making an effective gifted and Talented program