River Oaks Elementary School

We have had nothing but good experiences at River Oaks. The new principal seems to motivate staff, and my kid is happy. Seems to me if you have an individual problem w your kid, a a specific adult, you would be more involved in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Just found out about this site. River Oaks is great. It is a TEA Recognized School! My daughter is happy here, and we really like her teacher. Check out the school website and see the photos and extra activities. We love it here.
—Submitted by a parent

One thing we like about our school is the diversity. Our kids are going to school with peers that are as diverse as what they will find in the real world. It's a good neighborhood school. Impressed by the test scores too.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm confused by the "GreatSchools Rating" of 3 for our school. With TAKS we've been a TEA Recognized School for a few years. With STAAR, we except the same, the best, from our kids. You should look beyond test scores, anyway. We have a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Not sure why the reviews here seem so off. Maybe it's the curse of all online reviews, anyone with an agenda can post. I just feel the need to balance it out for those of you really using this site to evaluate our school. Please come and participate. It is a good school.
—Submitted by a parent

Not impressed with this school at all. Discipline problems, apathetic teacher. My daughter is in 2nd grade. lot of trouble with other kids stealing her stuff, she comes home and tells me her classroom is too loud and disruptive to learn anything in. Tried to get in touch with teacher and principal with no response. If youre thinking of enrolling your child, you should fully research all your options.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in first grade here, and attended Kindergarten here as well, and we've been very impressed with both of her teachers and the leadership of Mrs. Khan as Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I am used to being involved in my son's education but when I ask how he did on tests the teacher has no idea and will not look it up. When I come up there to look for missing papers every Friday she seems shocked. The missing paper are not in the HUGE pile of work that was sent home. She had them all along. If you ask her what the worksheet looks like she states that she does not have anymore. She can't even show you the Key so you can see what it looks like. My son was absent from school and she could not give him his work since she was out of worksheets. I am sure that the school has a printer the worksheets are all from online sites. The school is not focused on each child success.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a single mother of a 5 year old little girl, who started K this year. I have been NOTHING but impressed and happy with this school. From registration to now, things have been wonderful. My daughter loves it, her teacher is dedicated and involved and it shows in my daughters behavior. She is excited to wake up and attend school and the YMCA after school program everyday!
—Submitted by a parent

this year, fall 07-08, was the first year that Mrs. Khan has been the principal. My son is in kindergarten so I don't really know the contrast, but understand that teachers are happier with new leadership. My son has done well and loves his class and teachers. They are very challenging this year - he has good homework every night. It's not draining, but a good start. I believe they are working out whatever kinks were leftover.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed the last three years she has been attending River Oaks Elementary. Every one of her teachers has been challenging, encouraging, and realistically optimistic. We have experienced positive interactions with the professional staff as well. We have spoken with many parents that feel the same way, but unfortunately they must not know about this website. The comments are strangely skewed on this site.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not condusive to challenging students. They have discipline problems, issues, and they're facing great diversity and do not know how to change with the times.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree 100% about the office staff needing serious training on handling parents and students with respect and courtesy. I also agree with the parent who commented on the oppressive discipline and rules. It seems that this school expects behavior problems out of all children and therefor treats all children as behavior problems. It does not surprise me that the school has quickly moved from being a recognized school to one which could not make the cut. The school seems to expect more from the children than the teachers! Parent involvement is encouraged but the current PTO could take the same lessons in courtesy as the office staff!
—Submitted by a parent

We were extremely disappointed. If your child needs severe structure (i.e. lots of paperwork!) and oppressive discipline this may be the place for him/her. Our daughter was miserable!
—Submitted by a parent

I really love this schools it is very nice and all the staff is very friendly
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a fantastic learning environment for children. The teachers are hands on in every aspect and offer a wide variety of curriculum. The after school tutoring program is also very beneficial and the teachers are dedicated to helping the kids.
—Submitted by a staff

This school has an excellent special education department. They have been very succesful in helping my child achieve her goals for the year. The staf there is awesome.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a great year and look forward to the next,however the registrar and secretary need a little training in dealing with parents and students.
—Submitted by a parent

My son excelled greatly for the year 2003-2004. However the administration should take a second look at the office staff.
—Submitted by a parent