Kathy Caraway Elementary School

As a former RRISD teacher, I thought Caraway would be the place to have my child. Was I ever wrong. My now middle schooler has no idea how the writing process works or how to problem solve. I had to teach and re-teach at home constantly. The school -in my opinion- does not earn its exemplary rating. It teaches to the standardized test(s) and has admin that knows how to "sell" to parents and higher admin. Very very disappointed with the overall experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Caraway has an experienced, capable, and caring staff at all levels. There is a kindness there that creates an atmosphere that makes my daughter feel comfortable. The principal know all the students and is very accessible. When I was making my decision on where my daughter would go to school the principal personally called me, left a message and her private cell phone number. From classroom to lunchroom to the pickup and drop-off process the school is a well oiled machine. Everything is planned down to the smallest detail; the students know what is expected of them at all times. Parental involvement is very high and enthusiastic. You will never feel out of the loop; communication between the school and parents and between teacher and parents occurs almost on a daily basis. I could not be more pleased that my daughter is attending Caraway.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started his 2nd semester in K and he loves his friends and the teacher. His teacher seems to know how to treat her students with respect and love. The environment in and around the school is excellent as well. The school encourages parents to involve with some activities for their children and this opportunity provides very close relationship between school and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to Caraway for 3 years, K to 2 grade and we both loved it! Great academics, great community sense, fantastic teachers, caring families, attention to arts and science, and a principal that is always available - she knows every student by the name and has an open door policy - she will reply to your email within hours! We had to move to a different state and no a day goes by that we don't miss Caraway Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

Good education, both in academics and social skills. The principal really does know every child in the school, there is an incredible amount of parent involvement, there is cultural diversity which is embraced and appreciated, and they teach kids how to live and think well, not just how to pass a test. The TAG program has been a saving grace for my son, so they do deal well with special needs kids at both ends of the spectrum. They won't tell 50% of the kids that they are academically gifted just because they are above average; my older son was denied participation in the TAG program and eventually I had to acknowledge that they were right--he's smart but not gifted. My younger one needs the stimulation of TAG to remain academically functional. There are a couple teachers whom I don't think should be teaching, but overall, this is a solid school on all fronts.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm very upset with this school. I spoke to many other parents in this neighborhood and they all say the same thing. This school want to put many kids in a "learning group", but only if your child is not above average. Then they convince you that your child has problems. I then found out later that this school receives extra money for "learning disable" kids. In which all they need is so extra attention. One teacher with 20 kids. She/he cant focus on my child nor yours.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has gone above and beyond in education for my children. My son is going through testing for learning disabilities and they have already helped him so much- they show so much compassion and care with everything they do for him. I only wish he had that experience at the school he attended before this.Thank you Caraway for doing such a great job!
—Submitted by a parent

There is something about this school that I am not going to find elsewhere. We are potentially moving and one thing that might keep us here is this school. It's small, the principal knows everyone, the parents walk their kids to school every morning. At schools where wealthier kids go which are usually called 'the best', there is so much competition and cliquish behavior even in very young grades. This school has the excellent education without that. I have a handicapped child with a facial deformity and was concerned about her well being at a public school. I was sold after one teacher told me of another child with medical problems who was being made fun of on the playground by a new student. The other kids stepped in & said 'we dont do that here.' Diverse, tolerant, small. I highly recommend Caraway.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Kathy Caraway Elementary! Why? Because it's obvious that this is a place where the children are the top priority...it's not just about testing, although, of course, that has to be addressed. Also, it's obvious that parents, grandparents, and interested others are welcome. I greatly appreciate the enthusiasm exhibited by the administration and staff. Thank you, Kathy Caraway Elementary, for taking such good care of our children and for being so welcoming to us all! Stanna Welch Nana of a recent KC graduate and a future 3rd grader

My two children attended this school from kinder through 5th and I could not have been more pleased. Everyone, from the Principal to the teachers to all the staff [including custodians, cafeteria workers, etc] -- all are fabulous and very committed to the kids. Academically, it is challenging but the thing that strikes everyone about Caraway is the warm, family-like atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children currently attending the school. We have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of the education. I think it all filters down from the principal who has impressed us tremendously. She seemingly knows all the names of the children, their parents and all the siblings of students not in the school. I cannot tell you how impressive that is for us. The parents are very active. Our kids LOVE going to school more than any other time in their lives. It is a wonderful place to have your kids go to school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school creates a feeling of family. The children are encouraged to be kind and accepting to each other, lessons that stay with them thru High School. The counselor is actively involved with all the children and it's the type of school where the principal knows each child by name. I cried when my last child was done with elementary school because I knew this school was a magical place.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter loves this school and so do we as her parents. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great school for their children. The teachers are enthusiastic and creative and the principal is fabulous. The parents are highly involved with the school. Overall Caraway is a great place to learn!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a throwback to what I remember in the early 60's, a smaller school with a caring staff, and lots of parental involvement. the Round Rock School district is a good one, and students from adjoining schools transer into Kathy Caraway (formerly North Oaks). The school has only had two principals since it's opening in the 1970's to give you an idea of the continuity. Perhaps of equal importance is the middle school, high school path for attendees of Caraway elementary is exceptional. So if you are reading this prior to a home purchase it's something to keep in mind.
—Submitted by Steve Enyeart, a parent

North Oaks (now Caraway Elementary) is a very good school. Parents are very involved, and the teachers are excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

We have found North Oaks (recently renamed Kathy Caraway) to be responsive and professional in every respect. The principal and AP are friendly and helpful, our daughter's 'specials' teachers make her day fun - and educational - and her teacher is incredible: boundless energy, devotion to the field of education and the ability to identify what each child in her classroom needs. The library is beautiful and the librarian and library assistant are very helpful and extremely friendly to the children. Parental involvement is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. Children really enjoy learning and teachers really do care about their job. Teachers are very experienced as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Level of parent involvement is high and the school encourages this.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. The teachers are very talented and really care about the children. The children's work is displayed everywhere throughout the building which makes it a very warm and enviting place to visit and volunteer. There are plenty of field trips away from the school as well as hands-on learning experience that are brought to the school.
—Submitted by a parent