Pond Springs Elementary School

This is a fantastic school! It has so much to offer such as: Enrichment Fridays, strong PTA, Field Trips, Author Visits, a PTA person in charge of Cultural Arts Experiences for the kids, Fall Festival, Talent Show, and so much more! I am so sadden by the previous email of the parent who claims kids are all "dopped up". Really? That statement sounds really strange. Every boy is medicated? Taken your anger out on the school is sad. This is a school where my children go and our entire neighborhood supports. Your negativity is shameful!
--Submitted by a parent

Disappointed. This is a very challenging school where calm and complacent children can learn very well. They are doing very well with Texas standardized testing, which is what the exemplary rating is based upon. However, nurturing it is not. If you have a young child who is more expressive and creative, it's been our experience that these children are considered disruptive. Even in Kindergarten, these children's parents are pressured to medicate their "hyper" child. It took me a few months of birthday parties to learn that almost every boy in our Kinder class was medicated already. In addition, I've felt that because I haven't allowed them to pressure me into doping my 5 yr old, they want to basically get rid of us. I've formally requested counseling, since if in fact my child is having issues, that would seem logical first step. But my request was ignored. I can also back up what the 6/30/11 reviewer says about the rude way the staff treats those parents that aren't their buddies. So, just average.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is above average in this region primarily because the parents in this area are often scientists in this area who work for nearby IBM, Apple or Technology boulevard. The teachers are good but not necessarily better than other schools - teachers often leave and new ones arrive no better or worse than the ones who left. School has gone downhill since Principal Snow left. Principal Bins showed up with her Assistant Principal (and old time friend) Shannon Owens. That year a TON of instructors left and were replaced. School has been going slowly downhil. Watch out for that assistant principal Shannon Owns. She is condescending and sometimes deliberately unhelpful. if you complain to the Principal she will defend her (former sorority sister) friend and spin it to how it's YOUR fault. Best strategy is to call the school district and complain. This school is 3.5 stars - started at 4 stars, headed to 3. Laurel Mountain is 5.
--Submitted by a parent

My son went to pre-k at this school. Both of the pre-K teachers are amazing- the best teachers I've ever dealt with, and I have a 10 year old also. Most of the other teachers are very friendly as well. My only issues with this school are the parking/dropping of system (horrible) and the assistant principal. She is the rudest person I have ever dealt with at a school. When she called me on the phone for issues with my 4 year old, she talked down to me and I have witnessed her yelling at other pre-k children. If your child attends this school, watch out for her. She should not be dealing with children that's for sure.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is about to finish Kindergarden and I have nothing but great things to say abou this school. At the parent orientation my daughter's teacher said 'By the end of the year she will be reading.' I was truly skeptical, but here it is May and she is reading full books. This is a wonderful, loving school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Pond Springs his entire elementary school career. He has been well taught and taken care of. He has been pushed and nurtured when necessary. I am very pleased with the new principal and the high level of professionalism of the teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

Both my children have been very successful at Pond Springs. My daughter has gone on to excel at her High school and I credit the TAG program here for her confidence and love of learning. My son shows the same curiosity and level of achievement. I credit the TAG teachers and the class teachers for nurturing my children in every way. Also, the principal for creating an atmosphere where individuality and talent are encouraged.
--Submitted by a parent

My two children have been very successful at Pond Springs. The quality of the teachers and academic expectations are very high.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter in is kinder there and she loves it. It has been a wonderful environment and great faculty.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Pondsprings for a year. I was very happy with the overall school atmosphere and the willingness of the teacher to work with the parents. One of the things I disliked was the number of half days the kids had, they had slightly longer schhol days to compensate for that. I liked the flexibility the teacher was able to add when assigning work/homework to challenge the child at the individual level.
--Submitted by a parent