Pond Springs Elementary School

We relocated from out of state to this neighborhood and this school and it has been wonderful. Both of my children have special needs and other than giving me a hard time and not fully believing me when we first transferred in (i.e. not taking the old schools word for it and having to wait a semester to prove to them he needed services), our experience here has been fabulous. The teachers they've had have been very encouraging and patient and the resource teachers truly want your child to succeed and will try many strategies to help get them there. I feel like they are also very academically challenged and the Friday enrichment program has been a great addition. We may have to move again and this is the biggest thing I will miss from our area. Helpful, caring, accommodating and academically strong.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the school, but I agree that assistant principal Shannon has rude manner! The way she talk, embarrass parents in front of other people! She needs a lesson for her attitude! Please show some respect to the parents!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school! One of the few schools in the district that offer an Enrichment Friday. Each Friday students get an opportunity to explore their interests such as cooking, photography, art...etc.
—Submitted by a parent

There are cultural diversity and discrimination issues. How come staffs who are working for children keep that kinds of attitudes!!
—Submitted by a parent

The academics here are good. Some of the teachers go through great measures to in sure that your child is progressing. On the other hand the teachers that are less sufficient have very bad attitudes. The assistant principal is very ill mannered and talks down to parents. The principal does nothing to correct the bad attitudes of the staff and is not concerned with students on a one to one basis. Her only concern is how the school looks as a whole. The school does not offer much in the realm of cultural diversity and discrimination intolerance. The principal has told me that she herself is uncomfortable dealing with those issues. Its a nice school but stuck in a 1950's mindset and needs to catch up to the 21st century. Oh and it wouldn't hurt if some of the staff stopped frowning and smiled from time to time.
—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

Great school! The staff is very professional. The school has been considered exemplary according to the state of Texas. Children who go here achieve well in many ways.
—Submitted by a parent

my son goes to pre-k class at this school and he has a good teacher. He has learnt all his alphabets and numbers. He loves going to school and enjoys playing with other kids there. I found the staff to be very helpful. Overall very happy with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school with commited teachers and as good PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

Pond Springs is a great school. Teachers work very well together with the students, parents and other staff to create a warm, encouraging but motivating environment to learn. The level of parent involvement is very high and the school is always 'buzzing' with parents coming in and out. The only downside of Pond Springs in my opinion is its size. With over 850 students I think it's too large for an ideal elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Superb principal, although your child's achivement will greatly depend on his assigned teacher
—Submitted by a parent

I can not express in words how good this school is and how dedicated the teachers are. We have 2 children attending and one is a special needs child. Both get exceptional help from the teachers and principal and the one 1st grade teacher, Ms. Flemming, is a absolute standout.
—Submitted by James Barnes, a parent