Zilker Elementary School

Could not be at a better school in Austin. Field trips galore, gardens in front of every classroom, involved parents, happy teachers who DO CARE! They strive to make learning fun at Zilker. Do go take a tour and visit.
—Submitted by a parent

Zilker as most public schools, is struggling to keep up with the problem kids and they want to box every kid into the same mold. My son has been bullied from day one and the teacher did not care at all. Another problem is at the cafeteria, where the "warden" starts yelling at the kids if the noise level rises a bit -c'mon, they are kust kids- and the scene reminded me of one of those prison movies, where everybody needs to shut up and listen or else... I saw it...if you don't believe it, go to lunch and you may be see it with your own eyes. The kids call her "the Ogre", she is really mean...and nobody does anything about it. Principal seems nice in paper, seems pleasant when talking to you, but no real action taken to correct any problem. If you are late - even one minute- is reported. But if you happen to be one of the moms that volunteer, you can show up with your kids at any time with no repercutions, even if your excuse was - "holiday outing at grandpa's ranch"- really? so if you want to avoid scrutinity or your kid being reported, you better volunteer to avoid any punishment. If you ask me, that's too lame and it's clear that they pick sides. Zilker is WAY overrated...
—Submitted by a parent

We chose to live in the Zilker neighborhood solely for the school. It is a spectacular environment. Most of the teachers go way beyond the call of duty, and are there out of a deep commitment to give kids a true learning experience. Most of the teahers could all be highly successful in any other field, but are choosing to give kids something powerful. The principal is superficial, and concerned with being on time, test scores, etc. But the faculty mitigates the rigidity imposed by the system.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been going to Zilker for the last two school years and loves it. I love Zilker as well. The people there go above and beyond to help. Very nice community. Excellent leadership, teachers, and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

If there were a zero, that would be my score. I am a room mom, and very involved. My son gets assaulted by another student on a daily basis. Our experience has been so terrible. I'm current looking for education alternatives. My dad was a school teacher, I have nothing against public schools. Seeing your son get hit, choked, kicked and punched is not fun. It has been made even worse by lack of concern from the principle.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow. This will start my daughter's 4th year here at Zilker. I think it's one of the best schools in the district and is made that way by the wonderful staff and teachers and the extremely involved parents. I can't imagine someone being so unhappy with the school as to give it one star and call so many names and labels as I just read in another review. We all are entitled to our opinions and anyone can have a bad situation, but I have experienced nothing but good things and concern for the children by all faculty and other parents. There was a lot of action last year when the school board considered closing Zilker along with 8 other successful exemplary inner-city schools. Luckily our parent population was extremely proactive in speaking out and the schools weren't closed. Also as a parent of a child with occasional special needs (we've had 2 surgeries during school years which caused my daughter to be out for a time and then to return to school in a wheelchair) everyone is eager to assist with anything we might need. I could go on and on about my love for this school. There are problems, as with any public school, but any problems we've had were addressed and resolved.
—Submitted by a parent

Totally a Stepford Wives mentality, kids and parents try so hard to be Hippy chic and earthy in what turns out to be very pretentious Heathers!! The 60's are gone folks...FYI its 2011!! Even the kids are pretentious supposing the apple doesnt fall far from the tree!! Some decent teachers!! Principal seems bothered by any concern that you may have especially if it goes against what he likes!! Parents constantly asking for handouts/money for something that the "chosen ones"/stepford wives/pretentious Heathers" have decided will take place regardless if you were a part of the decision or agreed with the decision or not!! Clerks in office are very helpful!! Really its just an overrated public school that happens to be in a very hot real estate area in Austin making it the overarated school that it is in my opinion!!
—Submitted by a parent

If you have a bright child that seems a bit advanced, which I do, my experience has been that the teachers are too overwhelmed with accomodating the trouble makers and children needing extra help to catch up, to give advanced children the work and attention to keep them excited about their work. It is a sweet school filled with wonderful families and well-intentioned teachers but it is not a place for high-achievers.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Zilker from Pre K thru 5th grade. Last year was our last. An education is only as good as the teacher and we had an above average one every year. Their were at least two very good ones in each grade we entered. The core of teachers is still in place, but the diversity sets it apart from other schools in the area. It is not all white, so my son was ethnically asscociated early on- an immeasurable quality not listed on Taks tests. 'Zilker is a great place for kids!' The school encourages creativity in kids as well as parents. go there.
—Submitted by a parent

We have lived in Georgia, South Carolina and been in many different schools. My youngest son is entering 2nd Grade and has Autism- he is fully included with an amazing support team. Our oldest is going into fifth grade- the fifth grade teachers are amazing and we are very excited about the school year. My niece is entering fourth- has always been at Zilker and has always had amazing teachers. My nephew is entering first grade and again has had great teachers. My other nephew is in the daycare at Zilker and it has not been the greatest experience- but atleast he is on campus and we can all swing in and give him a hug whenever we want! The community is amazing- very hippie- loving, supportive and accepting. The Teachers are the best we have ever encountered! Highly recommend
—Submitted by a parent

Despite the new principle, the school has retained many of the teaching staff that helped it attain its Blue Ribbon status. The teachers are fabulous, parent involvement is outstanding and the school as a whole is diverse and provides a quality education as well as unique socialization opportunities. I transferred my son in, and I couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

Zilker had a very strong Principal hired away after bring it to a Blue Ribbon and Exlemplary award. The following Principal was much less interested in the quality of educaion as for the needs of special needs student (may be a easier route). Any way the percent of special needs kids went to 25% and the GT program went out the door. I know we slipped downtwo slots from exeplary the new principals first year dont know what it is now. There are still many good teachers there but a large percentage have left.
—Submitted by Dad, a parent

This is the kids of school that could only exist in Austin. The parents (several musicians) are highly involved, the teachers are great, & I truly respect Bren, the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Zilker is a great school. My son was having problems with reading and Zilker provided him with free tutoring after school. His reading has improved a great deal.
—Submitted by a parent

Zilker is a great school. The teachers and staff are all very caring and really helped my son feel at home during his first year at school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has had a wonderful experience at Zilker Elementary. The teachers truly challenge him everyday in his coursework. The parents along with the PTA truly helps the school succeed in every aspect(providing extra art programs, parents volunteering with events and in the classroom, supporting the teachers when needed, provides extra tutoring programs). Zilker Elementary is a great starting place for your child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

I moved into this school's area with the hopes that Zilker would be a great learning experience for my son, but it was not. The teacher was terrible, the principal didn't take control of an out-of-control situation, and my son was not prepared for his next grade level. As a result, he had to learn 2nd and 3rd grade material at the same time. I hope they rectify this issue.
—Submitted by a parent

My little girl started kinder at Zilker and I have been so incredibly pleased with the results. She learned how to read, write, do math and more. This school has so exceeded my expectations and we are both very pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent level of parental involvement, extremely diverse ethnic population, high expectations academically.
—Submitted by a parent

Great bilingual program, a free ESL for parents program, after school classes, a committed PTA and good parent involvement. Diverse south Austin mix of recent Hispanic immigrants, down-to-earth liberals and musicians kids.
—Submitted by a parent