Cowan Elementary School

I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to Cowan Elementary and its staff. From the front office staff to the principal staff to the teachers. I transferred my daughter from Boone beginning in second grade. Her teacher, Tracy Graham, is undoubtedly one of the most talented women I have ever met. My daughter FLOURISHED in her class. Third grade was a bit more challenging as the teacher, while very nice, wasn't very organized. This had an impact but we managed through. Fourth grade, Annie Vasquez, another total WINNER. She and Ms. Graham are cut from the same cloth and have an amazingly positive impact on children. My daughter is currently in fifth grade, with Ms. Kling and Ms. Beams. She is extremely happy with both of her teachers and is exceeding all expectations. There was a recent change of the guard, so to speak. Ms. Glenn, the only principal Cowan has had, left to another school and Ms. Debbie Warnken (vice principal) was vetted by the school and the community and we are thrilled to now call her PRINCIPAL WARNKEN! I have met the new AP, Ms, Duffin, but have not had any interactions with her. She seemed pleasant enough. Bring your child to Cowan. You won't regret it.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter currently attends Cowan Elementary first grade. We love it here! The staff is the best, events are non comparable to other schools. The principal is always involved with the students, faculty and families. We always feel welcomed and valued when we attend meetings, events and functions. This past year I became a room mom for my daughters class. And I loved the experience. The head volunteer coordinator handed me a pre organized folder with the schools planned out events!!! They truly hold high expectations for us as parents and them as child educators. I would recommend this school 100%. Go Cowan!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Cowan from 1st grade through 4th grade and absolutely loved the school. We had the best teachers and the principal is great. The teacher communication is the best, all her teachers kept us very informed of what was happening in the classroom as well as at the school. Monthly newsletters went out to the parents as well to keep us informed. My daughter had been to Bee Caves an exemplary school and is now at Patton another exemplary school and we would go back to Cowan if it was possible.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a good reputation. I think it does well with what it has -- all of the schools are stressed with funding cuts. I do feel (and this is probably for all Texas schools), that learning ends about 3 weeks before summer break. My son's reading bag and weekend journal were discontinued after spring testing, because "school's almost out." I wish that we had year long school. The teachers tell us how students fall back to a lower reading level during the summer -- but they are already falling back because even the teachers have summeritis.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved my daughter to Cowan for first grade. This entire year has been great. The staff are very warm, wonderful and helpful. Her teacher went beyond my expectations to help all the children learn. She even spent her own time helping the kids read and become better readers. Overall this was by far a GREAT school.
—Submitted by a parent

Before moving to Austin last summer we did endless amounts of research about schools. We ended up at Cowan both because of the great test scores and parent reviews on sites like this -- and we're so happy we did. My daughter loves her third-grade teachers, who are creative and enthusiastic but firm in the classroom leaders. They do a great job of keeping in touch too. The office staff is friendly and helpful too. I'm downgrading one star because I'm annoyed she's stuck in a portable classroom, but I think you find that all over AISD.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this school if your child has undiagnosed developmental disorders - their method of handling is authoritarian and unless your child has a diagnosis of being on the autism spectrum they will be treated as a disciplinary case, sent repeatedly to the principals office and ultimately sent to off-campus ACES center for disciplinary issues even if your child's issues stem from a need for occupational therapy and social/behavioral training. There are additionally no SBS facilities at this campus.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Cowan, i had twins before attending different schools, Cowan is blessed by an outstanding principal who is hands on everyday early in the morning, the teachers we met impressed us at their love for the ir work and commitment to the children, i felt that my son had not only his mother to care for but 20 more mothers, all teachers and the principal at Cowan elementary, my son moved to a different school because we moved to another part of the city, but me and my wife keep remembering and relishing the excellent staff at Cowan, they are one family and made us feel we are part of their family
—Submitted by a parent

hi Mrs. Orta !!!! Oh this has to have at least 15 words, so I declare you are the greatest, My child adores you and looks forward to your classes with great enthusiasim...Awhoooo11
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is insensitive, unprofessional and not very nurturing, considering she works with small children.
—Submitted by a parent

The teaching staff recognized a problem with my granddaughter and worked with my son and daughter-in-law to get her tested for a diagnoses so that the problem could be worked with. The teachers have implemented a program to help her with her reading and writing and she caught up with her first grade class before was out last year and is exceling this year in the 2nd grade.

This is the best school ever, we have the best of the best teacher with an Awesome PTA and a wonderful staff!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Before we moved to Austin, we asked some educational staff for recommendations. Cowan was the only school mentioned repeatedly- so we moved nearby and have been pleased about the decision. The schools' namesake is an active sponsor and continues to attend functions. The prinicipal is passionate about maintaining a 'community' school and is very selective on the staff she hires. The teachers actually care about the children and put extra effort into planning the day. The custodians are the hardest workers and the building shines! The parents pull together and plan the biggest school carnival in the area, which benefits the school and local area. All elements that provide a wonderful learning environment for my children. It a whole-child approach :)
—Submitted by a parent

I've have two child in Cowen and find the school, clean, organized and an excellent learning environment for my children.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just started kindergarten and thinks it is the greatest place on earth!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with much to offer its students and community!
—Submitted by a teacher

Very dedicated school good teachers and students
—Submitted by a parent

Cowan Elementary is a really great school that has a lot of diversity in its student body. It has a really fun, welcoming environment, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence.
—Submitted by a parent

Cowan has the Best teachers and they really work hard to help our children succeed in all that they do.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school rocks. Great teachers, awesome parent involvement and a wonderful principal.
—Submitted by a parent