Alkek Elementary School

The administration has a 'better than you' attitude. The staff leave no doubt that THEY are the experts, you are the mere parent, drop your child off at the door if you must (riding the bus is preferred)and leave the rest to them; after all they know best how to educate your child. Dare to disagree with them on any matter, be it an academic subject, school bullying, or disipline issue, and you will instantly find yourself belittled, your concerns minimized, and even rejected as unfounded. The only reason I don't give Alkek 1 star, is because as far as I know there have been no reports of drugs, alcohol, or serious threats at this school. So, there are worse schools in America, I'm just not sure there are worse schools in RURAL America.
--Submitted by a parent

I have three children at Alkek. I am very pleased with the rigor of their education as well as the exceptional job that is being done to also enrich their character, respectfulness, and responsibility as a future functioning member of society. All of my children are challenged daily and are able to perform at their own level. I do not feel that they are being stifled because of the lower levels of other children in their classes as a parent of a kindergartener commented. Their PTO is doing a great job of supporting their teachers and filling in the gaps where the current budget crisis is falling short. My children are getting a great education, and I have no doubt they will be prepared for middle school, high school and beyond.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest just finished the first year of school here (Kindergarten),and though we loved her teacher and felt that she was very attentive and caring, we were overall quite disappointed with her education throughout the entire school year. At only 5 years old, she was bored because she knew the entire curriculum already. The only time she came home having learned something "new to her", it was the last week of school and it was ONE lesson. I understand that they have to cater to the "lowest common denominator", but are 21 other children really that far below average that they have to teach "the A says AH" and "1+1=2" literally ALL year?? The school is not bad, as far as facilities go. The playground is a bit primitive but serves the purpose well enough. The cafeteria serves "mostly" wholesome foods. Staff is nice. Curriculum is severely lacking though.
--Submitted by a parent

My son just started at this Elm. New teachers, New principal, New PTO members... I think he is really enjoying school and i am very pleased with everything. Looking forward to a few great years more in Bandera.
--Submitted by a parent

love it! i might have only gone there for 2 years but they were very fun!
--Submitted by a student

Alkek is a rural school with a lot of advantages. The staff is mature and experienced. The student to teacher ratio runs about 20-1 in grades K-4. The administration has a lot of enthusiasm and parents are welcomed. Great PTO. They are a Title I campus with about 55% of their students on Free and Reduced Lunch. While they are rated Academically Acceptable, you will see that they are more than that. Each classroom has mutliple computers for student use. The campus has two playgrounds and a 1/8 mile walking track. There are two hands on science labs. Many extracurricular activities are provided to the students - like UIL, contests, oratory, Science Fair and honor roll. If you are looking for a traditional, and conservative campus this is it.
--Submitted by Tracy Thayer, a administrator

This is my childs first year at Alkek. So far I would judge the academic program as consistant and fast paced. As I learned in the open house, meet the teacher night, Kindergarten is First grade. They are emphasising on around 200 sight words I believe before Christmas. My child is loving it though, she doesn't seem stressed or over worked. She is excited to be learning to read. In just 6 short weeks, she has gone from a picture book kid to a basic reader. Age appropriate of course, but that is in my opinion, fast and accurate teaching. As far as extracurricular activities, she attends music, art,P.E. at different times and days of the week. The level of parent involvement is high. The number of parents might not be consistant with how many children, but the parents that are involved are not their just for their child,but everyones.
--Submitted by a parent

To much concentration on the TAKS requirements and not enough on true teaching. My children were rated as A-B Honor role in this system yet when we transfered to Kerrville ISD they were far behind their peers. This district and School need to concentrate on Teaching and not their ratings.
--Submitted by a parent