Sampson Elementary School

We feel very blessed to be a part of a wonderful school that cares for all of it's children. Our son has blossomed in the Sampson environment.
—Submitted by a parent

We have now been at this school for several grades and have only great things to say about not only the school, but the community. The community centers around the school and parent involvement is very high. Parents expect much from Sampson as far as academics/enrichment. The school also expects parent participation to fully "round out" and complete the circle that forms the child. ALL issues with academic "speedbumps" to child interaction concerns have ALWAYS been addressed promptly and appropriately with my child. The communication channels have always been open so that one does not feel in the dark about weekly actions and parental concerns. A parent would have to choose not to communicate to have a problem at this school. The dedication of the staff really shines when it comes to nonacademic issues such as relations with your child and other students. They know how to solve problems or at least create the best environment in which any inter-child issues are minimal. I have yet to meet the apathetic teacher at this school. It takes a community to raise a child along with work. This school recognizes that and I am only more satisfied each year! I'd never consider moving!!
—Submitted by a parent

Where do I start?... The problem that I have with this school is the : Open concept classrooms ( very distracting ). Also the fact that if you're child doesn't fit into the " Sampson box" they are totally ignored. It has been a very lonely experience for my childern at this school and in this neighborhood. The staff at this school is not as dedicated as they should be ( to ALL of the students attending this school) they like to pick and choose. I'm currently removing my children from this school and would not recommend Sampson.
—Submitted by a parent

All I ever heard was how great Sampson was, and when we returned to Houston after a move to another country, I chose Cole's Crossing specifically for Sampson. I'm sure Sampson is a great school...if you have a child that fits in their box. If your child has any special needs, this is NOT the school for them. They refuse to acknowledge any other testing other than their own, which is done, in my opinion, by a burned out, bitter diagnostician. The only words I have for how I feel about Sampson is disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

An absolutely excellent school and a primary reason for moving to Coles Crossing. The teachers expect much from their students AND from the parents. A combination is the only way to succeed. The open concept is excellent as it prepares kids for performance in "open office" environments. More is expected of the children but the children seem to rise to the challenge. I was introduced to the concept as a student many years ago in HISD's earler gifted programs, then later in private schools with a "college-ready" format. This is similar. The transition/graduation into environments that were more challenging was a cinch. This school provides the closest experience to that. Parent involvement is heavy in this school and the children respond greatly. The community seems to reolve around the school and the sense of pride is palpable. In short, an excellent elementary school!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a college student who volunteers at Sampson and if I had children i would definitely send them here. Such a great school with great staff! I also love how they take the visitor passes so seriously. As I am walking around the school (with my appointed teacher) everyone is constantly checking to see if i have my name sticker ( meaning i checked in at the front office with my liscense and i had permission to be there).

From the onset of coming to the school, I have had problems. 1) Open concept classrooms - too much noise, 2) lack of communication with teachers and administration, 3) the staff is not willing to work with children that are in between highly intelligent and gifted. On a district level, the curriculum for elementary is convoluted and confusing at best. I have to homeschool in the evenings and summer to ensure my children get an education. I feel parents are up there too much.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel tuly blessed that my child goes to Sampson Elementary! The teachers and students are fantastic! The school is located in the neighborhood for easy access by walking, bike or bus.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. Challenging academic programs with high standards are met because of the high level of parent involvement and excellent teaching skills of the staff. Music, art and sports as well as other extracurricular activities are fun for the kids and well publicized for the parents to be not only informed but also involved. tutoring programs are easisly accesble if required and encouraging to the children who may need them. this is a great choice for your child!
—Submitted by a parent

This is s great school located in Coles Crossing
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent School. New facilities. Caring teachers. My son has attended for 3 years and he has no complaints.
—Submitted by Kristen Botello, a parent

Sampson is a great school. Teacher expectations are high for academics and behavior. Students receive lots of positive reinforcement. However, I have one complaint. The district continues to rely on the open concept. I have been in the classrooms and it is distracting. Keeping the students quiet is necessary. The students never clap for each other. 'Quiet alternatives' are used instead. We are talking about young children. I have heard the arguement that the students get used to open format. My concern is why make the students get used to the open concept when the open concept was an idea that failed!!
—Submitted by a parent