Walnut Hill Elementary School

I moved my kids from Tom Field Elementary to this school. Bad move. Within a year they were there, they retrogressed academically. We have to move them back to Tom Field next academic year.
--Submitted by a parent

The school has really turned around in the last 3.5 years. The principal, teachers and staff have all come together and are working for the best interest of the children. The school not only focuses on the state assessment but is really promoting good solid teaching. The principal has worked on establishing strong parent-teacher relationships. Every month she hosts a breakfast and answers parents questions. I encourage everyone to go tour the school and meet the principal and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers are great with only a few exceptions. The principal is in way over her head. I agree that KidzZone is the bright spot at the school.
--Submitted by a parent

The leadership at the school is non-existent and disorganized. The school meetings usually start at least 15 minutes late and no one seems to know what is going on. The best thing about this school is the after school program with Mwana Williams (KidzZone).
--Submitted by a parent

All schools face challenges. Walnut Hill Elementary (WHE) is a good, solid school with a rich history and a promising future. Our teachers are fantastic. Any school's leadership has its challenges change is difficult and WHE has had its share in the past couple years. School leaders also needs strong parents. Walnut Hill has a great parent group. It needs to continue to grow and develop the parent and family involvement on our campus. I'd encourage any parent interested in Walnut Hill to visit, meet the principal, teachers and definitely get in touch with the PTA president, other officer, or any parent to get the parents perspective. We are proud of our school. Our neighborhood and community need to embrace WHE and help its leaders build on a very strong foundation. For me and my children, we will see that WHE is successful come join
--Submitted by a parent

Used to be a great school. Five principals and two years later, it has turned into a parent-UNfriendly campus. The current principal is unwelcoming, and does not know her school. How could she? She leaves at three and has her assistant do most of her public interface for her. She also had her husband--an intimidating police officer--speak for her at the few parent meetings she begrudgingly held after parents went above her head to complain. However, she is entrenched, since in the words of Ivonne Durant, the DISD talking head that represents that area of the district: 'We don't want to go through ANOTHER Principal search, do we???' (In the search to hire the current principal, the parent teacher committee that picked her asked to have more candidates to pick from, and were refused by DISD)The historically pro-family school atmosphere has been systematically destroyed. Many families have left.
--Submitted by a parent

The new principal this year is not very good. She will not communicate with anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attends Walnut Hill and I was so excited when the school was rated exemplary last Spring. The parent involvment is high and we have met many new friends. The PTA has sponsored many fun events for the children and the hallways are bright and cheerful. Thanks to all the teachers, Brian Lusk (the old principal who set great goals), and the new principal. I'm a Walnut Hill fan!
--Submitted by a parent

With all of the budget issues that DISD is having I feel lucky to have my son at Walnut Hill. I wish there was more communication, but I take responsibility for a portion of that issue. I also wish that there was more community involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

great staff,very friendly,excellent principal
--Submitted by a parent