Ruben Chavira Elementary School

my name is matthew parra i went here from 2nd grade all the way threw 3rd grade my mom was the 5th grade science teacher mrs.maldonado

This is a very good school, but I disagree with some of the testing tactics used by its administrators. Too much emphasis is placed on keeping their exemplary status. On testing days, the entire school shuts down and normal routines are not followed. One of my children is in a lower non-testing grade and his teacher is always being pulled out of class in order to help out with the upper grades. This does not benefit my child's instruction. My older child should learn how to take a test under the usual daily routine circumstances. When entering the middle school grades, life is not going to stand still for him when he is required to take a test. I think these tactics are hindering both my children and sending the younger students a negative message that they are not as important as the upper grade students.
--Submitted by a parent

I think that Ruben Chavira is awesome! I have two children that attend and we have never had any problems with the teachers or staff. Communication is the key to a successful year.
--Submitted by a parent

Ruben Chavira is the best school I have ever been a part of. The administration is directly involved with the students, which is not all that common. Teachers dedicate much of their 'free time' to the students, school activities, and each other. The environment at the school is positive and up-beat.
--Submitted by a teacher

The teachers should be rated higher. Those teachers meet and plan together. They work with the students that need help. Many of the teachers tutor without pay. Many of the teachers tutor other grade levels to help the students reach their potential. Many teachers go on week-ends at no pay to get their lessons ready for the week. Many teachers go beyond the curriculum to gain the interest of the child's learnings.
--Submitted by a teacher

We just moved from Del Rio to Houston and Ruben Chavira was by far the better school for my Kindergarten son. It helps that every Kindergarten teacher has an aide. Try your hardest to get Mrs. Zaragoza. She is a natural and is so loving. On another note, we had no problem dis-enrolling our son.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is the better one in the district. The leadership makes a great effort to involve parents. Not as many exracurricular activities as Buena Vista, but school is by far better. Discipline is an issue, but is adistrict wide problem. Leadership works well with teachers and PTO.
--Submitted by a parent

My children attended school there last school year and for the most part we loved this school. However, upon dis-enrolling my children from this school because we were moving I was treated rather rudely from the office staff.It was a bad way to end what I thought had been a great experience over all for my children. I can now see that my children are better off for our move as they have excelled quite a bit since the move to another school in a whole other school district. I do want to say that for the most part and there were a few teachers in particular who were outstanding and for that I am truly thankful! Mrs. Zaragosa is one of the best teachers my youngest child had while there!
--Submitted by Shelia H., a parent

I have been so impressed by this school. The professional yet fun loving attitude of the staff is awesome. My son attended Kinder here and while working hard loves school. The teachers push all the children to be their best at all times. They have a gifted program starting in first grade. Being a small town we were conerned about public schools , I feel sorry for all the parents who choose private over this school. Wish we weren't moving!! They stress that everything is a choice. 'Make it a great day or not the choice is up to me' how great to learn this at such a young age. My only concern was the stressing of attendence. Yes it is important, but it is hard to explain to a 5 year old that he needs to stay home if sick when he knows he's not going to get a prize.
--Submitted by Patrice J, a parent