Newton Rayzor Elementary School

Very passionate and committed teachers. Keep up the good work teachers! The children are very blessed to have you. I've not seen so many hard working teachers at a school. The school is improving every year.
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred here from another Denton school and are very happy we did! We love the school. The teachers are very hard working and the principal is wonderful! The IB style of teaching has been very well received by our children. The Spanish teacher is wonderful and we are so happy that our children are learning Spanish! The Art, P.E. and Music teachers are also very respected and liked by our children!
—Submitted by a parent

This School is wonderful!!! The last two Head of School (Principle)assignments have been the best thing for this school. From research I completed and friends that had kids in that school years ago, the school has completely transformed itself from being somewhere where you would not want your kids to go to being one of the most desired schools in Denton. The school has a waiting list that they can never clear due to the high demand and request for transfers to it. The IB program is excellent and teaches the kids how to learn, nopt how to memorize facts. Concepts are discussed and growth is encoraged. I have challenging intelligent kids that push teachers and limits and the school has done a wonderful job teaching and guiding them. Highly recommend. As to bullying, I believe it is taken seriously at the school. Two years ago my daughter received a bullying report for stepping on someones fingers accidently when the student said my daughter had done it on purpose. The counselors spoke with both children and resolved the issue to everyones satisfaction.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended N. Rayzor for Kindergarden & 1st grade, and part of 2nd grade before we moved. It's a fabulous school. The IB program had my daughter thinking not just about learning but self-improvement as well, and her reading skills developed very quickly. The school doesn't give easy A's, but they do make getting A's easier through involvement with the kids. My daughter also participated in Groove Squad, a cute little dance troupe, and she loved getting active and dancing to music in front of an audience with more kids in her grade. Parents were also encouraged to get involved, and Newton Rayzor made it wasy to keep up with events for parents to attend and help with. Overall, I have to say I'd recommend the school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Very progressive school with a strong leader! Very peaceful learning environment. My husband and I are professors at UNT and were not pleased with our neighborhood school. We transfered our child who is gifted into Newton Raysor. What difference? He is so happy and challenged! Thank you Denton ISD for bringing IB Program at Elementary Level. Agree with previous reviewer---best kept secret in Denton ISD.
—Submitted by a parent

I absoultely ADORE the school! We moved to Denton in the beggining of the year from NW Louisiana. My son was in 1st grade. We left a horrible school, where the teacher wouldn't even take the time to teach him to read because he has ADHD and dyslexia. In the matter of 3 months at Newton Rayzor he went from not being able to read, failing everything and severe conduct problems to reading at 2nd grade level, and A in conduct and loving school!! He even told me that he has never had so many friends as he does at Newton Rayzor. Now he loves school and can't wait to start 2nd grade in a few weeks. Any school that can do such an amazing transformation in a 6 year old in less than 3 months is worth 5 stars in my book :)
—Submitted by a parent

I like this school because there are challenging projects, but the teachers help us. The extracurriculer activities are very good. The principal pays attention to every one and gives a warm greeting to everyone. This school has taken a big leap from where it used to be. The teachers are good and teach in fun ways. Parents are very involved in their childrens classes. Newton Rayzor is a excellent school. It has a strong principal and the teachers are deeply involved with every one of the students.

Newton Rayzor has some strong points: 1) it's an IB school and the IB program is excellent, 2) the extra curricular activities are excellent and the teachers involved in those activities are devoted to the students, and 3) there is an excellent GT program, 4) the teachers in the lower grades (k-3) are exceptional, 5) parents are very involved, and the school is safe. It also has some weaknesses, though: 1) the administration does not stick by the anti-bullying policy - if your child is bullied, they'll stick it on him and say it's his fault, 2) the upper level teachers (grade 4, 5) are poor communicators (students don't understand assignment, miss parts of it, parents don't get information in a timely manner), poor at classroom management, and do not involve parents in the classroom, 3) the school teaches to the TAKS test. My son's teacher teaches "tricks" to ace the TAKS rather than give a solid grounding in the subjects.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school along with my sister about four years ago. We hated it. I once had a project to do but the teacher barely explained anything and kept nearly everyone in at recess because we couldn't understand it; only one of the students actually got it done. She criticized me twice, once because she claimed I 'plagiarized' and the other because I cut something the wrong way. Meanwhile my sister was always in trouble simply because her classmates didn't like her. She was framed and the teacher didn't to anything to help. One time when she was just working she went '___, help ___ put her desk in the corner'. The student she asked was one of the ones who was bullying her. I can safely say we had a grand total of four friends at that school, and if it's anything like it was then, do NOT send your children to it.

This is my daughter's second year at Newton Rayzor. She has really grown all-round. The IB program encourages creativity and critical thinking. I would like to see a bit more emphasis on reading and writing in second and third, but her teachers could not be more caring. My son is in Kindergarten and loves his teacher. It's October and I can already see his growth in reading and writing.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the attitude of the teachers and principal at this school is great. They aren't just teaching to the test, and I think that takes courage. The love of learning is so much more important. I've seen that my child did better at this school (and did well on the tests) without all the unnecessary stress.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has undergone a huge transformation in the last few years. New leadership, new teaching philosophy, recently authorized as International Baccalaureate (one of the few public schools to have this distinction), and a vibrant learning community. The entire school atmosphere and philosophy is about kids and learning. Character education is embedded through the IB attitudes and profiles. Higher level thinking is the focus. Teaching to the test is a thing of the past, yet test scores are good and all standards are taught. This school goes above and beyond. Just walk down the halls and you'll feel the learning and excitement. We're thrilled to be part of it.
—Submitted by a parent

I am glad my children are attending this school. The staff is very helpful and the teachers are attentive, I know my children are getting an above average education.
—Submitted by a parent

My granddaughter attended Kindergarten and was in Ms. Ganns class. She loved the class and especially Ms. Gann. She learned so much and excelled in reading this year. I am not aware of what is going on in the other classes, but Kindergarten turned out to be so rewarding for my granddaughter this year. Kathy Poulson Grandmother
—Submitted by a parent

my daughter loves going to Newton Rayzor elementary. The classes are small and she is learning a lot.
—Submitted by a parent

This was a great school until the new principal took over a so-called 'Leadership' position. She is definitely not warm or caring and should not be entrusted with leading anyone; especially the leaders of tomorrow.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the worst schools I have ever had the displeasure of coming into contact with. Lousy communication on all accounts, high turnover, a noticeable bias, principle lacks leadership and concern for ALL students education. I'm sending my kids to a different school in the district next year...Do not send your kids to this one.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended for two years and my son for kindergarten. I could not have asked for a better Kindergarten teacher than Mrs. Smith. She was attentive, patient, and taught very well. My daughter's teacher experimented a little with different teaching methods, such as having organized seating, having
—Submitted by a parent

Great quality, and attentive teachers
—Submitted by a parent

I have three kids attending this school and overall I think that it is a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent