Polk Elementary School

This school has become such a disappointment, I'm at my wits end waiting for the school year to end. This school really ruined not only my faith in the public school system, but my son s as well. My child went from being excited to go to school and graduating with his childhood friends being discouraged by the entire school system and not caring even to finish off the year. I DO NOT recommend this school. For those of us who like to be involved in our children's education it and get regular feedback on their progress, and expect their children to be treated with respect and fairness this is not a desirable school for you. Not only that but their curriculum is backwards they are tested on material before it is ever sent home for review and teachers freely mis-grade students with no penalties.
--Submitted by a parent

Moving from out-of-state, all research stated that Polk Elementary is the best. Unfortunately all research is based solely on test scores, not an all-around education. I find Polk to be very unfriendly and unknowing in the entire administrative department. Although very stand-offish and cold, the principal addressed our concerns and our child was moved from the initial assigned class to another more appropriate classroom. 95 percent of the teachers are warm and caring - what is wrong with the administartion?
--Submitted by a parent

The Principal is more concerned in maintaining her school's good standing with test scores than addressing complaints from parents regarding the Teacher. The Teacher we have is very disorganized and is not teaching my kid to the best of her abilities. I am very disappointed in this school and feels she is not getting as good of an education as the other schools we've attended.
--Submitted by a parent

The schools in El Paso are not the best in our country. They are under funded, under staffed and not supplied with everything they need to help every child overcome learning issues. This school is the only exemplary elementary school in town. Does that make them perfect? - NO. Every school has issues that are not resolved to the parents liking, mine included. This school, however, has been consistently excellent for years and years. Budget or no budget. But remember.. Parents are always the key to a child success. It is not just the school. (See May 16, 2007 comment)
--Submitted by a parent

'I am disappointed in the school's administrators, and their so called 'importance.' The teachers along with the Principal and Vice-principal. I can't wait till my child goes to Tippin.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our first year as a Polk Panther family. Some things are good with this school, others are not so great. The staff is excellent, and very caring. My daughter is learning a great deal. There is no longer a music or art program officially in the curriculum, though once a month parents can volunteer to bring art and music to the classroom. The students are pushed to excel, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The PTA here is above and beyond good, and they are responsible for alot of projects and fun things for the kids that go on throughout the year. But, at times, I feel like I am in a constant fundraiser at functions. I wonder where all our excessive property taxes go? School lunches are somewhat disgusting, so I would brown bag it if you like your kids healthy. Cheeseburgers are a frequent guest on the menu.
--Submitted by a parent

We were at Polk the last two years and It has been the worst school any of my kids have ever attended. There is no communication sent home from the teachers about what is going on in the classroom with different subjects during the week. We were very disappointed that our kids are not getting as good of an education here that they have gotten in other parts of the country.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Polk for 3 years and I have to say that it is one of best schools in El Paso. Classes are challenging and teachers are dedicated and really care. The only down side is the lack of structured/dedicated art, music, and science curriculum. Also I was shocked when I found out that they didn t teach Spanish, a critical knowledge in such a multicultural city. I believe that Spanish instruction is currently being taught for children now entering kindergarten.
--Submitted by a parent

Super school. Our daughter just finished 2nd-5th grades and we could not have been happier. Small school enviroment with a super music program. Overall curriculum good - G/T program not as strong as in other schools but they have instituted program changes to bring it more current. Parental involvement very high with the PTA providing great monetary returns to the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Polk Elementary is an exceptional school. From the teachers to the staff, everyone is dedicated to the students that attend this special little school. Parents are welcomed and abundant. The teachers are caring and cooperative. My son attended this school for almost two years and he misses it very much.
--Submitted by a parent