Garden Ridge Elementary School

This is more than a school. It is a community. My grand daughter has attended this school for 3 years. I know she is treated with respect as well as an individual. The teachers are first rate. Their commitment comes through in their warmth, their knowledge, their sense of not only teaching their students but all. I am grateful for this school that provides a broader sense of what our educational system provides and top educational standards.

I have one child in GRE. I have found the school and administration to be very good. The assistant principal Mr. Costas seems to be the face of the school as I have never had any dealings with Principal Van Horn (Maybe that is a good thing). Mr. Costas is very visible and is very pleasant to talk to. I have contacted by phone the PTA leaders on three occasions about fund raiser issues, once with no response and the two others a response a couple of weeks later. There seems to be a bit of a communication issue with the PTA, but nothing major. The teachers are very friendly and responsive to you and your childs needs. Overall, I think the school is very good, but does have some minor flaws as most schools do. The I believe I am very fortunate to have my child enrolled in this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. The staff and teachers are the best. They are open to parent involvment and communication is easy. Would love to see more clubs formed by parents thru PTA (chess, robotics, etc) Over all an excellent place to be.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is nice if you get a nice teacher. The kids get punished at recess for nothing and my child did learn bad words and behavior from his classmates. Kids stay under the hot sun more than necessary. The food at the cafeteria is not good. The office staff does not work at all. But the school offers a great parental interaction- is welcoming.You can walk your child to his classroom and you do know what is happening at school. I would keep monotoring what my child is taking from his classmates.
--Submitted by a parent

My two kids go to GRE. They were originally place in Bluebonnet ES, but after a month moved to GRE when they were in kindergarten. I also work in GRE as a sub teacher as well as other schools. Unlike the tense feeling I received from Bluebonnet, GRE has more welcoming atomosphere. Like Mr. Van Horn, every teacher smiles. (Some school do not...) Teachers are sensitive to different cultures and very understanding and supportive. Academically, GRE is rated exemplary. Teachers sometimes provide tutoring between 3pm-3:45pm; I think this depends on teachers. A new assistant principal, Mr. Acosta is always making rounds in the school, and cheerfully greets to students and parents in the morning and at 3pm. In the end of 2007, GRE installed security glass door at the entrance. Now, parents and visitors have to sign in at the front office. The administrative personnel are very very helpful.
--Submitted by a parent

its an amazing learning place
--Submitted by a parent

I think that this school has great academics. I think that the P.E. teacher is excellent and really gets the kids motivated and excited about participating in exercising and overall health. The dribbling team that she oversees is wonderful! I think that the teachers on campus are very caring and challenge the children! My son has been there for 4 years and he loves it. My concern with GRE is the administration. I think that the leadership is questionable and that the teachers are not very supported. The principal allows notes on the doors to the school that advertises when the doors will be locked and unlocked! The children's security does not seem to be much of a priority. I think that there is too much freedom for the parents in the school. I feel sorry for the teachers whose lounge is in an open area right beside the workroom./
--Submitted by a parent

My son will finish 5th grade this year, and my daughter is in 3rd grade. We waited to move this this year, because we wanted our son to finish at this school. The academic program is excellent and their teachers and principal are awesome. The after-school program is also very good. We will have to switch our daughter to her new school, but she will always have happy thoughts about this school.
--Submitted by a parent