J A Hargrave Elementary School

I love Hargrave! My daughter has been there for 4 years. The staff is wonderful. I have always felt like I can approach any staff member and ask questions. Yes the classrooms are over crowded and there are kids with issues in each of them. I wish the teachers had more help in dealing with the childrens bad behavior as it does take away from teaching time. I do not blame the school I blame CISD for the cuts they continue to make. The children are the future and I feel some of the parents need to be more involved. The more you invest in the school the better your children will do. It is your your to raise your child it is the teachers job to teach not babysit.
—Submitted by a parent

I moved to the area about 3 years ago because Hargrave was a Recognized school for several years in a row. Since I could not afford private school I wanted to ensure my child would get the best education possible. Hargrave has loving and professional teachers who enjoy teaching and provide an environment conducive to learning. This environment would not be possible without the guidance and direction from the Principal. Ms. Traylor loves her students and staffs and affords teachers and staff members the opportunity to be creative, and integrate innovative and fun techniques. The school feels like a second home to my daughter. She and her classmates know the custodians and cafeteria staff and address them by name. She loves her school and has been challenged as well as praised for her efforts. We recently had a talent show and the teachers, staff and PTA went above beyond to make the night memorable. I was really proud to be a part of the Hargrave family. Parent involvement could be better, but you can t make a parent be a part of their child s academic success. The teachers can only do so much, but it must be reinforced at home!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two sons who attend J. A. Hargrave. My oldest son started Kinder there and will be promoting tomorrow from the fourth grade. My younger son is in first grade. We have had some negative experiences at this school during our time here. However I have to say that for the most part we are truly pleased with the school and staff. Both of my boys are wonderful children who are in the GATE program and do well academically. The are encouraged to do well by their teachers, the staff members as well as here at home. Both of my boy's teachers are just amazing. The teacher parent communication is one of the things I love most about this school. I hear from the teachers on a regular basis. They keep me informed of all the great things my child does as well as if they misbehave. I love the way they invite you to be a part of your child's academic career. The one thing I find lacking at our school is parent involvement. It seems that we have the same 5 or 6 parents all the time. We need to see new faces and more parents get involved. I love volunteering at our school they are as inviting and helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has gone to this school for 2 years so I cannot comment on prior administration. I have never encountered a more caring a loving staff. They have gone above and beyond to ensure his success, including diagnosing his learning disability. I am proud to wear my Gator shirts and tell everyone about the wonderful experience we have had. Where this school is failing is PARENT INVOLVEMENT. A school cannot teach our children if the parents are unwilling to support them. They're is a very real support system that needs to be met for children to succeed, and it involves parents. Maybe if the PTA said they were having field day more than a handful if parents would have shown up. I challenge all parents to take a long hard look at what they did to help their child and their teacher succeed before posting a negative comment, you may see where the real problem lies.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children attended Hargrave and I must say it definitely felt like a home environment. I always felt my children were cared for and in a safe, loving environment. From the principal to the teachers and even cafeteria staff, they were nurtured there.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very disappointed in this school. My son's class was overcrowded and the teacher was overwhelmed. My son never brought home any project, worksheets, art, homework etc. When I asked him why, he said that all they do is play. I quickly learned that unless your child is a trouble maker, they will not get any attention. The teachers have to focus so much on the kids causing problems, that they don't pay attention to the children who are excelling. My son regressed socially, cried often, and never wanted to go to school during the time he was at Hargrave. I pulled my son out of this school and put him in private school. It has been a night and day difference. I would not recommend sending your child to Hargrave.
—Submitted by a parent

This campus has come a long way in the last couple of years. The staff and teachers are always willing to help students in any way. There is an afterschool tutoring program, many opportunities for involvement, family and community events, etc.
—Submitted by a teacher

Crowley ISD has gone waaaay downhill. JA Hargrave elementary has good teachers BUT, are overcrowded, overlook bullying and, and the administration has stopped caring. As far as I can tell...other than state test prep....there is not much to the curiculum(sp?) and constructive activities are non-existent. They are real good at asking for more money for..????? PARENTS, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THIS NEIGHBORHOOD AND THIS SCHOOL BEFORE ENROLLING YOUR CHILDREN.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful teachers and staff. Concerned for childrens education. Parent involvement and the PTA are a wonderful partner.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Hargrave last school year. She has learned a lot, but the I noticed the classrooms are full, the teachers seem overwhelmed and there was not alot of parent involvement among the Kindergarten classes and PTA. I was really disappointed in the lack of communication from the school regarding the standarized dress code Crowley is enforcing 2008-09. I found out about it from other parents at other Crowley schools. As a Crowley ISD Alum, Crowley is definitely not excelling as it had in previous years.
—Submitted by a parent

We are not thrilled with Hargrave. Our daughter does have a good teacher and is doing well. Parental involvement is fair and extracurricular activities are limited. They do have good after school care through the local YMCA.
—Submitted by a parent

Well...where should I start? One great thing this school had going for it was the awesome Principle that they no longer have. This school is not even 2 years old and is having a dramatic employee turnover rate. The Crowley school district performance in my opinion has dropped drastically! Crowley was once known for having the best schools around. Now it is starting to under perform . There is almost no parent involvement. Such a sad thing to see the school system fall apart along with the overall city. I wish great cities would not give in to the pressure to over build and over populate.
—Submitted by a parent