J T Stevens Elementary School

This school has been going downhill the last few years; the best teachers have retired, ie. saw the future and RAN; what's left = lots of burned-out teachers with bad attitudes, a couple of barely literate teachers, & almost no parental participation.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a current student at JT Stevens. He has completed the second grade and we are looking forward for this new school year. Thank you to all the staff for your support and commitment.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended this school for many years. I have seen the change in demographics and the slow steady decline in the school over the years. There has been a major reduction in parent involvement. Teachers seems to do their best but don't have support from the administration. Discipline is definitely a problem at this school. Recent changes in teachers positions for next year are disturbing. I have to question what the administration is thinking. These changes will only hurt the teachers and student. The literacy coach has entirely too much input in the student body. She needs to do her job and not the job of the vice principle.
—Submitted by a parent

Things are not good right now at J T Stevens. The principal started doing fruit basket turnover with the teachers last year (the best upper grade teachers are being moved to lower grades and vice versa with the best lower grade teachers being moved to upper grades). He's repeating it again this next year. The teachers are very unhappy, and the students are all having to suffer while the teachers have to redevelop their classes. That means that the teachers don't have the emotional margin to do anything above and beyond the minimum standard requirements. The gifted / talented are pretty much ignored. The parents are pretty demoralized, too. It's getting harder and harder to get involvement with the PTA (was one of the best in the state). In the end, the principal is gutting what used to be an amazing school, and shooting himself in both feet.
—Submitted by a parent

I would say this is the best school in Fort Worth. My girls have been attending since 2005 and my oldest daughter is in the honors program at her middle school and i would contribute the excellent training and teaching she got from JT Stevens. Teachers and school staff genieuinly care for the kids always welcoming the children in the mornings with a polite welcome and with a 'great to see you attitude' . The principal is always in the middle of everything when it comes to the kids instead of hiding in an office like so many principas do.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School. My son just finished the 5th grade and loved the school.
—Submitted by a parent

J.T. Stevens is a wonderful school. Full of excellent teachers, administration and staff. They are very helpful and cooperative when needed. There is also a wonderful amount of parent involvment, which I believe only helps the students and staff. J.T. Stevens is the 'Best School in Texas'
—Submitted by a parent

JT Stevens has prepared my kids for all the advanced courses they are taking now. My son is a National Merit Scholar, I believe he achieved this by the wonderful education this school provided. Not only is the staff top notch but the parents that support this school make it one of the top schools in the state.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in this school. It's been three yrs and I'm loving it here! The staff and education my children receive has been excellent! I have had no problems. The parent involvement is amazing and so is the PTA. There are many different complaints about this school but keep in mind the way the economy is these days. Parents can't be involved if the times are rough and they need to make ends meet by having two jobs or doing whatever it is to live. Also, the PTA is not picky or rule the school. It's a group of parents who share the same views about helping the school and the children. Wherever you go, you will see the same things but it depends on how the school reacts to it and I say this school does everything to its fullest! J T Stevens is awesome!!
—Submitted by a parent

We were extremely disappointed with this school and pulled our child out due to many behavioral and discipline issues. Our child was displaying signs of anxiety entering and attending this school and these signs were never addressed by faculty and staff until after we removed her. Our concern is that many good children are getting lost in their classrooms because the focus seems to have been placed on behavioral cases. This school has lost a good family with active parents who were looking to partner with the school. I hope the school can recognize weaknesses and begin to create a better learning environment for all children.
—Submitted by a parent

PTA moms rule the entire school - the principal follows THEIR lead, and not his own. its kind of pathetic. Other than that, the teachers are fantastic here and they are the only reason we stay.
—Submitted by a parent

In regards to the post on March 29th, I must question how you know anything about this school, if you do not have a child that is enrolled there? There are not major discipline problems at this school, so please check your sources, as they are not accurate.
—Submitted by a parent

From what I have seen there, I wouldn't want my child going here. There are some major discipline problems with these kids and lack of parent involvement. This school has gone downhill recently, and I believe will continue to do so.

I have found my child's 1st. year at J.T. Stevens only okay. I am very happy with the staff and the teacher but the lack of support from other parents is extremely disturbing. When the school year started, my child's classroom had several 'room moms.' Now its Feb. and they all have disappeared which leaves me to do the ['room mom'] work.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing with friendly staff and very involved teachers that will help you in any area needed for your children, they are awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

J.T. Stevns is the Best Schhol in Texas! The principal and staff have very high expectations for themeslves and their students.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel that this is the best school we have been in. The staff is always nice and informative for me. Thank you so very much.
—Submitted by a parent

in response to the below poster: the special ed dept is bound by district rules on testing/placement. the counselor is very helpful and has helped many students/families with their needs. having hap kids mixed in is a good thing. they can help lead by example, which helps the lower acheiving students, also, it is a great foundation for leadership. also... i think discipline/leadership needs to be worked on. this is a work in progress for the new principal, i think. parent involvement needs to pick-up in a major way!! and yes, the pta is clickish.
—Submitted by a parent

JTStevens used to be a great school. It is now mediocre. Instead of keeping the GT kids in different classes, they have now mixed them in with lower performing students. Now both levels of children will be affected. Also, if your child has special needs, the counselors and principal will not help you. They do their own testing, required by the ISD, and do not rely on any testing from doctors or other specialists. They will not give any special education unless THEIR testing shows an educational need.
—Submitted by Jennifer Frank, a parent

A great public elementary school. Very diverse. Recently received recognized status. Counselors work with parents of kids with special needs. All teachers are trained in G/T methods.
—Submitted by a parent