Parkwood Hill Intermediate School

In response to the parent review on November 2nd, 2012. Mr. VanEgdom and Mrs. Tatar are excellent teachers who care a great deal about their jobs and their students. This parent obviously has some anger issues and has probably never taken the time to meet his child's teachers personally or seen the learning that takes place in their classrooms. So quick to criticize without anything but a biased, ignorant opinion.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school has been the worst experience I hope to ever endure in my child's education. He had the worst teachers for 5th grade, including a long term sub that was extremely rude and useless in the classroom. We prayed so hard for better teachers in the 6th grade. Sadly, his 5th grade teachers looped and went into the 6th grade with him! These teachers are constantly on their cell phones while their classrooms are unruly and out of control. Lots of bullying and inappropriate behavior. Obviously the principal does not care or the teachers would care. Looking forward to finally being done with this awful school. If you can help it, do NOT send your child here. It will change who they are for the worst.
—Submitted by a parent

Principal, Kathy Knowles, is the absolute WORST principal I have ever met! Some of the teachers (Tatar and Van Egdom for example) lack social skills and have a bad attitude..very mouthy! I think they only show up to the "work" to get a pay check and that's it...SAD! Honestly, I'm trying to make good memories for my kids while they go to school but with this principal and some of the awful teachers, it doesn't make it easy..
—Submitted by a parent

Less than wealthy need not apply! The schools are nice, and the teachers seem to care about the kids, however if I could have put them in NW ISD, I would have. My son lives 1.8 miles from the school and only rides the bus 1 way and we have to pay $175 per semester for him to ride the bus! There are no discounts for 1 way trip only or short distance riders. If they ride the bus 1 time a month, its $175. I was called the 2nd day of school and was informed that they didnt have record of our payment, (It was paid they just didnt have it on line yet), therefore my son was not allowed on the bus and was to sit in the office until we could leave work and pick him up. This ISD will nickel and dime you to death. Their "required" school materials are extremely unreasonable. They offer a good education, great facilities, and good teachers, but by God you better be ready to break out your wallet. ALSO bus seats are first come first served, and routes are set up before the begining of the year based on paying riders. So if you transfer in, and they dont have a spot for you, your spouse might as well quit their job. But then you couldn't afford to send your kids to this "public" school anyway.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible school. Administration is very uncaring about your children. Principle is very domineering. I only wish I could transfer my student to a different Keller intermediate school. I am thinking that home schooling for one year may be my answer just to get out of this environment. Hillwood (across the street) can teach Parkwood Hill a thing or two. Now that is an exceptional school!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

had a HORRIBLE 2 years there. SO glad to be done. There are some awesome teachers, but there also some bad ones. Principal is the worst here. Hoping she moves on before my son has to go there in 2 years.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful teachers that provide challenging and fun activities. They provide a safe and nurturing environment.
—Submitted by a parent

new to the area. we came from an area out of state supposedly rated lower than Keller ISD ratings but so I am not impressed with the school. They seem to be teaching strictly for TAKS and not for critical thinking. The staff have been friendly and helpful. The classrooms are unruly, disrespectful and chaotic at times - very distracting for my 6th grader. There is no excuse for allowing such behavior. The busses are also rowdy allowing students to throw pencils, sharp objects, water bottles, and stand in the aisles. In my opinion, there is a lot of bravado and chest beating about this being a fantastic school district - so where is the beef?
—Submitted by a parent

i love p.h.i.s.b/c there is so many good teachers .the downside of it is is that at lunch the 6th graders are so rowdy and loud
—Submitted by a student

Great school, but, the principal is very domineering. I understand she was brought in to raise TAKS scores and she has done that job well. She has also removed fun from the school. Just not the same atmosphere as when my older son attended PHIS. Sad.
—Submitted by a parent

It's pretty good there and my techers are awsome! It was a great school year!
—Submitted by a student

Parkwood Hill is a great place to be! I have taught at 3 different schools in my 13 years of teaching, and by far this is the most 'balanced.' Great administrator input, teacher collaboration, and student/parent involvement!
—Submitted by a teacher

I would not recommend this school. The administration has a very domineering style and parental input is not welcomed. Whever possible they attempt to make key decsions themselves without informing or involving the parent. The quality and professionalism of the teaching staff leaves much to be desired. I would encourage any parent with children at this school to be extra vigilant about their child's development and mastery of the curriculum. We basically endured my child's time at this school until we could make other arrangements.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers here are very nice, but strict when needed. The school is very clean and whenever things get crazy the principal always gets it undercontrol.
—Submitted by a student

I love this school! Its great!
—Submitted by a student

New principal has reduced recess. Quite sad. I believe this is in response to TAKS scores. Most teachers are quite good.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loves PWH, It was a big change for us. It is very diffrent than elementry, The kids are only there for two years, so you dont know as many people and they dont know you. Parent involvement is low so you see a lot of the teachers stepping in. I think its low due to the short stay and that parents that help are burnned out by the time 5th and 6th grade comes around. I wouldnt send my child anywhere else in Keller though I think its te best inter. school around here.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent music program - just won first place for band this year just after 9-10 months of instruction!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to KISD because of the school system. Unfortunately, the city had poor planning for growth population. The school are overcrowded and the teachers are over worked.
—Submitted by a parent

All teachers are mostly new. OK Teachers. Principal horrible. Band, Art, Drama, P.E available. Great Building. Good neighborhood. Not much parent involvment.
—Submitted by a former student