Ethridge Elementary School

My son has attended this school for 2 years. At first, I was a little hesitant about public schools but went ahead and gave our neighborhood school a try and it was the best thing that I did for my son's education. Because of his Kindergarten and First Grade teachers, he enjoys learning. He is interested in so many subjects and really enjoys learning. I know there are a lot of great teachers out there but his teachers are excellent! They both are really involved in each student's education. GISD and Ethridge are priviledged to have 2 amazing and superb teachers at the same school. They are the exact type of teacher that every parent hopes their child gets assigned to in their early years of education.
--Submitted by a parent

3 of my children went there for over 9 years. We had some great teachers, but we had a few bad ones. When my last one was in 3rd grade I joined the PTA board. Once I was a parent on the 'inside' I started to see what the school was really like. I have too many instances to put into the 150 words I am allowed here. When the principal was told about the issues I saw, nothing was done. The next year, I put my child in Beaver (GREAT SCHOOL!!!). The office staff talks behind people's backs. Not all was bad Most of the teachers are great and love the kids. Remove those few bad eggs and wake the principal up and it will be a great school again.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school and it's staff. Very helpful and compassionate towards my children. My daughter has had Ms. Rottman and Mrs. Washington they are the best! I appreciate everything this campus has done for our family!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved from California and we are very happy with the school. This is a place were kids work daily to achieve big goals. My daugter has had two teachers who have inspired her and I am very thankful to see her happy and excited to go to school.
--Submitted by a parent

I don't think it's fair that Ethridge has such a low rating on here because no one has reviewed it in a long time. The school had some problems in the past due to a not so great principal, but that principal has now been replaced, as have a good portion of the staff. Mrs. Opon, the new principal, has worked hard to get a good teaching staff in there and things are really starting to turn around in her building. Regarding a student being identified as gifted/talented or qualifying for transportation, that is not something decided on by the individual school, but by the district. The schools just follow the directions the district gives them.
--Submitted by a parent

My children go there and I can say that Patty Opon is a great principal for the school along with some of the teachers. To me esp the kindergarten ones, they have such a impact on my kids that they enjoy school. As far as the PTA it needs a complete overhaul.
--Submitted by a parent

My son entered 1st grade at this school after attending Plano ISD during his Kindergarden year. My opinion is that the Garland School district is far behind others. The curriculem is in need of help. With todays advaced world our children should be exposed and taught so much more. The Teacher/Parent communication is extreamly low and should be looked into.
--Submitted by a parent

I don't care for this school. My daughter has gone here for the last two years. They have not had a school play, not many parties, when they do have one, we (the parents) cannot bring anything. I don't know about you, but, I like watching my child on stage at least once a year! For some reason, since we moved from Ellis county, she is not considered Gifted and Talented! She was 1 of 10 students in the whole school that was tested and passed the Gifted and Talented test. Why doesn't she stand a chance here?! I would also like a little help with the transportation to school. We live 2 miles from the school and do not qualify for bus transportation. It is hard for me to get her to school, and I would like a little help. She can't walk, I refuse to let her cross the busy intersection between our house and the school. There is no crossing guard to help. It is an intersection that I am scared to cross in my truck! I really do not want her to walk across it! To put it nicely, I don't want her to go back next year!
--Submitted by Misty Owens, a parent