Classical Center at Vial Elementary School

School offers great additional programs and my daughter loves going to school everyday, and was even excited for summer to end so she could start first grade. Very pleased with her Kindergarten and 1st grade year.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with an excellent dual language program. We couldn't be happier! My husband and I have a 6 year old who is excited to go to school every day. He loves his teacher and his principal Mr. Price!
—Submitted by a parent

my kid is always getting picked bullied and his teachers do nothing about it but when he hits back its like how dare you and the main source of his problems his math teacher every time he gets messed he won't tell right away but when he tells they nothing about it
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school from Kin-2nd grade and we had nothing but great experiences. In the 2010-2011 CC@Vial got a new principal who isa blessing to this school. It's always aparent when the people that run a school are there for the kids and not just to work.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 5th year as CCV parents. The school is much better w/ our interim principal, Mr. Price than it was under the previous principal. My biggest disappointment this year is with the supposed gifted curriculum that is offered. GISD's website and letters from academies state that if your child is deemed to be gifted, they will receive additional gifted studies. THIS IS NOT TRUE.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is perfect for any child. I feel so satisfied that my child is going to this wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

Love this school and the great people working there, great program. No complaints. The PTA is another story. Just not the same as it was in the past. I told my wife to stop attending those meetings. They are unorganized and unprofessional. I am going to keep my kids at the school, because I do love the magnet program, teachers and administrators. However, until the PTA changes, we will not be participating in their functions.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with the school. They put on two great theater productions every year. My child learns and participates in extracurricular activies. I recommend this school to all who can get in. The transportation system is also great. I was a little worried about them riding the bus, but everything has been fine.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending Vial since 2003. This the first year (2009/2010) that we have been dissatisfied. New administration has been put in place. Our students are no longer getting the excellerated curriculum that was provided in the past. We expect an enhanced excellerated curriculum from a Magnet school with Exemplary status. Where is it... My child no longer is eager to attend school. Infact there are times when even bribbery doesn't stop the 'I don't want to go to school' whine. I agree with the previous poster, it is not the school it was intended to be. GISD help us.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been going to Vial for the past three years. It has been a great school up until this 2009/2010 school year. A new principal started. What use to be a school that enhanced education through arts and science has now become no different than any other school. My child thrived in this school previous because it fit his learning style. It now has become an issue when my child doen't want to step foot in the door because what was important to him is no longer available. It seems that the school has lost site of what it means to educate a child. Its not just about making the check marks...
—Submitted by a parent

This school to me is average to any other school.The teachers are young and very sweet.Any extra things the magnet program offers are done before school not during school.My daughter has been there 2-5 grades.They focus ALOT on TAKS.Over all It has been a good school but nothing special.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy with this school. My daughter came here after one year of public school. Before that, she completed 3 years of Montessori. Her first year at public school (not Vial), she was bored. Not challenged much. When she left Montessori she was beginning 3rd grade level reading/math. So to slow down, she was not happy. She stayed on the honor roll and the teacher there told me she was having a hard time keeping her busy. She was done before everyone else. I thought about returning her to Montessori until we found out about Vial. The Magnet program at Vial is faster paced than the normal course of study. My daughter's mind is being challenged and she loves to go to school. She is getting a private school education in a public school environment. And it shows. She has been maintaining an A Honor roll average all year.
—Submitted by a parent

i love this school, it's fun, and i learn something new almost everyday. The princible is very kind, and so are most of the teacher's!
—Submitted by a student

Classical Center at Vial is a great school considering the fact that it is a public school. My child started there last year and loved it. The experience was awesome. First grade has been different and the teacher does not seem to have the patience that should be exhibited when working with 6 and 7 year olds. This factor alone has lead me to consider another school for my child. As far as the curriculum, it seems to go above and beyond. The teacher this year seems to be nice enough and that is as far as it goes. The principal is outstanding, involved and very willing to help.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 girls in this school K and fifth. We love it we transfered from Heather Glen and this school is VERY different. It has been positive and caring and very creative. I can not say enough good things about the school, students and staff. You will not be disapointed!
—Submitted by a parent

I think Vial is a wonderful school. I love the curriculum and teachers. I especially want to give thanks the Ms. Rask for helping my child to learn how to read.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been a lifesaver! All the extra experiences in art, music, piano & drama have really helped maintain my children's interest in school. We have had consistently fantastic experiences with teachers that really take the time to make a difference. Each year the program seems to have gotten better & better. The sense of community at this school is far greater than at the other GISD elementary schools we have had experience with. We also really enjoy the uniforms - much easier & less expensive.
—Submitted by a parent

School's classical focus is more marketing than actuality. Music program is very elementary and minimal. Latin is nonexistent. Academic focus is naturally TAKs oriented. Creativity is average, like any other public school. Teachers are average. Focus on Taks and do what's necessary to ensure students are successful on TAKs. Principal leadership during 2004/5 was abysmal. New leadership will be in place for 2005/6.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school are outstanding! The first grade program in particular is amazing. The teachers work with the students in a way that cannot be matched by even the finest of private schools. If your children can qualify for this school, it is an opportunity that will enhance their lives forever!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very pleased with the Classical Center @ Vial. The teachers are skilled,hard working and truely seem to care. The staff has done an excellent job with extra curricular activities. Field trips to museums, operas, an in-school full production play and many others. Their test scores have improved vastly over the past years. I think anyone choosing to attend the Classical Center @ Vial will be very pleased that they made this choise.
—Submitted by a parent