Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence

I have been at WGA for going on 8 years, and while no school is perfect, I wouldn't trade our experiences and education for anything. We have a staff that cares for the kids in their classrooms, cares about their lives at home and wants to see them all succeed. While there are some struggles to work through with changes in administration, etc., the doors are always open to having a conversation and trying to find a solution to any given problem. I am thankful that my kids have been (and are) at WGA and know that they have a solid foundation to take forward with them.
--Submitted by a parent

I highly encourage parents to contact teachers directly if they have a concern. That can be done by email or by making an appointment with the office for a personal conference. My assistant principal and I have an open door policy and are also avaialbe by email, phone or appointment if parents feel they want to talk to us first. Thanks in advance... Respectfully, Alex Rivera, Principal
--Submitted by a teacher

Overal, WGA is a pretty good school. Their high ratings are primarily based on high TAKS scores, which are easy to get when you have a school of GT students. The main problems I've had with WGA are, first of all, the way they grade. If a 7 yr. old doesn't follow the directions perfectly, for example, the directions say to put the letter for the answer and the child puts the letter and the word, they count them all wrong. A child can fail even if he completely understands due to a simple mistake in directions. I think half off would be more appropriate. Another big issue I've had is that they often don't respond to emails or notes in the planner. I've had several teachers that I sent a note to repeatedly and never got an answer over a week long period. They weren't rude emails, just questions. I know that my child would get in trouble if I didn't reply to notes in his planner! The last thing that bothers me is that they don't participate in parent conference night that the rest of GISD has. I thought it was a requirement for all of GISD schools! I will say that Ms. Cole is an amazing kindergarten teacher! She is so kind and really helps the kids progress! She is the best!
--Submitted by a parent

I have never had such a hard time communicating with a principal or teacher in all my children's school years. Ms. Sims is disrespectful and I have not gotten a response from the principal either in 2 weeks concerning my sons poor grades in this one class. I read all these great reviews, but why is my situation different?
--Submitted by a parent

Amazing School especially Mrs. Susan Cole! She has helped my daughter to excel wonderfully in reading I could never thank her enough!
--Submitted by a parent

WGA is a wonderful school. We are blessed to have this as our school home!
--Submitted by a parent

WGA has been a part of our family for almost 5 years now and we could not be happier. My kids are thriving, happy and learning so much. The teachers care about the different learning styles of the kids and understand that getting to know each child is an important part of the teaching process. This school is providing a fun, warm and happy environment. There is a team effort between staff, parents, teachers and the kids to work through any struggles and get to the best possible resolution.
--Submitted by a parent

WGA is a great school, very likely the best in Garland ISD. I have been a WGA parent for five years, and my children are receiving a great education! The teachers and staff work very hard to maintain a warm, accessible environment.
--Submitted by a parent

WGA is a school like no other. It is the best place to be in Garland if your child is academically or artistically gifted. Mrs. McCloskey (the principal) runs a very tight ship and the teachers are really able to focus on doing their jobs under her leadership. There is a very collaborative approach with the teaching teams at each grade and I have not in all of our years at WGA ever seen the 'infighting' behavior I have witnessed amongst teachers at other schools. This, I attribute to the leadership and example set by the principal. My children are very happy at WGA and amaze me at what they are able to learn. WGA is very accelerated learning and is not for every child. My children are very active in sports, church and other programs outside of school and are still excelling at WGA. We feel blessed to have WGA!
--Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the last rating. The atmosphere int his school is not friendly or a nurturing environment. Problems generally are reflected from the top down and I think the case is true here. A very cautious attitude seems to be held by the teachers and staff...uneasy at best. Such a sad commentary on so called gifted and/or talented schools. However it is a public school.