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GreatSchools Rating

Barbara Bush Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 730 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

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45 reviews of this school


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Posted January 24, 2013

This school is the best. Nothing can top it. It's the best of the best!!! :D It has amazing and caring teachers, and the staff are all nice. I super duper highly recommend this school. Like I said: BEST OF THE BEST. :) I don't get why everyone is saying the office staff is so called rude. They are so nice! They know what is going on with the students. And this school is just one word - Amazing. :)


Posted May 13, 2012

Barbara Bush Elementary is an excellent school, GT (Gifted & Talented) program is the best . My daughter is currently attending Kindergarden and is amazing the progress in her reading level. Her reading level is the same of an average student in second grade, tested by an independent source. She has read more than 100 books since the beginning of the year. The education in Barbara Bush is comparable as several private schools in the area. My daugther loves going to School, I have great communication with her teacher, I am very proud to be part of this School. Parent involvement is awesome, moms volunteer in many areas needed. Public Education works when teacher & parents work together in committing for excellence in education. I hope other public schools will follow Barbara Bush footsteps in educating our kids. Love Barbara Bush!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 30, 2012

Barabara Bush is in my opinion the best school in Houston after only T.H Rogers. I have my daughter here for past two years and I am very happy with the way she is making progress. At age five and half she could read Accelerated Reading books with level as high as 3.5. She could read do her math addition (independantly) and subtraction (with some assistance but thats because she is still developing and is youngest in the class). There are other activities like French (one has to pay for this) and Spanish languages, and music etc which is added help to learn more languages. The school has accelarated reading program, which helps kids to read atleast one book everyday so kids end up not just reading lot of books but develop reading as a habbit. Parent involvement is encouraged and lot of parents volunteer to help teachers in and out. Teachers are excellent and I regard the school for helping to shape the future of our kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 6, 2011

I am a student here at Barbara Bush Elementary. I love everything. The teachers are nice but still strict. Much better than Village School or other private. I disagree with all the parents who submitted this school as bad but although the school is good the front office people are very mean. I have been here seven years. They provide ESL after school sports, after school technology, chorus,Name That Book, after school art. It has very good grades and is Exemplary. Encourages you to study in a fun way. It is not always worksheets worksheets worksheets in classrooms. We play educational games. The teaching is very good. mostly 99% on TAKS! The teachers are very helpful. Only maybe 3 homework worksheets a day when you get to 5th grade. (Which I am in). It also has West Briar Middle School right next to it and Westside High School in front of it. It's location is perfect. I LOVE BARBARA BUSH ELEMENTARY!!!!! LETS GO BOBBCATS!!!!


Posted October 5, 2011

I will deduct couple of stars because of Admin staff's behavior. School is good, teachers are good, Admin staff at front desk is rude and un-supportive. I met with registrar, she is a wonderful lady. Activities at school are great. I wish I never have to deal with Admin Staff, I could be same rude to them but thought about my kids who stay in school whole day, I dont want them to face the staff at all :(
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 26, 2011

ESL is fantastic, they have helped children from France who moved in the middle of the year build enough knowledge that they could follow class after 6 month, keep those children interested and give them support and extra motivation to help them achieve their potential. Great terachers, my son was diagnosed there wioth dislexia and thanks to the incredible support of the remedial teacher there, has managed to overcome so much and enjoy school., great team and principal I could not recommend it enough !
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 9, 2010

ESL is a fake, they don t provide any help to the international students some of the teachers are not honest and they don t do what the government pays them to do. Administration attitude is horrible and very rude in their communication. My Overall rating 3 out of 10.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 15, 2010

Two of my daughters go to this school. . So far we have loved it. The staff is very caring and supportive. Even the office staff is wonderful. The ladies in the office always have a smile for you(or at least for me :-) Will recommend this school to anyone. Very multicultural.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 22, 2010

Bush gifted and talented program is wonderful. My child has been in program for five years. I have considered private schools but the gifted program at Bush was better. Mrs. Rose is a caring and loving principal to all students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 25, 2010

Great school, Academics, parent super involve in everything, overall great school. Superb program for kindergarden better than private.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2009

Academics are good, but there are no sports, no after school curriculum, no music, no dancing, no after school programm, no home work help, no ESL instructor and PTA constantly asking for money (I mean like every week)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 1, 2008

Barbara Bush has been a huge blessing in my son's life. As a special needs child, he has grown tremendously under the care and love of all around him. Bush does a great job of inclusion and his one on one teach is a saint (Mrs. Lebuffe). The children in his classes are so loving and wonderful to him as well. I feel like the overall atmosphere of the school trickles down from the principal. Even the ladies in the office are happy and helpful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 20, 2007

This is a public school with the higher standards that can be expected from a private school. Negative comments can be said about any environment you are in, it is just a matter of what you wish to focus on. Over all, a fantastic school, great education, without the price tag. Really, isn't that ones dream?!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 6, 2007

I had 2 children finish elementary in Barbara Bush. Academically it was very good. Teachers most of the time very dedicated, bonded well with kids. Complaints: Office staff attitude is horrible. They have no people skills, usually not helpful. Need improvement in art and music programs
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 28, 2007

My child has attended Bush for three years. I am very happy with her performance in the gifted program. We looked at several private schools in Houston and we decided to send her to Bush because they had better programs. I the only issue that I have seen is the school in over crowed at this time, but they still maintain a positive attitude. The school year 2007-2008 the school will drop down to only 600 student. This will be wonderful. Barbara Bush even comes and reads to the children once a year, and this is a big honour for her to do so each year. I highly recommend the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 27, 2007

I had heard nothing but rave reviews about Barbara Bush when moving here. I'm somewhat disappointed in the school - the office staff is rude (haughty attitude that implies we should be grateful our children go there!), the clinic is a joke. The only focus is on academics - the 'arts' receive nothing more than a cursory nod, which is unfortunate as the art teacher is wonderful. In music, the kids learn songs, not music. Car drop off in the morning is dangerous - kids are dropped off in the middle of the street, cars do U-turns and there are no teachers in sight to supervise. Teachers are too focused on testing to the point they are robotic. I've been to the school to have lunch and it is rare to see a smiling teacher!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 22, 2007

Barbara bush feels like a zoo. The office staff is rude and never knows what programs are occuring on campus. The car pick is dangerous and chaotic. It takes 20-30 minutes each day just to pick up my son.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 5, 2006

I feel that Bush is an excellent school academically. The teachers are conscientious regarding the progress of both girls and have made sure tutoring has been incorporated whenever it seemed necessary. I do feel however, that the school seriously lacks in areas of creative learning and extracurricular activities such as art, music and athletics. While there are some, it seems very sparse. I believe that an equal balance of strong academics along with an emphasis on the creative development of students would strongly enhance and benefit their overall ability to become successful throughout the rest of their academic career as well as in their adult lives.
—Submitted by Kellie O'Dell Owens, a parent


Posted April 26, 2006

The GT program is awesome. My son is currently in 3rd grade and I couldn't ask for better teachers. They really care about the kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 7, 2006

great school. My child has really grown academically here.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 87% in 2011.

103 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

102 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
99%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

The state average for Math was 88% in 2011.

109 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
98%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

110 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
99%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

110 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
98%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2011.

91 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

91 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

90 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
99%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students99%
Female98%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special educationn/a
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students98%
Female100%
Male96%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic94%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special educationn/a
Not special education98%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students99%
Female100%
Male98%
Black or African American89%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education100%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students99%
Female100%
Male98%
Black or African American89%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education100%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students95%
Female96%
Male93%
Black or African American89%
Asian94%
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White95%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education88%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)80%
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African American100%
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)100%
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Exemplary".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Exemplary".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Exemplary".

About the tests


Texas uses Accountability Ratings to indicate the overall performance of each school and district. The ratings are based on TAKS test results, dropout rates for grades 7 and 8 and school completion rates for grades 9 through 12. Schools and districts rated under standard accountability procedures are designated as Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable or Academically Unacceptable. Schools and districts rated under alternative education accountability (AEA) procedures are designated as either AEA: Academically Acceptable or AEA: Academically Unacceptable.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 44% 34%
Asian/Pacific Islander 29% 4%
Hispanic 18% 48%
Black 8% 14%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 4%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 31%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 19%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 14%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 20N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 0%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 18%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 21%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 21%N/A23%
21 or more years 41%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

13800 Westerloch Dr
Houston, TX 77077
Website: Click here
Phone: (281) 368-2150

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