Garden Oaks Elementary School

In reading the parent review from 8/31, I feel compelled to respond. Speaking as a parent who has 2 children entering their 4th year at GOES since the age of 3, I feel that the review was not fair, especially since it appears to be from a new parent basing it on the 1st wk of school. Due to the severe budget cuts of the last legislative session, the principal continues to be creative in working harder with less. In trying to prepare for the 1st year of harsh cuts, while many other schools were laying off their employees, she was able to cut her budget and keep every one of her staff (the Magnet grant has does not cover employee salaries). She is extremely supportive of parents and staff. She works late into the night on campus, attends most -if not all- school events and PTO board meetings, and she's never unanswered any of my emails. The previous parent stated, "You'd be surprised how well people would work and give of their time and services if their voices/opinions were considered/heard." This is reflected with the principal's leadership. Due to our strong parent base and volunteer hours, we were the only school in the magnet grant that met the parent involvement requirement.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so happy to work at Garden Oaks Elementary. The school climate and culture is welcoming and encouraging. My colleagues are top notch professionals, who always put students first when making decisions. As a long time educator in public school systems, I rate this campus as excellent, because of the dedication to, and compassion for students, from PK through 6th grade. The Montessori program at Garden Oaks differentiates instruction for each student, found popular for the past 17 years by parents here, who have actively supported Montessori education in the public sector. The focus on environmental science is a growing attraction and fits well with the beautiful access to outdoor education. Please come visit our school and take a tour to see for yourself the smiling, happy faces of students, parents and staff. A real gem in a lovely neighborhood, this school is a magnet Montessori school, open to enrollment from outside its zone by lottery through the district's magnet program. I love teaching here, and look forward to the new school year. Garden Oaks is a place where children flourish.
—Submitted by a teacher

I work in the field of education and have very high standards. GOES has exceeded my expectations! The teachers are very dedicated and definitely go above and beyond to engage students. The principal is accessible and proactive. All of the other students and parents I have had contact with have been friendly. There are assistants in the rooms with the youngest kids. Montessori is great for teaching children how to learn (not what to know for a test) and work to solve problems independently or in a group. The environmental science aspect is an added bonus.
—Submitted by a parent

We LOVE this school! Classes start at PK3 and go through 6th grade. The school itself has a wonderful community feel with outdoor classrooms and classroom gardens. Teachers and staff are dedicated and care for the success of all students on campus. The after-school program has tons of offerings for all of the students on campus.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a child at Garden Oaks Elementary and an adjunct faculty at the University of Houston. As a fellow educator and parent, I have seen tremendous growth in my son's reading ability, writing ability, cumulative comprehension in Social Studies, Geography, Natural Sciences, Math, and Art, as well as a deep respect for himself, others, and the world around him. He has self esteem and uses conscious decision making skills every day, skills he has learned in the classroom as a result of Montessori. We really believe in the Montessori mode of teaching at GOES!
—Submitted by a parent

Garden Oaks is a very special place. I know my child is receiving an individualized education that is top notch. The Montessori program supports my daughter and allows her to work on very advance work. I love the community feel of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Garden Oaks Elementary has not only provided a quality education for my children but a strong, loving community for our entire family. My kids feel completely at home at their school and a sense of pride and ownership. They have been in the Montessori Program since they were each 3 years old. They are now going into 3rd and 4th grade. The multi year classrooms provide opportunity for peer education and leadership skills. If we had to pick all over again, we would be right where we are. Doesn't get any better than that!
—Submitted by a parent

Thought this would be a great fit for our children, but was disappointed. Older kids where rude, not all but most. The principle was in denial about the bad teachers. There seemed to be a click of parents that were involved but not very open to the new or incoming parents. I don't know my be good for some just not for us.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, we were very disappointed with this school. We had very high hopes, but soon realized it did not work for us. Our child became bored and not interested in attending school. She also picked up some very bad habits from the older montessori children, including their cuss words. We never got feedback from the teacher, and our child started falling behind. This school is not good at all for the really young kids, as the teachers cannot dedicate the time to helping them. The classes are just too big. The school seems to have a strong parental base, which is good. However, it also has its share of bad kids, who can bring the good kids down.
—Submitted by a parent

wow, cant say enough about the dedication of this staff. my child began the first grade nervous, not liking school and unable to read. within two months, she loved school, loved her teacher ms. davis and was READING and WRITING. She still enjoys school, and I could not ask for more from a 1,000 dollar per month private montessori school - and unlike many private schools, GOE has the resources to identify and help students who may have learning disabilities.
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed the Montessori program will now be mandated, rather than optional. We will now have to look outside our own neighborhood for traditional education programs. And, for the Montessori supporters, this is not a commentary on the quality of the program. I'm sure it is great for some children - but certainly not all. Whether or not to send a child to such a program should be up to the parents, not the school district.
—Submitted by a parent

Because GOES is a great place for children to grow and learn not only the academics to be successful in life, but also learning about how to give to the community and values such as respect, world peace, responsibility, caring, honor, perseverance etc. The teachers at Garden Oaks really care for the future of their students and give more than lessons to help this children develop a character and become a world citizens.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Garden Oaks Elementary School for many reasons: 1. It is a free Montessori education 2. It is has an incredible outdoor garden campus 3. The school is tucked away in a beautiful safe neighborhood 4. The staff and principal are wonderful 5. Parent involvement is outstanding 6. (And most important) Children are happy and they are learning What is not to love!
—Submitted by a parent

The parents, the kids, the teachers, the principle, the support staff, Montessori, the school grounds. I'll stop now, it sounds like an Oscar's thanks! We love the schoo!!
—Submitted by a parent

The parents and teachers are great. The gounds are beautiful and lots of outdoor space for kids to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Public Montessori, a great community of people, wonderful teachers and administators!
—Submitted by a parent

excellent community involvement in school. Great opportunities for Montessori education.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a proud parent of 2 children who get to benefit from the Montessori education method offered at Garden Oaks. Not too many school districts in the nation offer public Montessori and I must commend the decision makers at HISD in supporting alternative education methods.
—Submitted by a parent

My children love the montessori program that this school has to offer. I love the teachers. And the principal and staff are just wonderful. I think it is a fantastic school. Just big enough to participate in various activities and just small enough to have a real neighborhood environment.
—Submitted by a parent

A very warm school. Not many students but all are welcome from my experience as a garden oaks mom. Teachers are warm and many of them have several years of experience. We have parents who put everything they have into it. We have have teachers who love the students. We have students, teachers, and parents willing to do whatever it takes to make the school the best it can be!
—Submitted by a parent