Herod Elementary School

The school seems to be getting better with the new principal! My only complain is the fact that some staff members don't treat the kids with dignity and respect. I hope Mr. Johnson addresses that. Kids should enjoy going to school. Teachers have the right to discipline but keeping in mind kids dignity and respect. Ms. Roetzel, if you chose to teach, I suppose it's because you like children and enjoy working with them. How does being rude fit in that equation?!! Remember that kids say everything. Parents don't like to hear you are rude and ugly to kids.
--Submitted by a parent

It's upsetting that greatschools only gives this school a rating of 6. Keep in mind these ratings and rankings (all across the internet) are based almost solely on a few kids at the bottom who don't pass the TAKS tests because the have English as a second language or did not get a good head start in their early childhood education. Herod teaches specifically to each student's needs. They address the needs of those struggling differently than what is offered to vanguard/dual language students. There is no way to rate a school with numerical data for what REALLY matters: caring, hardworking teachers and staff, consistent feedback on student progress, innovative curriculum planning, great offerings for enrichment, extended day, academic competitions, diversity, friendly, inclusive atmosphere. Go into the school, check it out, and talk with real-live parents whose children attend. You really cannot tell much about any school by staring at your computer! :)
--Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with this school my son had Mrs Hypolite for pk and couldn't have been happier she showed that she was more then just a teacher to my son being that dedicated teacher are hard to come by these days. My son is now in kindergarten and I know that he will have a fabulous yr as well.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is entering the 1st grade Vanguard program at Herod. He thoroughly enjoyed Kindergarten and his class became family to him. His teacher Mrs. Melancon was awesome. She's very caring and very concerned about each child's growth and development. She loved them, and she challenged them. My son always came home to tell me the new things he learned. His sentences often started with, "Did you know " The administration and teachers seem very dedicated to finding and investing in the most effective ways to develop the students. I look forward to another great and challenging year.
--Submitted by a parent

My children just completed 2nd and 4th grade in the Vanguard program at Herod and we could not be happier. They had excellent teachers who nurtured them both as people and as students. All their specialist teachers were excellent, too. The new building is lovely, and provides such a light, warm, welcoming place for our children to attend school. Overall we are thrilled with Herod and looking forward to another great year!
--Submitted by a parent

Simply love this school! My son has learned so much in his first year of pre-k, he had a great teacher too (Ms.Pitts), she really cares about her students education. My son enjoyed this year very much, making new friends and all and is thrilled to start Kinder soon. I would recommend this school to all you parents, trust me you won't regret it. :)
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended Herod for grades 4 & 5. His first year there (4th grade) was great. Excellent, caring teachers. 5th grade was not as good. No communication from the teachers, e mails and notes sent to teachers were left unresponded to for up to 2-3 weeks. Phone calls to teachers were left unreturned. The office staff at Herod is very unfriendly. They don't acknowledge your presence when you walk in the office. They don't offer to assist you.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school with teachers and staff who truly care about the students. Diverse population teaches kids about the real world.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in the Vanguard Program at Herod and has had an amazing second grade year. The work she has been given has been challenging but she has also been given the chance to be very creative. For example, the class did a reader's theater rendition of the Johnny Appleseed story. Herod's guided reading program is top-notch. In addition, she gets to take Spanish and in 3rd grade she will get to take guitar. Next year they even move into a brand new building.
--Submitted by a parent

We stumbled on this school by accident with our oldest child (I didn't understand the whole process of choosing an HISD school yet) and were extremely happy with our choice. My son is in the Vanguard program and we are pleased with his progress. He seems to be way beyond his peers at other schools. Herod also has the dual language program which is where my second son's passion lies. After doing research (this time) at many of the other programs, we decided on the Herod program. It is a Spanish immersion program that incorporates English as they get older. We are very excited about this opportunity for his life that he would not have had elsewhere. We really like the new principal and find her to be very involved. I couldn't be happier with any other school. Our family loves Herod.
--Submitted by a parent