River Oaks Elementary School

My daughter attended REO 2 years ago >> Iwas happy to see how involved the PTO was and all other parents hepling and partisipating in all activitities
—Submitted by a parent

I am an alumni of this school, and I can say that it is the BEST elementary school that I've ever known of! The teachers and parents are really involved and they want you to succeed.

Incredible new principal hired in 2009; fantastic teaching staff and wonderful children. We live in the neighborhood and many of our neighbors are sending their children here and are all very happy.
—Submitted by a parent

River Oaks Elementary simply has the best teachers and staff. All the students are treated like the individuals that they are and they thrive in the environment of encouragement, mutual respect and high self expectation!
—Submitted by a parent

ROE is a wonderful school with great teachers, staff, students and parents all working together to provide an excellent environment for learning.
—Submitted by a parent

terrific IB Program, teachers, & staff
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing staff + supportive parents = a school filled with happy learners:)
—Submitted by a parent

ROE has an excellent Vanguard and IB program. The teachers are very caring, knowledgeable and best of the best.
—Submitted by a parent

We entered ROE in 1st grade, having moved from another state. We were not even considering public schools until we heard about ROE. Although our son was accepted to the private school to which we applied, we opted to go with ROE. We are so happy with our decision. We have been very impressed with the curriculum as well as the level of staff commitment to the children. I'd have to say that the level of parental involvement at ROE is what helps to keep the standards so high.
—Submitted by a parent

There isn't a better school for elementary/primary years in the city of Houston. The only other elementary school that can compare to it is St. John's. The academic and international baccalaureate program at ROE are simply phenomenal. If you are lucky enough to get a spot here, thank your lucky stars.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been at ROE for two years now. Everything, believe it or not, has been wonderful. My child has been challenged and he has felt loved. He has had to measure to a higher standard, of course, but I would expect that and am glad for it. He took the challenge to learn and grow, and with lots of help from caring teachers and staff, he did. I couldn't be more grateful for what this organization has done for my children.
—Submitted by a parent

Plagued by the same insane emphasis on testing as every other public school, so the kids end up feeling constantly judged and measured, rather than challenged and treasured. The teachers have been fine, especially the science teacher is a favorite; but the principal doesn't appear to possess the tact, manners or true sense of respect that are necessary to serve as a role model. I feel sorry for the teachers because it is hard to work for someone who is heavy on criticism and fails to see the forest for the trees.
—Submitted by a parent

This school once employed the best teachers in Houston. The school has lost all of it's creativity and now promotes 'thinking outside the box within our parameters' teaching. If you look beyond test scores there is not much to impress. Vanguard level teaching and thinking is almost nonexistent.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the absoulute best school you could ask for. I just ended my 6 years there, and I couldnt have asked for anything more! The teachers are totally listening to your concerns, and anyone can tell that they care about you and your learning expierience. The school is SUPER pretty, and has a diverse amount of students. I love River oaks!
—Submitted by a former student

ROE is the best elementary, public or private, in Central HISD. The huge problem is the principal. The IB program, in general, is a great tool; however, IB dictates too much of the curriculum and it doesn't support the individual needs of the teachers. Teachers know what their classes need more than a shake-and-bake IB curriculum. The principal supports IB over teachers input.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had 2 children at this school since 1999. I have had positive experiences with both children. Our younger daughter has experienced some problems in the classroom, but both the teachers and administrators have been willing to work with us to address her difficulties.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome school with great teachers and wonderful involved parents. You couldn't ask for a better elementary school
—Submitted by a parent

This school is rated high with regards to Vanguard status, test scores, and their IB program, and after school program. However, this school has an unusually large amount of flaws. The school policies are vague and often times confusing and contradicting. It is a case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing. You could get three different answers on something depending on who you ask, be it the teacher, the Prinicpal, or office staff. The communication is the worse I have ever seen. I don't think this school lives up to the hype. I would not recommend shuffling your child across town. They are treated like they are in boot camp having to walk in the halls with their hands on their heads or behind their backs. The Principal will always side with the teacher even if they break code of ethics.
—Submitted by a parent

ROE has both 'neighborhood' and Vanguard (gifted and talented) classrooms. Most students come from highly educated and/or middle to upper middle class families. One of the outstanding features is the high level of involvement by individual parents. In addition, the PTO is well-organized, sponsors an extensive after school program with enrichment classes, and raises serious funding for technology upgrades, teacher training, and the library. Considerable remodeling and building are underway. No school is perfect, but ROE strives for excellence, and has high standards for student achievement and behavior.
—Submitted by a parent

There are some great programs at the school. Some great teachers, however the principal continues to retain some of the poor teachers dismaying alot of parents. My comments are not based upon 1 or 2 parents, but many many parents. Too much emphasis on the Odysey of the Mind program. Adds no value to the majority of the population. There is just a small sprinkle of African American and hispanic kids. The strong teachers are strong. The principal has spent too much time on the construction project and needs to do better job evaluating her staff.
—Submitted by a parent