Greenwood Forest Elementary School

My son is a second year student of Greenwood Forest, however due to the lack of concern by the principal and the kindergarten teacher I had no choice but to withdraw my son as of today. He started out his experience at greenwood with the best pre-k teacher. As his kindergarten school year started I noticed a change in his behavior.. He loves school but he no longer wanted to go. We had rough mornings of him crying and just saying he hated school.I was thinking it was from him missing his pre k teacher.Months later he started saying how his teacher was mean and yelled all the time. I addressed these issues back in october with the principal who acted like she could careless. I asked her if he could be switched I was told " I have a limit of a teacher staff ratio of 19 to 1, suggested a confrence with the teacher. I had one and all she did was discuss his grades and how she really liked him he was just a curious 6 year old little boy. I felt as we got nowhere. Months later it got worse. When discussing this a month ago all I got from the principal was " We have a month left what would you like to see happen" This school principal has no concern for her students emotional well being.
--Submitted by a parent

Greenwood Forest is a lot to be desired. My child has been going there since kindergarten and he is now in 4th grade. They have the absolute worse communication when it comes to involving parents and the curriculum is very watered down to accommodate the recent influx of non-English speaking students whom have now changed it to a Title 1 school (sigh). They offer one maybe two worksheets for homework and I've yet to see a textbook come home. The teachers are spread across the spectrum when it comes to experience, either they are very new or very old and crabby just waiting on retirement. My child is not challenged at all and has really lost interest in school, which upsets me. He spends his days telling me about what student threw something in the classroom or yelled at the teacher versus what he learned in class. This will definitely be his last year here. Don't be fooled by the "exemplary" sign outside the school. They haven't been exemplary in years!!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been impressed with this school from the very beginning of our kids participation. We moved here just a little over a year ago and have been welcomed at every event and we really enjoy the energy of the administration, teachers and staff. We couldn't be happier with the specific decision to move to this district!
--Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending this school for 3 years. We will be moving this summer, mostly because of the schools. I have been disappointed with Greenwood, considering its exemplary rating. Although my children have had some sweet and caring teachers, a large portion of the teachers here are very, very new and inexperienced. Still, overall, our teacher experience has been pretty positive. However - this school has a terrible record of communication with parents, family involvement and offers NO extracurricular activities. None! This leaves kids entering middle school highly disadvantaged to other children who have already began involvement in language, music or performing arts (etc) programs. Also, check out Wunderlich middle school and Klein Forest high school ratings before you come here!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Considering the fact that this is a public school, it's o.k. but there are definately some areas needing improvement. Lack of communication between the school and parents is a huge problem. I've missed award ceramonies and other school functions because they fail to inform parents. They do have a monthly calendar that tells you what events are planned for the month, but on several occaisions, we've gotten the calendar half-way thru the month only to find out we missed a performance/assembly that took place at the beginning of the month. The district fails to keep this school up to the standards of the newer schools in Klein, so other schools have perks like the accelarated reading programs. I would like to see my child more challegened with homework and/or projects, but like most public schools emphasis is placed more on test taking than acutally teaching.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in the third grade this year. Over the past 3 years she has been fortunate to have teachers who are pleasant and treat their class with respect. Her teachers past and present have been availabale to talk to us about any concerns we may have and keep us informed. We visit the school regularly to have lunch with our daughter and see her teachers always HAPPY and respectful to the children. As parents, we think this makes a better learning enviroment. L Pongrass
--Submitted by a parent

I am overall happy with this school. Particularly with my daughters teacher. My daughter is a special needs child in the EC Program and gets exceptional attention at this school. I have seen a complete change in her personality. She has reached my child and she has accomplished more than I expected. It has been a long time since I have seen a teacher truly care about her students well being. If she notices that my child has a scratch on her; she will ask me about it! I love that about her! I know my child is safe at Greenwood Forest Elementary.
--Submitted by a parent

For the past five years I have continued to be disappointed with the suboptimal academic standards and extremely low expectations this school has to offer. Although the District states only to employ 'highly qualified' teachers, it's apparent that the District does not ensure that teachers, staff, and Administrators receive continuous educational training, inservices, or professional development courses. At this particular campus there seems to be little or no research based methodologies or programs being used to assist struggling, high risk, or special needs students. There is a lack of summer programs offered, and to which grades and students who can receive these programs. Parents have to do their own leg work to find out what program and services the District has, campus Administrators and teachers are not knowledgeable about what their own District has to offer. If your child is or has special needs I would not recommend this campus.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a third grader and kindergartner at Greenwood Forest Elementary. I have experience teaching in both private and public schools. I can say with full confidence that Greenwood Forest Elementary in Houston, Texas is an excellent school. Both of my children are receiving a terrific education. They are being challenged academically in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. I have great confidence in the staff. They are motivated, diligent and professional. After reading a negative comment posted about the school, I think the person is writing about another Greenwood Forest School. It is a superb school!
--Submitted by Amy Duty, a parent

I have become concerned with the general lack of knowledge the principal exhibits about happenings in the school and the assistant principals overall attitude.