The Branch School

We could not be happier with the quality of education our son is getting at The Branch School. I feel the school has an innovative learning environment where character building is just as important as traditional academics. There appears to be strong leadership and an active parent group. The teacher's heart seems to be so large. She is calm, practical and adored by my son. She communicated with families regularly. I think The Branch School is teaching my son to be the sort of person I want him to be.
—Submitted by a parent

I toured a great number of school across Houston before enrolling our son in The Greenhouse program at The Branch School. It was hands down the best decision we ever made for him. The school is progressive, nurturing and strikes a wonderful balance between academics and play. As a parent I feel well informed and encouraged to make connections with other parents. With part time, full time, half day and full day options I felt that the needs of each child was put before the bottom line. Now in the PreK 4 program we continue to be impressed by our son is doing whilst at school.
—Submitted by a parent

It's fun, active and exciting. It's really is a school where kids can grow and learn in an creative way.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for a school that is a truely warm, welcoming and nurturing environment, look no further. I have serched high and wide in Houston for a school that provides a sense of community, with high, Chrsitian Ideals, academic excellence and small class size. I've not found anything that surpasses the Branch School in all these metrics. We were driving 35-40 min to bring my pre-schooler to the Branch School last year then opted for a closer alternative with a "top tier" rating and heftier price tag. However, we found our daughter is constantly asking to return to her "old school" and her academic and social progress seems not as rapid as before. So we will be returning to the longer commute and looking forward to returning to the Branch School Family.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a dynamic school where the kids are happy and thriving. The curriculum is challenging, as well as providing innovation to expand the children's critical thinking and creativity.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the teachers their dedication, experience and care. Their unique teaching style employs a successful combination of nurturing discipline that allows the children to flourish and operate at their optimum -- children are treated with respect -- the teachers constantly communicate so that the children know the schedule, plan and what is expected of them. Plus I really enjoy the unique families who attend The Branch It s such a diverse group and The Branch embraces and respects their individuality. What unconditional love, what powerful self-reliance, what an invaluable lesson!
—Submitted by a parent

My affiliation with The Branch School has spanned many years. My oldest child attended from 1st (1992) through 5th(1996) grades. My youngest child has been here from P-K through 5th grade. The fundamental elements of teaching and nurturing the whole child have remained constant over the years. The idea that all children are inherently capable and expected to achieve has enabled both of my children, who have very different personalities, to excell. The hands-on approach to learning, especially in the Outdoor Classroom, inspires children to explore not only the facts they are given but their own ideas about their environment. They are learning to be great thinkers. Peacemaking skills and respect for others are taught. These ideas apply not only to classmates but also extend into the global community. TBS is and has been a wonderful place to prepare my children for future endeavors. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

They spend a lot of time outside, even when it is really cold. My child got sick a lot. They also do not seem to approve or want to be extra patient with any child who is very rambunctious or has any sort of hyperactivity, in fact they prefer girls. We were not impressed with the teacher, who was not impressed with my messy car, and seemed very inexperienced or the aide who I witnessed rolling her eyes at my child. Sadly, Not the same place it was a few years ago.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the Branch School because it is authentic. it really cares about the well-being of the child. The kids are in a positive and caring environment. It is a very unique school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is enjoying his second year at The Branch School. His teachers love him dearly and are so sweet to him. They love all the children there, and that is an experience that kids are missing out on these days in school. Being loved and attended to by their instructors! They are teaching him how to be a thoughtful and considerate young man and allowing him to enjoy his childhood through play and exploring nature. He is learning to love his education by making it enjoyable the way you would enjoy a hobby, instead of tolerating it like a chore.
—Submitted by a parent

I have only one thing to say: awesome school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

TBS is truly one of a kind. Children get one-on-one attention, the academic standards are high, and each child is treated with kindness and respect. One thing I really love is their unique emphasis on peacemaking and conflict resolution. The children are taught from day one how to work through their differences peacefully through a conflict resolution process that is consistently put into practice everywhere on campus (classroom, hallways, playground, etc.) throughout the school day. The process is actually a part of the core curriculum. Another thing I love is how child-centered the curriculum/activities are. For example, the fourth and fifth graders put on the annual school production every year -- that includes coming up with an original idea, writing the script, everything! My child's favorite part of the week is Outdoor Classroom - be sure to check it out! We love the amazing extracurriculars too: chess, violin, piano, KidFit, and more.
—Submitted by a parent

The Branch has offered my child intense, one-on-one contact with the teacher, a very involved, interested and friendly faculty/staff, an easy avenue for change where we have seen any weaknesses, super friendly & welcoming parents, challenging and scientifically interesting projects, fun, exciting and different kinds of field trips, a safe environment, and a place where my child is proud and happy to go to each day. We've searched about 20 private schools in Houston and talked to countless parents and the verdict was hands-down to go to the Branch School. I can't think of a way to improve it! Except to take it up to 12th grade!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school, small classes, great teachers, safe, very parent friendly, science is wonderful, kumon math, OM program, great music program and 2 proformances a year, spanish, dance, national recognized gardens and outdoor classes... I have had my son here for nine years and I am hoping to find a middle school we love as much. Houston's best kept secret!
—Submitted by a parent