The Imani School

Imani was once a great school and now it has seemed to lost its way. There is a lack of professionalism missing with the administration and teachers who are unable to distinguish clear boundaries with students and parents. Some of the behavior displayed by the staff would have an average employee reprimanded. Teachers are blatant with their cell phone conversations, internet usage, and texting during instructional hours. They are also inconsistent with their email responses addressing parental concerns. While tuition is affordable, you will find yourself overwhelmed by unplanned fees and expenses. The school has potential for greatness again if it can manage to find its way again. I believe the academics are a great foundation but more needs to be done in science and foreign language. The Spanish program is virtually non-existent as well as physical education. On a good day, the school can be deemed organized chaos. Also, you have some really excellent teachers in the building who are committed to the students which is why I believe the school can ultimately reclaim its original reputation. It is a few of the heavier burdens that are causing the bough to break.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent. Its students, at all grade levels, routinely excel in city, state, and national academic competitions such as BETA and ACSI. Its graduates excel when they move on to public and private schools such as Strake Jesuit, St. John and Episcopal high schools A short unannounced visit to its campus will allow one to see the effect of its training in social graces and its efforts directed towards the enhancement of self esteem in the students.

We LOVE this school! We have been there for four years now. Every on of my children's teachers have been outstanding. Our children have been challenged academically and are truly thriving. The reading and math programs are top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

My experience with The Imani School has been a great one. My children continue to be challenged without feeling overwhelmed. Their confidence is increadable. They are taught that there is nothing they can not acheive. Everyday my children show me what I am paying for. Whether it's through obseving their social interactions, above average test scores, or their desire to learn. Great job Imani!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended The Imani School for seven years and our experience has been very positive. Each of my children have gained a solid academic foundation and have had an opportunity to be exposed to to cultural and enriching activities through fine arts. The Head of School, who knows ALL of the children, encourages students to always strive to be their personal best and insists that teachers do the same.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the last reviewer. I have had two children graduate from The Imani School. Both were accepted to every one of the private college preparatory high schools to which they applied, and we have found that they were very well prepared for the rigors of these academic programs.
—Submitted by a parent

Have visited many schools all across the USA and rarely do you see an institution as dedicated and exceptional as the Imani School. Most encouraging is their track record of placing Imani School graduates in Houston's most highly selective and competitive high schools. And the fact that their students test incredibly well AND perform well above grade level, particularly in reading and math, is notable

is an alright school. Not like it used to be but its alright. No one is perfect.

I agree with the last comments. Not only are some teachers and students attitude and statements condescending and disrespectful to other students but they also demonstrate this same character to certain other teachers, who they have decided do not fit into their cycle. For example, open sarcastic statements are made to the students concerning the Jazz Ensemble Director; a response made in class by the teacher to a negative note written by one of her students concerning her was your Mama . Such statements are totally not acceptable for an educator to make to his/her class. The statement is not Godly, not professional, and is definitely not appropriate. Some (not all) teachers and administrators do not respond to parents email inquire. The teachers and administrators do not seem to have a passion and love for children but rather for themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

The Imani school has proven to be heaven sent for me and my children. I am a single mother of two a very sweet sensitive young lady and a very head strong young man. The Imani School has helped to increase their self esteem while helping them excell academically in the classroom. Tuition is very reasonable compared to other private schools in the area, however it does not cover everything, i.e fieldtrips, lunch or extended day. The teachers have the kids best interest at heart and administartion even makes a point to try to know all children and parents by name thus creating a very family friendly enviroment.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school to send your young children who are gifted and/or working grade levels ahead. I have sought out alternatives for my child, and they do not exist. Most private schools do not differentiate the classrooms to the extent Imani does nor do they routinely teach two grade levels ahead. Public schools most certainly do not do this. A child entering Kindergarten, for example, who is comfortable with reading comp and basic subtraction would still, in public schools, be subjected to the basic beginning Kindergarten curriculum (phonemic awareness; counting/patterns). Even GT programs provide insufficient enrichment. In other words, your child would make zero academic progress unless you elected to allow your child to test for credit, in which case he or she would be placed with significantly older children. This school is imperfect, but it is by far the best option I know of for parents who worked with their children at home during early childhood and wish to see them actually build upon that progress during their early school years. I cannot attest to the quality of the upper school, but its graduates routinely go on to competitive local high schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My fourth grader has been at the Imani School since he was in PreK 3. He has excelled in all areas. We are very pleased with his Stanford 10 test scores where he has tested above grade level in all areas and even PHS (post High School) in some areas. I attribute this success to the aggressive curriculum and high standards set for the children. He also excels in extra-curricular activities such as chess and speech. Beyond the academics, my son's self esteem is very high. He truly believes the sky is the limit. This too, I believe is attributable to the teachings at school. Imani is like a family to us and within all families there will be ups and downs. For us, the ups have far outweighed the downs.
—Submitted by a parent

Let s just say this; the school has gone down If the school was closed in about 2 or 3 years I would not be surprised. The school has been operating in the red for the pass year.

I am a parent of two and I have been very satisfied with the Imani School. I have had very pleasant experiences at the school, while Imani is by no means perfect is was a perfect fit for my children. I had one child to attend starting in Pre-K 3 and the other in 2nd grade. One is still thriving in the new revamped middle school which is AWESOME!! and the other is now a well adjusted, overly prepared high school junior taking ALL AP classes. Kudos to the Imani School for a job well done!
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school and they play favortism.Teachers up to middle school are unprofessional , gossipy and messy. They say anything around the kids. This school can change your child's character and self-esteem. Activities are given to the favored kids. School absolutely ghetto especially teacher McNeil.

I can tell you The Imani School is goodup to a VERY certain point. Pre-K3-4 lays a good foundation, and have great teachers. 1st-3rd grade can be good, IF you get into a class that has a good teacher, and most won't due to favoritism in the office. If you love your child, after 4th grade, you will head to another school. I went through with 5th and that was the worst mistake our family has ever made. Some say the academics are OH SO GREAT, when really its horrid. The school wouldn't switch classes if the teacher wasn't there, instead of getting a substitute. Teachers had favorites, and held kids after class, when they were supposed to be in ancillaries meaning they miss class. Many teachers left the children alone in the classroom & said report anyone who talks. That's havoc. Untill 6th grade there is no place for your child to leave their items such as their books, so they will be forced to haul LUGGAGE around to hold it all. We thought our child had asthma & after we left the school, they stopped coughing. The aftercare program is horrible. They hire people around the age of 20 to look after 25+ kids @ one time. The school itself is overpriced & they pressure you to stay. Don't.

If you want your child to be well educated above and beyond FBISD & HISD, you will not regret sending your child to the Imani School. The Head of the school is the MOST AMAZING Lady you ever want to meet and she LOVES the students. FBISD discriminates against minority students, so if you do not want your child's future to be at risk because of the continued hatred that goes on in the FBISD schools, send them to the Imani School and your child will be well educated and Happy!!! I will not tell you that the Imani School is cheap because it is not. If you can afford the expenses Do Not hesitate to send your child to the Imani School.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that go to the Imani school and will have a 3rd one there soon. Best school period!!!! I rate the teachers 5 stars because they stay on the students to ensure they excel. I give the principal 5 stars because of her vision and execution. I am a parent and the parent involvment is outstanding 5 stars!
—Submitted by a parent

(Part 3 of 3) Another area of concern is that even with the costly tuition, they still price-gauge anytime they can. For example, recently the students took a field trip and stated that admission would cost $21 per student; however, when I went to the website to get more information the actual cost was $9 per student. (AND Imani did not even provide lunch for them). Last year, Parents were charged $40 for the costumes for the end of the year production; however, when we received the costumes, it was apparent that they were no more than $15. And if you question the cost of different things, you are subjected to obvious contempt from the staff. In closing, let me say that Imani constantly emphasizes their academic prowess in an effort to hide the fact that they FAIL in every other area. Don t be fooled by their dramatic & enticing presentation when they are trying to recruit you! It is all a farce! The school staff is EXTREMELY unprofessional and the school is very unorganized. If you care about your child at all ---PLEASE send him/her to another school. Believe me, you will regret it if you don t. (Part 3 of 3)
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter attends The Imani School. We are thankful for the highly challenging academic programs, smaller class size and hard-working teachers and staff. Our daughter has impressed family and friends with what she's learned. Even the pediatrician mentioned she speaks confidently and politely to adults. I must give credit to Imani teachers because she was a little shy when we first started. There have been a few problems here and there but nothing that did not get resolved in the best interest of our child. As parents, it is only natural to want the very best to see your child make strides academically, emotionally and socially. Our daughter surprised us with many medals, and first place winnings in speech, spelling bees, math olympics and art competitions. This has been a real confidence and self-esteem booster. We look forward to another great school year next year.
—Submitted by a parent