Odessa Kilpatrick Elementary School

This school WAS amazing, many years ago under the direction of another principal (who opened OKE and did such a great job was asked to open another new school in 2008).Since said principal left, the school is not the same.It's all about the leadership and what ideals the principal has for the school.Now the school seems more concerned with policies and red tape than what is best for the students.Many teachers followed the old principal to the new school.I must say most of the teachers are wonderful and seem to really love their profession; however there are a few who are not as wonderful (to say the least).When we had an issue, I was told by an AP she knew this teacher for many years and she could not believe her teacher friend would do anything that my child stated occurred and she dismissed the issues stating my child was just sensitive!No further investigation was done. Other parents have had similar complaints, yet all complaints fall on deaf ears. This school is horribly overcrowded, dismissal time is a NIGHTMARE and they refuse to change anything to help this situation.Very disappointed in the direction the school has taken.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with excellent teachers and staff.They have few wonderful academic programs which you will not find in other good schools of Katy,which makes Kilpatrick best in Katy isd.We feel very blessed that our kids are able to attend such a great school and I regard the school for helping to shape the future of our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Please note when reading these reviews that the principal of the school has changed since 2007 when all the great reviews were written. The current principal, Maylnn Rodriguez, is the 2012 principal who has been there since approximately 2009 when much poorer reviews began...
—Submitted by a parent

One of THE BEST Katy Elemtary School!!! Excellent programs, teachers, PTO, volunteers and school leaders. We are so proud to be members of OKE family. 5 star rating all.
—Submitted by a parent

For all the good you hear about Katy schools, I run in to more and more people who have children that have struggled in elementary. I know people who are paying tutors in the first grade, paying for outside testing and paying for help for their child. One of my children has done okay in the school, the other has struggled. He basically is just not that far behind. Seems fine if no issues, but so many kids these days have issues, and unless they are really bad off, or in the politcally correct categories, plan on paying to get help for your own child. A couple of fantastic teachers, a few okay
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 2. I have one grown son and I have a first grader at Kilpatrick. I spend quiet a bit of time volunteering in several areas of the school. I feel very fortunate to have my child attending this school. It is like a joint effort to make sure my child gets the best education possible. My hat goes off to the Principal, the Teachers, the Librarians, and the volunteers whom make this an awesome school. OKE Rocks
—Submitted by a parent

If you want average education and your child is a follower this school is for you. But if your child is a thinker, a kid who likes to learn an be challenge look someplace else. My child has been attending this school for 4 years now and we are looking into getting out of here. I do not feel that the educational level is up to our standards, plus the school has too many issues to solve with how they hire and monitor the staff. Yes, there are some excellent teachers, but it also has it share of teachers with no experience at all that can make children's life miserable. We have had our share in 4 years, enough to tell anybody if I could choose I would not go for OKE.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with all the reviews but one. I also have a student attending Kilpatrick who has ADHD and have found not only the teacher, but also the staff to be nothing but helpful. My previous second grader (now third grade) has reached new heights not only in curricular grades, but in behavioral as well. Kilpatrick has many programs which help ADHD children stay 'on target' One such program is assigning them an older 'helper' to make sure they understand and 'pull them back' if their mind does 'wonder'. In summary fantastic!
—Submitted by Terryann, a parent

Kilpatrick is a terrific school. The teachers, counselor, and principals are energetic and enthusiastic about learning. They provide fun incentives for the students who participate in various academic challenges and meet preset goals. The children are expected to perform at their personal best and are provided all of the necessary tools to do so. OKE is also very nurturing and appreciates parental involvement. My 2nd grader transferred here from a parochial school in LA at the beginning of the year and she was anxious about starting a new school. Her teacher warmly welcomed her, reassured her whenever necessary, and allowed my daughter's personality and confidence to flourish. OKE has an AR program, Eureka science, an inventive thinking design team (the true name of it eludes me) which K-5 are eligible to participate in. The school also has an outstanding music teachers who direct school musicals and great art teachers also.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at OKE are awesome! They go above and beyond to help those that are behind, as well as challenge those that need to be. School security is a priority and everyone from the office staff to teachers are very welcoming. I have a kindergartner and a third grader and I have only had very positive experiences.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately I have to disagree with the reviews posted here. If your child is an average or above average student without ADHD and its associated problems, I think this school is probably great. If you are like me with a special needs child with ADHD and behavior problems, look elsewhere. My child has been moved from classroom to classroom. The teachers I have encountered, as well as the counselors have no idea how to deal with problem kids, except to use punitive measures. Positive behavior management is not in their vocabulary. I have had nothing but a bad experience with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Kilpatrick is awesome! This is my 4th grader's first year there, and first year in public school. The teachers are all very young and energetic and motivated. They genuinely love and care for the students. The principal is the best ever - Mrs. Fleming rocks!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful! My son moved over here from another school within KISD, which he was very unhappy at. He is thriving at this school and loves each and every day. The principals and teachers actually enjoy children, something that was missing at our previous school.
—Submitted by a parent

Odessa Kilpatrick has proven to my family in a very short amount of time what a wonderful school it is. I have two children at Kilpartick both with there own special needs. I have been overwhelmed with joy at how they have helped my son be a succesful student. My son is visually impaired and they have gone above and beyond to make his day at school a successful learning enviroment, from the vision teachers to the regular ed teacher I can not say enough. They also have outstanding programs for children who just need a little fine tuning. I know my children will leave Kilpatrick welll prepared for the next stage in life. There trully in no child left behind at Odessa Kilpatrick Elementary.
—Submitted by Kelly Folkerts, a parent

Like most Katy schools, OKE meets outstanding requirements to make this school the best of the best. I have a child with special needs and I have found the Principal, counselor, diagnostician, dyslexia specialist, etc to all be experts in their field. My childs academic goals are obtainable through the knowledge and experience of those working with him. They help him to see and achieve successes, not failure. Thank you OKE!
—Submitted by a parent

Kilpatrick Elementary completed its first school year in 2003/2004. They offer before and after school care, nutritious lunches, TAKS review classes, science enrichment classes, GT classes, reading specialists, qualified teachers and staff, art, PE, music, Charter for Cub Scouts Pack 548, and a great general education academic program for your elementary child.
—Submitted by a parent