Willow Springs Elementary School

The staff has been increibly welcoming, polite, and helpful. Our daughter seems to be very enthusiastic about her "new school." We were a bit hesitant to send her here given the previous ratings and school's performance. However, there is a new principal is charge this year. They seem to be off to a fabulous start! They had a welcoming orientation prior to "Meet the Teacher" night for the pre-k group. That was wonderful for the parents to be able to see where their babies would be going. We were very happy about that. "Meet the Teacher" night is a bit busy. That would've been a bit overwhelming first school experience for these young children. They seem to take security very seriously with the children - 100% ID check which as a parent I appreciate tremendously. I've seen nothing but smiles from the kids. Looking forward to a super great year for our daughter!! The school is also very diverse which we can appreciate!!! What a wonderful learning opportunity to be with children of all different backgrounds!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

2011-2012 I had both of my girls in this school. Pre-K and 4th grade. Pre-K was good (could've been better) but 3rd and 4th was horrible. Our oldest is quite smart, but gets bored REAL fast of the subject once she's learned the subject. The teachers would tell us that they would challenge her, but never did. They made her sit and be quiet while everyone else finished their work since she was done. She did this for a couple of weeks and then quit all together because she was bored. You could NEVER get in to talk to the principle, but you could talk to the VP. Not that that did any good. Yes, We understand your concerns and we promise that we'll address these issues. Yet nothing again would be done! I am SO glad that neither of my girls will attend this school again! A few of the teachers taught my girls discrimination and I am NOT okay with this!
—Submitted by a parent

We've only been through pre k and kindergarten and so far I'm happy with them. The teachers we have had so far are great!! The principle is awesome, you can tell he loves and cares for the students!! I see him e dry morning and afternoon when dropping off and picking up. I've spoken with him on several instances and he has addressed the problem every time!! We are going into 1st grade and a new student into pre k. Looking forward to another great year!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I immediately pulled both my children out of WSES. The TAG program is non-existant (was told that my TAG student would not get the gifted education she was entitled too, and that I should just move her up a grade so she doesn't get bored... within the first 2 weeks at school, I transferred her to another elementary school in KISD that did have a TAG program). The principal runs for cover when a parent requests to see him, and the office looks at and speaks to parents like we are an inconvenience. Parking/pick up is unbelievable, with the admin not doing anything to direct horrible traffic (was almost hit a few times trying to cross parking lot due to parents blatantly parking at the "no parking" signed curb). Even after Killeen Police have been called several times, admin stands by and tells us "parents will do what they want - we can't control them". Another occasion, it took admin 4 days to clear an active wasps nest at the pre-k pick up door, even as we were dodging active wasps swooping down at us while we grabbed our children and ran. I just PRAY that my daughters in-district transfer is approved again next year. I would rather home school then have my children attend WSES.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at this school many years ago and I would like to know if my teacher still works there or anyone knows Mirian Jacob if anyone could help me please please please let me know thank you ...

I have 2 daughters going to this school. I give one star since the pre-k seems to be a great class for my youngest. My oldest is in 4th grade and this school is so unorganized. I hope come next year neither of my girls will have to attend this school again.
—Submitted by a parent

We are a military family, much like most of the other families in this area. We moved here from GA. My daughter went to Willow Springs for a week before I withdrew her and put her in a wonderful private school. When she was at Willow Springs she had some adjusting to do, remember we did just move her 1000 miles away from everything she knew. She was in kindergarten. She was misbehaving and acting out a little but most schools understand that it is her adjusting. No, not this school. I had a parent/teacher meeting her 6th day into being in this school for her behavior. The teacher actually sat there and told me that my daughter needed counseling. They didn't even give her time to adjust. Plus she was already reading, that's how far ahead GA schools are. They were learning the letter B in January at Willow Springs.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has gone here for 3 years. We moved and my son has adjusted to the new school at all as he has PDD. The principal has helped wtih getting him transferred back to WSES. Although I wish they would help more with getting him the therapy he needs for his PDD. He needs in school therapy. I will have to go to other people to make the school help him this year. Good school though
—Submitted by a parent

I am truly happy that my child is a student at Willow Springs. There are a few things that I would like to see happen. More extracurricular activities for the Kindergarten class. The P.E. Room with central air and heating.Also there have been a few occassions that I have not felt as though the office staff was as attentive as they should of been. I should feel at ease with all the staff and I can't say I feel that with the front office staff. Parents are involved in many of the activities and programs. We adore all of our childs teachers. Her home room teacher is wonderful. When we pick our child up she always has a great report about how much she learned or what she did that day in her classes. The fact that she can tell me what she learned says alot to me.
—Submitted by a parent

The tag program is great. Ms Anderson the thrid grade tag is the best that they come. This year in 4th grade it seems to be the total oppisite. This is the first year my child has dreaded going to school every day. However on the positive side the principal and school counsler are wonderful and have been a big help. If only every teacher was a Ms Anderson, then all the kids would have the best of the best and the stuff going on this year would not be happening.
—Submitted by a parent

my child is attending this school. it is very advanced teaching wise. before my child came to this school, he was at a cicero school bearly being teached anything,like 2+2=4. When he transfered over to Willow springs school they were teaching division and fractions. The teachers took there time and teached him well and he is now a honor student. He was also struggling to read, not anymore. great school
—Submitted by lisa MILLER, a parent

We've had 2 children at this school for 2 years. It has taken 18 mos to get the schools attention that my children were in accelerated classes prior to enrolling here. As a result, I now have 2 children losing interest in their education at school, but are still eager to learn at home. Make sure you are heard when you need to voice your concerns. It shouldn't take kids being literally 'bored to tears'...
—Submitted by Deborah Thompson, a parent

Since we are a military family, we have been in many schools all over the world. This school is one of the friendliest schools that I have ever had the pleasure to be involved with. I have 4 children in school currently, 3 of which are at Willow Springs. The teaching is excellent, and the overall atmosphere is very welcoming. The staff is very diverse. If you have problems with any of the teachers, the administration bends over backwards to try to remedy the situation. Often, a class change is the answer. Again, highest compliments to Willow Springs.
—Submitted by a parent

I think more effort and attention should be placed on parent involvement with the learning process for their children. I also believe more than just a few of the teachers in this school are biased racially and you get what you get from them and the leadership. The teachers and staff are considered always right no matter how wrong their action may be. Too bad. Sometimes we as parents due [to] situational things can't change schools and just have to pray that each day will be a good and blessed day.
—Submitted by a parent