Bear Branch Elementary School

My child has been at BB for 3 years and starting his 4th. We've had awesome and concerned teachers. I've had interaction with several teachers and love them all. Most of the critical reviews are old and we don't actually know what the child was like. I have a friend whose child is high strung and won't listen to authority. Does that make the school bad? No. It means you want to school to cater to your child.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Bear Branch!!! Great teachers, friendly parents, nice kids. We've been here for 3 years now, loved every minute of it!
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately we have since moved out of state and have yet to find a school as good as this one. I've read some of the complaints here and must admit I'm shocked! Granted 'some' teachers might be considered 'average' but the overall academic expectations are anything but. We LOVED the Spanish Emersion program and have yet to find its equal. There IS a lot of emphasis on appropriate classroom behavior but having witnessed the alternative enviornment, that's a PLUS in my book! Last but not least, the parent involvement at this shool is excellent and a HUGE part of their success. What I loved best about it was the fact that the teachers actually ecouraged, if not expected it. They were constantly offering opportunities for parents to get involved and encouraged us to participate in classroom activities when it was deemed appropriate. The kids and I absolutely love this school!
--Submitted by a parent

- The teachers are not looking into challenging the kids. Homework takes 5 min, and my G/T labeled kid comes some days with no homework! - Everybody is happy while our kids are ill-prepared to compete, which may explain why Kingwood schools have been in decline.
--Submitted by a parent

What a fabulous school!!! The teachers really care about the welfare of each and every child. Both of my children have attended BBE and I can honestly say they got a superb eduction. The teachers stretch the children's thinking far beyond the expected 'TEKS' while also foster their emontional and social learning. The leadership at BBE is wonderful as well! Parents are a huge part of the school environment! You can find parents reading to children, listening to children read, playing math games, helping teach science lessons and facilitating many great PTA events. I can not think of a better school. They really go out of their way to make it a great place for kids to actively learn with hands on fun!
--Submitted by a parent

We recently had to move out of Texas and hated to leave this school. My son absolutely loved Bear Branch. It is a very nurturing school. My only complaint would be the academics could be stepped up a notch. Much more was expected of him from his new school. But, overall, we were very pleased.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great. The parents are highly involved, and the teachers take a lot of pride in what they do. The extra programs such as the gt program (wings), spanish immersion, and programs for special needs children make it a fantastic school. The only thing holding it back from being 'exemplary' is the raw science scores, which the parents and teachers are working on. I'm glad my first kid goes there, and can hardly wait to start with my second kid there.
--Submitted by R R, a parent

Hardly any homework given, classes far behind than private school attended in san antonio
--Submitted by a parent

This school has a few teachers who are great (in grades K and 1), but most of the teachers are cranky, uninspired and have no apparent affection for children. The principal has no understanding of or connection with the children, and it shows in the school's downhill spiral in ratings. Beware if you have a son attending, unless he is silent and never moves. The focus at BB is on silence. The constant mantra preached to children is 'Be respectful,' and the teachers use negative reinforcement in the form of conduct marks which are handed out constantly. The halls of BB are silent, and very little participation is encouraged, as that would break the silence. Parents are called for the slightest infraction (once I was called because my son giggled in music). Most of the teachers there can barely crack a smile. I only wish we'd gotten them out sooner!
--Submitted by a parent

The principal at Bear Branch Elementary is not available to parents or students. She does not support the science structure in the school. She believes in 'look but don't touch learning'. She does not support hiring a science teacher but did hire 2 art teachers and 5 spanish teachers for a small group of children. Parent involvement is decreasing rapidly under her leadership. However, the teachers are wonderful and still manage to cope even when their grade assignment is changed yearly.
--Submitted by a parent