Kopperl School

Kopperl school is a jewel. The administrators and teachers are committed to the students and will provide one on one instruction as needed. I'm especially impressed by the principal: she is passionate about improving school quality. To her credit, the school invests in the kids' education, not in overhead. Discipline is kind but firm. The biggest drawback: The curriculum sticks to the three Rs; I wish there were more enriching educational experiences. On balance, we're happy with our children's educational environment and we would recommend the school highly to other parents who are seeking a safe, nurturing environment for their children.
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of the academic program at Kopperl ISD for K-3 is superior to other schools in the area. The Reading First program gives struggling students the opportunity to improve and reach their full potential. Grades 4-6 teachers are very good and the students are fully prepared to attend JH classes. Art in HS is good, which is shown when you enter the cafeteria and see the student's work displayed. Music is not available, which is sad because the students would probably love to have the opportunity to participate in a music program. However, theater arts is very big and the one act play has excelled at Kopperl ISD. Parent involvement is lacking, but the parents that do help and get involved do a good job. PTO is a great help and give back continually to the students. Overall, Kopperl ISD is great for a 1A school.
--Submitted by a parent

There needs to be some adjustment to the administrative council. Like one of the posts said, there is a close knit setting. If you are not in the circle of people who know one another on a personal basis then you are left out of the loop. They have a wonderful sports program, and that is about it for after school activities. Art is not a major thing in K-ISD, and there is no music class available at this time. Some good is, that since it is such a small school the teachers and students get to learn on a more one on one approach(instead of feeling like a number at some other schools). The children learn life lessons not taught at other schools. I believe this is a good school for the most part. I also believe that there could be some serious improvement to the administrative part.
--Submitted by a former student

I would like to discuss of how someone said that the teachers teach to the TAKS testing. This is true because of the No Child Left Behind Act. The teachers are pretty much required to teach to the TAKS testing because everyone must pass this test in order to graduate. It's the congress's fault. Kopperl ISD is lacking in some area's, but what 1A school with only 289 students enrolled isn't?
--Submitted by a former student

There are lots of improvements that need to be made. This school district, and town are a joke.
--Submitted by a former student

First, our school board is a joke! I have yet to see a posting to let the community know when and where they hold their meetings. And I thought board members were elected...I've never seen an election. Second, there is a lack of communication with the school to the parents. For example, we had a homecoming parade and there was never a note sent home to the parents. Academically, the school could improve. The teachers teach to the TAKS, so that the numbers look good. If your child struggles, this is not the school for them. As far as extracurricular, there is no music class or art class, so unless your child plays sports their wont be anything for them to do. This school needs someone to take a stand to the small town ways.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is lacking in many areas. Academically it is behind. We have had some good teachers at this school, but we can't seem to keep them. Athletics is pushed on the kids but not much is said about academics. Discipline is very lacking. The staff and teachers do not have control of their own classroom.
--Submitted by a parent

Lots of good goes on here academically, but in dire need of stronger administration (this oppinion is based on numerous discipline problems). Due to the 'close knit' of the administrative figures to each other and school board members it is not much good to go to superintendent or school board about issues; just gives them something to 'talk about' (small town talk) and hold against you and your children! parent involvement is mostly discouraged. There are some very good staff members. Discipline and dress code are huge problems here.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff are definitely the strong point for the Kopperl school. They care about the students. The students made good TAKS scores, perhaps aided by the intensive drilling and special classes prior to the tests. Students who are perceived as low achievers are encouraged to seek the Minimum HS degree plan. The parents attend sporting events, open house, and the fall festival but not the school board meetings. Parent involvement such as working in the concession stand or providing snacks is encouraged.
--Submitted by a parent

While Kopperl is a small school and can't provide some of the opportunities a larger school can; the teachers make up for this 'deficiency'. If a child is having a problem in a specific subject area, teachers will provide one-on-one help to that child and the great thing about this school is that other teachers will also pitch in and help, if needed. Most of the teachers and staff take a personal interest in the students even if they've never had that student in their own particular class! In my experience, the staff and teachers at Kopperl are more like an extended family to our children. While not all of the teachers are 'top-of-the-line', our children have been fortunate in getting those teachers who are. Their teachers have had high expectations and helped the students reach them. Overall, we're pleased with our childrens' educational experience at Kopperl.
--Submitted by a parent