Elizabeth Smith Elementary School

The teachers here work hard but the parent involvement is weak and those parents who aren't spending adequate time with their kids breed behavior problems and kids who soak up all of the resources...we moved here from another state and were drawn to our golf neighborhood by the beautiful, huge and affordable houses. Now I wished we would have looked in the Boren/Willie Brown area, where the homes are not as "nice" but my kids aren't learning gang slang at school. :(
--Submitted by a parent

We have been so lucky to be able to spend 5 full years at Elizabeth Smith. The teachers are dedicated to the students and really work well together as a team! We have been really pleased with our child's progress! As we move on, we will miss the school, teachers and also the awesome parents who are also a tremendous part of the success.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids have been enriched by the curriculum and the wonderful teachers at Elizabeth Smith. The teachers in this school work hard to insure the kids not only do what is expected, but go beyond what is required so the kids can really excel.
--Submitted by a parent

I have worked in education for 30 years; 5 yrs. in administrations, 17 yrs. at a middle school and 8 yrs. in elementary. The past three years have been at ESE and they have been the best. I have read all of the reviews on ESE and am amazed at a couple of the parents comments about the leadership and teachers here, and felt I just had to reply. ESE has teachers who teach with such caring and heartfelt interest of each individual child's success (academic as well as self esteem, support). As for the leadership of this school from the Principal, VP, and support staff it is among the very best, and my experience backs this up. ESE has more extra curriculum activities for the students to be involved in. I wish parents would look beyond their own personal agenda and see all the good and wonderful things happening here.

Excellent school, blessed with a wonderful teacher and faculty. The end of the year program was awesome! Very well-organized. Looking forward to next year!
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school in the third grade. I was very disappointed in the cirriculum. Class time is devoted to TAKS (state) testing, and the homework to cover the basics is way too much, due to very little time left to cover them in class. The bullying level for my child was extreme. The way this school distict handles that is to offer to move the bullied child to a different class. They also do not have any music program such as plays. This was the first school that we have not had a year end program or play. Very disappointing overall. We will put our son in private school next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I am an involved parent and my child has been at this school for 4 years. ESE has many great teachers in spite of poor leadership by the principal. Great test scores are a reflection on students and teachers. When is MISD going to wake up and smell the coffee? This principal needs to be replaced with a loving and positive role model and not one only waiting to retire!
--Submitted by a parent

This is the 4th year for my child to attend ESE. I have an older son that has attended 3 different Elementary schools including 2 Private schools. ESE is the biggest school we have ever attended and I feel very welcome and included. I am very involved and make myself available and the administration welcomes it. Parents who complain about administration and the Teachers are not giving them a chance or are not involved-in my opinion. The different clubs and Programs available to the children are awesome. Whenever I have had an issue, I have taken it to the Teacher, Counselor, or Principal, and have always been treated fairly and with respect. I would recommend this school to anyone!
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attended ESE for the last 3 years and our experience has been outstanding. I am confused to read about the administration only being concerned about test scores and job security. The staff at ESE are exemplary and they have the rating to prove it. We could not ask for better leadership, we have never had a problem with meeting with the teacher or principal and people need to understand that they have schedules too and can not always speak to you when you come to the school. Learn to make an appoitment and look at the situation from the other side and don't be quick to judge our teachers and administration staff. With the recent event of an attack at one of the sister schools, we believe our child is in a safe and supported environment. Keep up the good work ESE and Thanks for being GREAT!
--Submitted by a parent

My children attended ESE for 4 years. I absolutely loved every one of their teachers, however I felt administration was only concerned with test scores and job security. The exemplary rating ESE holds means nothing to me at this time. The main goal was that score and not the knowledge our kids will need to survive in the world in which we live. The principal was extrememly unsupportive of the facutly/staff, the PTA and only seemed to look out for herself. My children no longer attend this school because dealing with admn was a daily beating. The teachers that worked so hard and cared so much were belittled, at times unmotivated and many tried to transfer to other campuses within our district. I wish MISD would take a closer look at the admin they put in place as leadership makes or breaks a school.
--Submitted by a parent