Glen Oaks Elementary School

Glen Oaks is in a beautiful community and has the benefits of extensive parental involvement. Our children attended the school under the former and present leadership. The school has declined significantly in test scores and satisfaction under the direction of the present principal. Unfortunately, nepotism is rampant in MISD which has allowed her weak, ineffective leadership, as well as several members of the teaching staff, to continue at Glen Oaks despite countless complaints for many years from families. They teach to the mediocre masses and focus strictly on standardized tests. If your child is over or under the median, do not expect anything extra. We left as soon as we could.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children attend Glen Oaks and we could not be more disappointed in the experience they have had while there. The climate of this school is extremely negative and bullying is a serious issue. Many of the teachers are very negative with the children. There is a lot of yelling and shaming of children especially in the upper grades. There is a remarkably high focus on standardized testing and getting the scores the school needs to appear impressive to the community. Unfortuately, many of the teachers are extremely out of touch and fail to use best practices for teaching. Some do not even seem to like kids. The principal is a weak leader and is not helpful in any way when issues arise. In fact, parents who bring problems out in the open are pretty much ostracized. The community is lovely and parents are extremely involved in the school. Still, the educational environment has become so bad at Glen Oaks that we have decided to move our children to another school. Though there are a few teachers who are exceptional, in general, this climate of the school is inferior to other schools in McKinney. Proceed with caution if you choose to enroll your child here.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children at Glen Oaks Elementary and we have been so blessed for our children to attend this school. In reference to the reviewer disappointed with the getting assistance for her child, we have had the total opposite experience. The teachers and principal at Glen Oaks have been wonderful with my ADHD child. As a working parent, my children attended private daycare until they were old enough for elementary school. My ADHD child had a terrible time at private school - the teachers and principal could care less about helping him. Private schools don't have to take difficult kids. In most cases, they tell you upfront that they can't take your child or they kick them out during the year. I hope you'll consider giving the teachers and principal at Glen Oaks another chance. They have done do much for building up my child's confidence after he was emotionally torn to pieces at private daycare.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attends this school and I would be the first to say he can be difficult. My opinion of this school is the teachers and on up the chain do not want to be bothered with children who need more attention. They want only students who excel and make the numbers look good. All the rest are pushed aside and the parents are encouraged to move them to special ed. Many of the children don't need special ed. They need a good teacher. This is not the place to find one. I feel we pay high tax dollars for this school and it is a shame we will have to carry the expense of a private school to educate our child. The only other option is to move.
—Submitted by a parent

Four of my children have attended Glen Oaks since 2004 and I have been an active parent. I consider Glen Oaks to be pretty average - not outstanding. There are many issues that I feel have been left unresolved by the principals and have gone without adequate parent communication. There seems to be a lack of administrative presence at the school. Almost all recently hired teachers are brand new to the teaching profession and only a few seem to really care about their students. Due to the high amount of parent involvement at the school, it seems that many teachers there just stop doing their jobs when a parent comes in to volunteer. They just rely on the parents to do too much. When I was a room mom, I was chewed out by a teacher (not even my child's) because she thought our class parents were not working hard enough!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughters have had a great experience at Glen Oaks. They have wonderful teachers who truly love the children. However, I haven't been very satisfied with the principal in her handling and resolving of situations. She doesn't take action. You go to her with a problem and walk away feeling like you just wasted your time. Many of the parents of Glen Oaks kids feel this way. Despite this, the education here is first rate as well as the p.e., art & music.
—Submitted by a parent

Glen Oaks is a great elementary school. No school is perfect but Glen Oaks tries very hard. The principal at the school is very in tune with the kids and parents are highly involved which really makes this a great working mix for all. There are a number of newer teachers but I think they bring a fresh mix of excitement to the school. This year 5th grade has added a male teacher and my daughter thinks he is great!! The Art's and Music program are fantastic and my kids love the teachers. PE is fun and the kids also get a great work out 3 days a week. This is my daughter's last year at Glen Oaks and I know that she will cherish all the staff and memories 100%. I would rate this school high because it is consistant from year to year!!
—Submitted by a parent

great school, honestly innosent

We were very unhappy at this school. My children were never taught cursive. Like the other mother said, 'Why teach it if it is not on the TAKS test?' Unfortunately, our children are getting a less than average education because of this attitude.
—Submitted by a parent

Glen Oaks is a wonderful school with lots of ways for the childrent to become involved.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic quality of this school has been excellent in the past; however, the test scores were not as good the last couple of years and we have dropped to recognized status I believe. There are some excellent long term teachers that have been there for awhile but some of the newer teachers seemd to be average at best. This is the only elementary school I have ever been at so I don't have a lot to compare it with but my kids have been there the entire time and do excellent on the district assesments. The extra-curricular teachers are exceptional i.e. music, p.e, and art and are long-term teachers. You sill not find better and the kids love all of them. Parent involvement is highly encouraged and there are many activities that are done by only parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter transfered into this elementary school this year and I have been disappointed in the quality of the teachers. I had heard so many wonderful things about the school, but some of the fifth grade teachers just impatient and somewhat out of touch. Also, I am one of the few parents who is not in line to volunteer every week due to having a job outside of the home. I don't seem to get as much feedback from the teachers while the parents who are there grading papers for the teachers are given priority. I had not encountered this problem in any other schools. I am impressed with the Principal and the PE Coach is very committed to the students.
—Submitted by a parent

We, like so many others experienced frustrations with surrounding school districts, however, that all changed moving to McKinney. The principal greets children daily, and within months pretty much can call each of the 600+ students out by name! The parents are involved, the TAKS test scores are outstanding and the teachers CARE> alering you immediately of problems no matter how small. You are always kept informed of your child's progress. There is a great open-door policy and scheduling an appointment with teacher/principal is never delayed or difficult. The students and staff always seem happy!
—Submitted by Cher Lon Malik, a parent

We moved from Plano so that our kids could attend Glen Oaks. My 2 boys finished Kindergarden and 2nd Grade at Huffman Elementary last year. It was an oppresive environment. I found most of the teachers to be unhappy (actually, downright miserable and unfriendly). The lack of parental volunteerism and support was dissapointingly low. The Principal was not receptive to parents. The list goes on. We have found the exact opposite at Glen Oaks. From day 1, Aug 2003), I was blown away by the professionalism of the staff. From the Principal, Guidance counselor, office staff, cafeteria manager, teachers, parents,etc. I was always greeting with a smile and 'what can I do for you?' type of attitude. My boys are so happy and excelling in their acamdemics. They love school. We couldn't be happier as a family. We thank our lucky starts that we found Glen Oaks.
—Submitted by Meg Creedon, a parent