Caldwell Elementary School

I have so many mixed emotions about this school. There are wonderful teachers there that are being overshadowed by the bad ones. Just this year I have seen one grade lose most, if not all, of the kids who are on a higher academic level. It seems to be the parents that can get their kids out do so. This makes me question what kind of education my children are receiving. One classrooom has kids who are constanly sick. You can not tell me as a parent that this is just by chance. I have since found out that this classroom is where the sprinkler head broke and flodded the classroom, not only once but twice. When does someone stand up for the kids who don't have the parents with connections? When will the District step up and take notice that there is something wrong in this school? In just the short amount of time that I have been there, it's not hard to see where that problem is, the TOP. The principal does not like to confront any problem. He has no control over his staff. He punishes the bullied for taking a stand againt the bullies. They would not have to do so if the reports were taken seriously. "If we leave it alone it will go away" That is not what i want my kids to learn.
--Submitted by a parent

I also volunteer at this school and have a child who attends the dual language program. Every kindergarten class does have 24 students! Way too many for this special program and population of students at a title 1 school. At lunch they are told to stop talking and eat! Not so much told as yelled at. Constant negative feedback while eating, and if they should wiggle in their seats, lean over or sit on one foot, they are told to sit still and eat! I witnessed teachers scold and yell at students across the room in front of their peers. Teachers have also been teasing and speaking sarcastically to students. I assure you this all took place in my presence which leads me to believe that the teachers believe this behavior to be okay. This is unprofessional, demeaning and shameful and not the way any child should be treated. I was excited about the dual language program but extremely disappointed with class size and especially staff behavior.
--Submitted by a parent

The previous comments contain inaccurate information. A simple call to the school will clarify that enrollment is 540 students. There are no classes of 25 students. All classes are between 13-20 students. There is additional support to every classroom in addition to the low class size. There are instructional specialists, tutors, and classroom assistants. My child participates in the dual-language program and has been very successful in both languages. I have never experienced my child having to sit silently at lunch. I have seen (while eating lunch with my child) students who are separated for behavior reasons during lunch. My children have experienced bullying and seen it occur at school. However, I believe it was dealt with appropriately by the staff. Also, I volunteer at the school all the time. I have never been made to feel as though I wasn't welcome. I see many volunteers around the school. No school is perfect, but overall my family's experience has been positive at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

This used to be the best school in the city. Those days have vanished. The administration in this school is only there 50% of the time. The staff, with few exceptions, is rude, demeaning and a breeding ground for bullies in a position of authority. The amount of students in this school now pushes 650 and the class sizes are currently 25+. The teachers who have been fundamental for pushing kids to excel in the past, have been pushed out of this school. The dual language program looks great on everyone's resume but if you look deeper, it is seriously flawed. Most of these kids are months behind other schools. The presence of parents as volunteers is discouraged. The sence of belonging is no longer there. If your child is the target of a bully, they have no one to turn to. Rachel's Challenge is a travesty, kids who finally get the courage to speak up about a bully are dismissed. The only time these children are allowed to talk is at recess. They are so controlled that they aren't allowed to talk to one another at lunch. If they get in trouble in class recess time is taken away, they stand in line and look at the playground. If you have a choice to go to another school, TAKE IT!
--Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school. The teachers care about the students. I have 2 kids in this school and they love going to school. Now they have the english/spanish program. Paretns from all over the ISD are fighting to get their kids in this school/
--Submitted by a parent

The school have best teachers who really care about the kids and the education. They are willing to spend extra time for additional field trips, after school clubs and extra cirriculums. My 11 years old moved from a private school to caldwell at the 4th grade. We could not be any happier with the school and her teachers. She is now moving to the middle school. We will miss the school and all her teachers. They are the best !
--Submitted by a parent

I am underwhelmed! Under the former principal, the school was in the top third of the district. The current leadership has allowed the school to fall to the near bottom. Their primary interest is improving test scores and career advancement and not truly educating students. A child with an above average intellect flounders.
--Submitted by a parent

The district philosophy emphasizes a friendly, welcoming attitude toward the students and it is fulfilled 100%. The campus always looks great and my daughter loves this school.
--Submitted by a parent