Arthur H McNeil Elementary School

The school in is decline, but no administrator wants to admit it and no teacher wants to accept it. Therefore it continues on the same path. The proof is in the school rating downgrade. Principal lacks true leadership, a fake smile will only get you fake responses. The teachers are worn out and it is very apparent to me. There are a handful of teachers that truly enjoy being there, but they are not enough to lift the overwhelming doom and gloom that most teachers desplay. I personally know a couple of families that have decided to home school as an alternative to Mcneil, also a couple of other families that have sold their house and move to another school zone and one to another district. I can see it happening and they will deny it to the very end, not sure why????
--Submitted by a parent

I sent my children to McNeil elementary for 2 years. I was very happy with the teacher especially Kinder teacher. Caring and always send us up to date email about class activities. Some PTO are snobby but who cares, the teacher is good. They really enforce safety for children especially when they drop and pick up time. I think McNeil is way better than the school my children now attend in CA.
--Submitted by a parent

The staff at McNeil is extraordinary. They teach engaging lessons to the children. The principals are involved in every day activities and are fimilar with all the children of the school. Volunteerism is down, which would be expected in today's economy, especially at such a diverse school such as McNeil. The teachers appreciate all help that is given to them. I have volunteered at the school for the past 10 years and have never felt unwanted or unappreciated. The PTO has had difficulty getting parents involved. If there was a problem at the school, I would say it is lack of parental involvement. The school is rated exemplary and there have been two ISD teachers of the year in the past 5 years. I have child still at McNeil and would strongly recommend the school to anyone moving into McKinney.
--Submitted by a parent

My duaghter loves going to school everday. The teachers are dedicated, professional and develop their curriclum around today's learning styles.

Teachers & staff gossip. Principal is lacking in all areas. Teachers & staff do not appreciate their volunteers. PTO is snobby & board members get special privlages that others don't. Poor teachers who are not there for the kids! Had to get tutoring for both of my kids after the school year was over in order for them to be at grade level. Try to avoid sending your kids to this school if you can.
--Submitted by a parent

We recently moved to Texas. I thought this elementary school was in a 'better' neighborhood, but it's not anymore. It's filled with kids living with grandparents, problem kids, etc. Extracirricular activities are non-existent. Bullying is a big problem at this school. Their policy is to 'talk' to the kids... but there is no discipline past that. The teachers are nice, but detached. There is a serious lack of parental involvement... this year's biggest fundraiser (Mustang round up) saw about 25% participation from parents at all grade levels. Parent volunteers are constant no shows, the canned food drive was a huge flop (for instance, in my older child's class- 13 cans, 18 students, my child brought in 7 of them). Right now all grade levels are focused on 'unteaching' children writing in the D'nealian style, rather than on academics. I wish we'd chosen a different elementary school & neighborhood.
--Submitted by a parent

They have a wonderful staff,they teach are children how to make a difference by example, Our school is a 'Green' they recycle the rain water for the facility, I could go on & on. They take a personal interest in each child.
--Submitted by a parent

They have the most wonderful teachers any parent would love to have for their children. I can't express how much the whole staff there, from the office to the teachers and the principals too,has been such a great influence in my children's lives and mine, as well. They are truely the most remarkable group of caring and loving individuals that have become our extended family. I know I have been blessed having them in my families lives.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal is detached and stays in her office constantly. She allows the parents to dictate policy and discipline when faced with difficult decisions. Maybe she's an academic, but she seriously falls short in the 'people skills' area. The math program is seriously under-par.
--Submitted by a parent

The level of parental involvement at McNeil is tremendous. There are a lot of parents that help out and volunteer their time thus enabling the teaching staff to spend more time focusing on the children.
--Submitted by a parent