Barksdale Elementary School

Compared to schools in the state is a great school compared to schools in the city of Plano it is average and nothing sets it apart like some others. It is a very large school based of the numbers of students the class sizes are always at the max # allowed and at times even over the max allowed by TX and then they have to get an ok for the school to have that many over. The Principal seems to only care about attendance and being at school on time. Ever Meeting I have been to she always drills that into the parents. When you do show up late without a dr. note she is very rude. Not a fan of hers. In the 4 years we have been there We have had 2 teachers that really cared about the progress of their students and went above and beyond the other 2 shouldn't be teaching kids this young they should be in a high school because they don't seem to care about really teaching and making sure the kids understand. The other parents are the one thing that saves this school they are great, always doing everything they can even for other students. They are true leaders
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with fantasic teachers and students. Many extra programs and great community. My son just graduated from here and I credit this school for helping him on his road to success.
—Submitted by a parent

Barksdale is an excellent elementary school. The teachers are wonderful and very experienced at dealing with a wide range of abilities and learning styles. The PE program is excellent, the kids go 4 times a week. Counseling program is great. Class sizes tend to be 19-21 children, a good balance compared to other area schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Barksdale is a fantastic school and it lends itself academically to all types of children. The school does an amazing job balancing their students differences by differentiating instruction and focusing on the students abilities and strengthening their weaknesses. The teachers are very professional and really show that they care for the students. Everyone in the school seems eager to help you and answer any of your questions. This is by far one of the best schools in north Texas. Just ask teh students because their opinion is what's most important.
—Submitted by a parent

To the parent who submitted the concern about the weak music program (8/8/06). There are new music teachers as of the beginning of the 2007-08 school year. They are super music teachers and my kids really love going to music now.
—Submitted by a parent

I moved to Plano for their schools and eventually chose Barksdale... I was very let down. My child has ADHD and they could not and would not deal with him. It was very frustrating as a single parent getting called at work several times a week to come pick him up. I would NOT recommend this school to anyone who has a child that is a little 'different'. The school and I finally made the decision to put him in the 'alternative' school, Byrd Special Programs, they have been wonderful with teaching him appropriate behaviors and other skills he needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I forever have enjoyed working at this school. We care about the students.
—Submitted by a teacher

We recently moved from other state.Our daughter started at first grade and she will be going to second grade this year.She enjoyed the first grade to full extent. With in short span, she had a lot of friends and she liked the her teacher very much. Education wise she did very well in English and Math. We are looking forward for the second grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Both teachers so far have been great except that the homework is more like parent work. Some of the directions I do not even understand!! And there has been a problem with lack of communication on when assignments are due. My daughter loves it and overall it's a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been at Barksdale since 2001. We have been very pleased with the original principal and the current one in 2006. The teachers work hard to keep the kids challenged. The school welcomes parent involvement. Music program is a little weak and I don't know what the goals are for P.E. but my kids love it there.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school is a very good one. The learning environment is a good one, the treachers are great. I do wish they would give more homework assignments.
—Submitted by Bryan Reid, a parent

Excellent school! The curriculum is challenging but children are nurtured toward success.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very impressed with Barksdale everything that you expect in a quality grade school is there. The only concern is tenure they seem to have some turnover for whatever reason.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Both of my children attend Barksdale and we are very happy with the staff and our childrens academic progress.
—Submitted by a parent

Very rigid. Nice setting. Good surroundings. Many teachers are overly anxious in dumpng homework on the children and forcing the partents to become 'partners'. The science fair is a farce. A competition for the parents to out do each other. Few, if any students acctually do the work. Leadership is questionalble. There are a few teachers who clearly have burn out, have chosen the wrong career, or are intimidated by the principal. Take heart, there will be a new principal for 2005-2006 school year. Yes, I'm a parent.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is probably a wonderful school if your child does not have a learning disability. However, it has been my experience that if your child does have a learning disability, be prepared to be the one to bring issues regarding your child's academic performance to the attention of the staff and administration, and not vice-versa. When the difference is identified, you can also expect a lack of communication and organization in relation to your child's IEP. The school seems to cater to children without such issues and give the minimal requirements necessary to those that need the assistance the most.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a terrible experience with Barksdale. My son spent the first 8 weeks of school with a sub until they could find a regular teacher because they were understaffed. Then they hired someone just coming out of student teaching. It was a nightmare for a child who is not used to change.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful neighborhood elementary - all of the teachers we meet seemed bright and helpful. The principal was outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

Barksdale Elementary has a well established reputation as a top quality public school. I have had at least one child there since it opened and we have always been happy with the academic programs, the staff, and the principal's leadership. Our children thrived at Barksdale.
—Submitted by a parent

My family experience with the school at Barksdale has not been a great one. The school does not offer enough for a child that needs extra help. I am a parent that goes to every meeting for my child and monitors my child's progress in school. Always seeking what's best for my child. The school doesn't offer different resources for a child unless the parent is heavily involved in the PTA . Most parents are working parents and don't have time to volunteer. Most schools keep up with a child's progress and offer different resources to help the family better educate the child. At Barksdale this empathy to help families is not established.
—Submitted by a parent