Anderson Elementary School

We have only been attending Anderson for 2 years now kinder and 1st grade and I must say that I am very very pleased with my child's education. My child loves to learn now and can't wait to do the homework and continue learning at home. At the beginning I thought I would have a real problem getting her to focus in school but both her kinder and 1st grade teachers have woken something up in her that I couldn't do and she is thriving in all areas. That tells me that the teachers at Anderson are doing something right, which means that they must have pretty good leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

When my daughter transferred to this school the first year she really began to excel. The second year I was less than impressed with her instructor and she is not fairing as well. Overall it seems like a decent school but the communication COULD NOT BE WORSE!!!! When they need money or are doing a fundraiser you will be notified 50x's and nice and early. If there is a school play, or your child is having trouble learning in class you won't hear a dang word.....My biggest gripe would be very poor communication from the school and teachers. It really depends on which teacher you get here, some of them are very good at what they do and some......not so much.
—Submitted by a parent

Anderson has always had good principals, however I have to agree with the parent who was upset because a group of students was being punished for the actions of a few. This is a reflection of the young and inexperienced teaching staff. Many of the people say it is a great school, but failed to list what really makes it great. Yes the teachers can be nice and smile every morning, but that doesn't make them great teachers. I have to say in my 5 years being an Anderson parent I have yet to see an experienced, concerned teacher with an interest in learning ability and environment. The teachers at Anderson only come to work. They are neither leaders nor teachers. Most of the them are very young, inexperienced, insensitive and care for nothing other than a paycheck. For example, children who are bullied are being ignored and bullied (spoken to in a mean tone) by the teachers, not all children receive the amount of attention needed to succeed, they speak to children in a demeaning manner, they allow children to behave badly and disturb the learning of others, if a teacher doesn't like the parent then she treats the child unfairly in class and the teachers have poor follow-up to parents.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff at Anderson Elementary are ALWAYS extremely helpful and in good spirits. I have had children attending this school for 8 years and have never had nor heard of a single complaint. One of my children has been diagnosed with dyslexia and the 504 meeting and program have been a true blessing to her and the growing knowledge level. I always observe several parents attending PTA events, open houses, and extracurricular activities sponsored at the school. The principal and assistance principal are visible throughout the school day and special events in addition to out supporting the other schools within the FriscoISD.
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE this school. My family has been at this school going on 5 years now and it just keeps getting better. It is so refreshing to have faculty and staff that are as interested and devoted to your children as you are. The teachers are there to make certain your children succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

The faculty and staff are always very interactive and upbeat with the students. The lesson plans are well-organized and all the classes within the grade are covering the same topics. The teachers communicate often with the parents through weekly newsletters, e-mails, and phone calls. My children enjoy going to school each day and come home excited about the new things they have learned.

This school is simply phenomenal. I have a kindergartener here, and we are very pleased with her classroom teacher. She is very easy to communicate with - I send her an email and she responds within a few hours or less! The administration proactively opened up a sixth kinder classroom so that the student-teacher ratios would remain small. My daughter is being challenged academically and assessed regularly - she is given guided reading homework that is really challenging and makes her think critically about the assigned book. There is also a tremendous sense of school spirit, due to the good Morning Anderson assembly / pep rally that gets kids excited to tackle the day. The classroom teachers proactively use technology - they update their website regularly and publish a weekly newsletter online. Curriculum and activities are well coordinated among the 6 kinder teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Anderson Elementary always brings the most qualified and loving teachers and staff. They promote good health in their curriculum and offer many classes and events for families. They are a strong resource in our community for families involved in evolving situations. The traditional family still exists within Anderson Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

This school cares for the kids. Parents are welcome and Teachers are always working with the parents in identifying the kids potential. Both my kids love this school and do not want to miss a single day. They just love coach Parkman and Coach Addis who make PE both fun and a learning experience. Our family is fortunate to be a part of Anderson Family.
—Submitted by a parent

This review is well overdue. For the way this school cares for our kids started when my kids first went to Anderson last year. My son was diagnosed with ADHD last school year. Yet through it all, the teachers, counselor and principal all worked with me to help my son. This year is no different. We have had a couple of issues already 3 days in and the counselor and teachers have once again been phenomenal with the care of my son. It means so much to know he is in great hands.
—Submitted by a parent

We just recently moved here from Dallad and I am in love with Anderson. My child has really shown her best potential.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children attending Anderson Elementary and am thrilled with the education they are receiving! The staff and faculty are warm and inviting as well as encouraging of parent - teacher relations. The teachers are respectful not only of one another and the students, but of the parents as well. Our family loves Art Night and Science Night - which are above the call of duty for these teachers. I am able to see their unique styles of getting the kids engaged in education as well as their enthusiasm for teaching. The GT program has been stimulating for our kids and has brought about a love for learning. I look forward to several more years with Anderson. Our family is fortunate to be a part of this unique educational family!
—Submitted by a parent

I visited this school 2 times this week and was disappointed to see that all the children were being punished because of a few troublemakers, with what they call a 'silent lunch' and 'no play recess' during recess. Lunch is a social occasion and if the kids are not allowed to release their energy during recess, what will happen during class time? The staff is very friendly but not willing to go the extra mile for any kid. My child is penalized a full 10 points for not including her name on a paper. She is assigned projects irrelevant to her cognitive abilities. I agree with the parent that said that this school is strict but not strong on learning. I get the sense that they are trying to increase TAKS scores but not so focused on kids actually using their brains to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Volunteering is nicely coordinated and parents are VERY welcome at the school. FISD GT program for my child's grade is nicely implemented in terms of curriculum and instruction, but POOR in terms of time devoted -- 1 hour per week pullout program equals 3% of instructional time. Too little time challenging gifted kids. Teachers very responsive to parents. I have always been made welcome to discuss any concerns, and action is taken.
—Submitted by a parent

(Novemenber 18, 2005) I love this school! The teachers and staff are wonderful! The level of parent involvement is very high which makes for a wonderful environment for our children. My daughter is currently in first grade so I don't really have too much experience with extravurricular activities yet, but I know they are available. I have been very happy with this school and plan on remaining in this area so that both my children will have the opportunity to attend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible principal, bad school. This school is rigid in rules yet seriously lacking in curriculum (as all Frisco ISD elementary schools are)!
—Submitted by a parent

Principal Polston does an outstanding job. Her love and enthusiasm for our children shows daily and flows through her team. Her team is skilled, creative and committed. My children have loved their teachers and are looking forward to another great year at Anderson.
—Submitted by H Blandford, a parent

Very Good school. Good test scores.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! Principal has been a great role model for parents and children. Plenty of creative & intelligent methods of making the kids enthusiatic about their education. I would highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by Deb NOTARNICOLA, a parent