Keeley Elementary School

Will Keely is a very good school and my daughter has never been happier since we moved her from liberty grove.The office staff is very nice and the first thing my daughter said was''Mommy the teacher doesn't yell at us she talks to us and she explains things to me if i don't understand it.'' Her teacher is very nice and welcoming.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved in the middle of the school year from another state. We have a 2nd grader and a 4th grader. I am very impressed with the school and the curriculum. I feel welcome at the school-friendly office staff, teachers, and principal. I feel honored to have my children attend Keeley Elementary!
—Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for a school focused on learning, this is not the the school for you. As soon as you walk through the door the atmosphere feels very chaotic and not serious. The teachers here spend a lot of time gossiping instead of getting to know the children and parents. If something happens with a child at the school, at the end of the day all of the parents and teachers know about it. This is from personal experience; if it was my child that they were gossiping about I'd be upset! I've had two children at this school and so far, Mrs. Hass is the only one I've had any respect for. The whole time we were there I never saw the principal, my children thought the assistant was the principal. If you can afford it go to a private school. My children's grades have gone up and they like school a whole lot better since they have left Keeley.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that in the past 6 years I've had 2 students at Keeley (one currently) and the comments here (both negative and positive) are pretty much right on track. We've had excellent teachers but parent/PTA is certainly a clique of gossiping parents. Most of whom are stay at home moms who believe working moms are horrible parents (overheard personally at a PTA sponsored event). Agreed, you never hear from a principal unless a fund raiser phone notice is on the agenda...Overall my children received (and are still receiving) a good education from this school. As long as you don't rock the boat (heaven forbid you need to voice a concern with the office staff- counselor, secretaries, nurse, and principals), you will be fine. Also, just don't do anything you wouldn't want the teacher cliques to be talking about in the lounge at break!
—Submitted by a parent

The GISD allows you to choose which school you attend. The fact that Keeley continues to be full is very telling. My son has completed an entire school year, and he has an awesome teacher. There are worksheets to reinforce what is being taught, but it would be impossible for children to learn without being taught - especially in Kinder and first grade where most kids are beginning readers. My son has seen movies a handful of times at most, and that's only when it rains for weeks on end and they can't go outside (and it has several times this year). I actually had contemplated putting my son in a different school and am so glad I went with my first instinct. Keeley is above average for sure! And parent involvement is very much appreciated. You just have to ask where your talents can be used.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an EXTREMLY worksheet driven 1st grade school. This school also carries the 'attend by entitlement' atmosphere.....from the PTA to the staff. Certainly, every parent gets a different experience and if you want a worksheet driven school with parents who pretend to balance the world on their shoulders, then this is the school for you!
—Submitted by a parent

1st grade is all worksheet driven. The teachers don't 'teach' anything, they just pass out books and worksheets. Principal is just a disembodied voice on phone calls to encourage attendance at fund raisers at local fast food joints. Kids with morning recess will spend 85% of their time watching Rugrats and other cartoons, rather than outside. There is an extraordinary amount of television shown here in lieu of academics. Test scores are all they care about, and teaching to the test is all they do.
—Submitted by a parent

This will be my son's second school year at Keeley, and we have nothing but wonderful things to say about this school. True that the pick up/drop off is busy, but what school in the area isn't, they have alot of kids to get in cars each day!!!! My son had a few medical problems this year and everyone worked as a team to keep him on track. Ms. Bee was the most wonderful teacher that we could have hoped for!! I find parent involvement is up to the parent, last year we transfered mid year and was very involved, there was muffins fo mom, donuts for dad, many classroom parties and I even helped out in a couple classrooms. If you want more to happen join the PTA and get your ideas heard. We love Keeley and look forward to my daughter going there next year!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Keeley for 5 years and had the best teachers. My daughter loved going to school and loved learning. Its an excellant school and we have never had issues with the teachers or curriculum. Awesome. i have another child attending now and I would recommed this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school! My daughter attended and we pulled her out! Teachers are more interested in gossiping than teaching the children. Very work sheet driven. If you want the best for your child, please take them some where else. Most of the teachers have very little interest in the children. I don't know why people think Keeley is great. It's all for show!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been attending Keely for about a year, and so far I can't see what's so great about it. For starters, the drop-off/pick-up method is a total mess. Also, I've never seen or heard the principal except in automated telephone calls. I do wish that there were more school related events for the kids to participate in besides carnival day and skate night which is on a weekday. Lastly, parent participation does NOT seem very welcomed. I am very disappointed and will be searching for another school in the meantime.
—Submitted by a parent

Not a school you want to send your child to if they have any kind of learning disability. This school is my homeschool, everyone says how wonderful it is. Which it must be if your child doesn't need special services. I was probably one of the only parent trying to keep my child out of Keeley. Again, not that its not a good school, just not a good school if your child needs special Ed services.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a 5 yr old in ms. owens class grade k and a 4th grader in ms. wood's 4th grade class. They are very caring and very attentive teachers. I am greatful my children were able to have a fun and educational school year. Thank you Ms. Owen and ms. wood!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year in a public school, as we transferred in from a private Christian school. It is too early to give appropriate feedback on academics. I can say the Moose book that you pay $5.00 is helpful for keeping track of what is going on, and for communication between parent and teacher. Since it is just past the 6 week period, I've not had Meet the Teacher to get detailed information about the classroom curriculum times, and general questions a 'new' parent may have. My daughter is a 2nd grader, and has music alternating Friday's; P.E. is twice a week, and 1-2 Friday's a month. I'm not certain about Art class. As I learn more about Keeley, and develop opinions, I'll be certain to update.
—Submitted by Laura, a parent

Keeley is a great school. I believe it provides above average academic programs for all children. I believe for the most part the teachers promote positive education feedback to the children. Especially with the tutororials and extra assistance they provide. I feel that the children enjoy the school and receive great benefit from attending Keeley. The level of parent involvement is good and that is great to know. I will continue to allow my child and most likely my next child to attend Keeley.
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the best elementary schools in the district. The school encourages parent participation and the teachers are well respected in the school.
—Submitted by a teacher

OK if your child has no special needs. Too many students. It is crowded. Many teachers are on the alternative teaching plan. They have never taught, and often are inexperienced. Horrible communication. I have had 4 children, in ten years attend this school, and feel that all they care about is how they are rated in TAKS tests. They will do anything to be rated Exemplary. Very mean spirited staff.
—Submitted by a parent

All they care about is being rated Exemplary at any cost. Special Education is terrible. There have been 4 teachers in 4 years for Special Ed. No thought is given to the children and what is good for them. High level of parental participation, almost like clicks. Very dissapointing.
—Submitted by a parent

I am shocked and disappointed at these reviews. People are fighting to get their children into this school because of the exceptional quality education it provides yet the only reviews given to this point have been negative. Keeley is wonderful with excellent teachers who do everything a parent would want for their child. I am a parent of two Keeley students as well as an educator with 12 years of teaching experience at other schools and feel extremely lucky to have my children in this school. The principal is well respected and deservedly so. Her teachers respect her and work hard to maintain a subperb educational environment. We have been fortunate enough to have 4 exceptional teachers here and I know that quality teachers are hard to find. My recommendation to those who are unhappy is move elsewhere and make room for others who want their kids in an excellent school.
—Submitted by a parent

While I agree with some of the other reviewers, I have some positive feedback as well. Chaotic afternoon pickup, major safety issues. We have reported to city as well as school without much feedback. Principal and administrative comments in other reviews accurate. Trying to get help for kids with problems is impossible and a nightmare. However, I have had 2 wonderful, impressive teachers so far that have really made a difference in my childs education and have taken extra efforts to stimulate him. However, discipline seems to be too rough for the small things and not enough for things that matter.
—Submitted by a parent