Keeley Elementary School

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