Cambridge Elementary School

My children are in 1st and 3rd grade and are doing very well in their studies. I do agree that there are some teachers who are pushing green agendas, but I think that is a direct influence by the Department of Education, and a travesty for public schools in general. That said, the class sizes are relatively small, parents are actively engaged and to paraphrase the superintendent - teachers are encouraged to teach according to their lesson plans rather than teach to pass a test. While AHISD gets a bad rap for being elitist, I think the atmosphere is fairly balanced and the children especially integrate well regardless of their economic backgrounds, cultural differences and ethnicities. It really is sad that this distinction has to be made, but since other posts alluded to it, I wanted to make sure I addressed it and confirmed that Cambridge is a school designed to ensure all children thrive in their academic careers. There are an abundance of enrichment courses and physical education courses available, it is worth the extra property taxes we pay to ensure our children receive the best education possible.
—Submitted by a parent

Cambridge is an excellent elementary school and worth every penny we pay in Alamo Heights property taxes. Our son is in the Spanish Immersion program and Strings. His teachers have high academic standards and consistently teach with enthusiasm and creativity. While AH may be perceived as elitist, our son has a diverse group of friends both in and outside of Spanish Immersion. Parents are highly involved and Cambridge administration is focused on preparing children for academic excellence.
—Submitted by a parent

Change is a part of life, when I had a concern regarding my child the principal he set aside time (from I am sure a very busy schedule) to let me discuss the situation. A plan of accountability was established and he asked me to follow up with him. I felt his genuine concern not only for my child but all the children at Cambridge. This is my 3rd child at Cambridge, first time in Spanish Immersion, her teacher is great! They encouraged more participation, by urging her to test for G/T, entering in the Technology Showcase, not just to be satisfied for just showing up at school. The music program is great ,as a parent who son started in Strings and is now in HS Band. The HS Band fosters a family atmosphere which I know the Band/music directors from elementary to Jr High to High School strive for.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm frustrated with the revolving door of principals. The campus is definitely not what it used to be. Too many traditional teachers, or too many green teachers. The spanish immersion program is too elitist. Also too many discipline problems.
—Submitted by a parent

Cambridge is an amazing school. Our son came here for 3rd grade from an ISAS private school and this school is light-years ahead than anything his old school had. Wonderful, caring teachers. Outstanding fine art department - the annual family art night is an amazing event & the afterschool music program is just fabulous. The librarians worked up a summer reading list for our son tailored to his interest & needs. The dyslexia program is 5++ stars - Mrs. Dolan you are a treasure! There is limited teaching to TAKS needed because the students know the work already. Students are happy at this school and it shows.
—Submitted by a parent

Cambridge has seen an enrollment increase due in part to its emphasis on enrichment opportunities including a four year Spanish immersion program, strong after school opportunities including gymnastics, cooking, chess, pottery etc, and an emphasis on technology integration. Over half the teaching staff have a Masters degree and the partnership between parents, administration, teachers and students is terrific. It has a small town feel in an urban setting. The new principal is doing a great job of bringing in the best talent and maintaining excellence as many veteran teachers approach retirement.
—Submitted by a parent

Have several kids enrolled here for years. It is not as good as it use to be. The few old teachers that remain are pulling the load for the weak green teachers that have been recently added. This use to be the best school in SA, no now. My child TAKS scores dropped last year even though she made all 'A's.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is currently in third grade & daughter in first grade at this school. I LOVE it. Unfortunately we are moving, hence the looking around on this website. Cambridge is a wonderful neighborhood school with excellent parent involvement (PTO, library volunteers, field trips, etc.) Many families walk to school. The faculty is concerned with safety and communicates well with the parents on all issues. We have a new principal & new VP this year, plus about 19 new teachers - everyone seems pretty happy with the new additions & changes so far. PTO runs a fantastic after school program. (gymnastics, fencing, cooking, chess, football, spanish, etc) I will be VERY sad to leave.
—Submitted by Shelly, a parent

My daughter just completed the first grade at Cambridge and she had a wonderful experience. The school has a small town very personal atmosphere. It is an academically rigorous school with a very bright student population as well as very developed art and music programs. The teachers are all fantastic and very experienced. Even thought it is a a public school it almost feels like a private institution, perhaps becasue of its relatively small size and that most students live within a few miles from the school. The parents are very involvd in the school and this really makes a difference in terms of special events such as family art nights, etc. Cambridge is truly a unique and special place.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Cambridge for two years. We came to it from a private school in Los Angeles and have been consistently pleased with the quality of the education and the warmth of the teachers -- I consider a warm student-teacher relationship important to the learning process. Although there is some 'teaching to the TAKS test', Cambridge has the high-caliber student body and resources to go far beyond. The fourth grade put on a musical whose professionalism astounded me. The arts program is highly valued and the evidence is all over the school's walls. The library is enormous and, despite the size of the school, the librarian is able to recommend books for each individual student. The administration is highly responsive. All in all, Cambridge combines academics with varied and creative approaches to learning.
—Submitted by Victoria, a parent

Great school, dedicated teachers. Lots of parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

This school may be inner - city san antonio but, it has rural qualities. The staff and teachers are fantastic and they do there absolute best to find out all about your child; as well as, how to help your child to have a wonderful and progressive year. I am sad to have to leave but, hopefully I will return the following year and my child will again attend this alamo heights school district of san antonio, texas.
—Submitted by a parent

i am amazed at the level of education. The amount of national honor society awarded through this district are high.
—Submitted by patrick, a parent

We have been very happy at this school. They provide a good environment and involved teachers. In our classes, the teachers have commented that their are virtually no discipline problems. Teachers a excellent and have a variety of experience, from recent grads to 20 years of teaching. They have good programs, GT, spanish immursion, reading, music, and after school enrichment classes. The school seems to be a little of a throw back to the 1950's - which is good. The school is within walking distance for most people and is in the center of the neighborhood. This is a school where most teachers and administration will know your child's name and yours. Other parents look out for your children as well as their own. Parents are welcome at any time and there are several opportunities to get involved. PTA is very active. Parents in this school put education as a high priority.
—Submitted by m b, a parent

its the greatest school! we especially like the heights program and the heights teachers,ms hansel and ms veasy. -emily
—Submitted by a former student