Thousand Oaks Elementary School

Both my boys love school this year. We have new administration, Mrs. Mai and Mrs. Pearce, who are wonderful and always out and visible to parents, and communicate with each parent effectively. This year, my boys have Mrs. Hinders and Ms. Wood who really care about them not just teaching them. They are both outstanding teachers. When we get there in the morning, they are greeted by name by the coaches, Mr. Keller, both Ms. Shaws and everyone else says good morning. So far it has been a great year.
--Submitted by a parent

Very unsatisfactory school. Mrs. Moore, you should be ashamed of yourself and the way you expect young children to behave. They are KIDS, not mini adults. The principal is not much better.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Thousand Oaks since Kinder. She just finished first grade. And she has been very successful at thousand oaks. Before she went to this school her reading level was very low. And with the help of Ms. Rubacalba and Mrs. Ritchie. She is ready for second grade. She is at the second grade reading level. I really love Thousand Oaks and I wouldnt have her go annywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a kindergartener and she really enjoyed this school. Her teacher is Mrs.Rubalcaba and she is a wonderful teacher. Very caring and communicates well with the parents.. The only problem I have is; I NEVER saw the principal, I couldnt even tell you what she looked like.. At first I thought this school had no principal, sad but true... I even tried to make an appointment w/ her just to say, 'Hello were new to Texas and I would just like to just introduce myself and see who my childs principal is... No Luck! So my 4 Stars is for the teacher...Mrs. Rubalcaba- Thank you for being such an amazing teacher to my daughter!
--Submitted by a parent

I unfortunately have to agree with a lot of these negative comments. Coming from another school in NEISD, TO was a huge disappointment. My son's teacher constantly sent home lame notes of how he was twirling around in the line or blowing air in another child's face...just quite petty to say the least. His academics were outstanding, however it was the nit-picking that was pretty frustrating. He was in the first grade at the time, I would not recommend this school to anyone at all! Parents do your homework first!
--Submitted by a parent

My son had a great time at this school. This is a great school. My son enjoyed being a kindergartener at this school. Teachers were very helpful and loving. He was in Mrs. Conn's class. He just loved his teacher. I would recommend this school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

My children attended Thousand Oaks last year and are now in a different school. TO is an Exemplary School but that does not mean it's a good school. Most of the teachers are overwhelmed by the class size, the ill-mannered children who curse at their teachers, and the uninvolved and uninterested parents. The principal was seldom visible, whereas in our new school, the principal is seen every day as he greets the children upon their arrival at school, and is also present for PTA meetings, school social events, etc. The class size at TO hits the maximum number legally allowed, causing the teacher to spend an excessive amount of time and energy to discipline, rather than teaching and encouraging creative thought. One good thing during our time at TO was the PTA, which was made up of some very devoted and incredible parents - they are the saving grace of TO.
--Submitted by a parent

Please go to the school's website and read the principal's webpage and newsletter. That will give you a pretty good picture of the leadership at Thousand Oaks. Check-out the teacher webpages too. No afterschool enrichment programs sponsored by the school. Teachers are wonderful but the over all morale of the staff is very low. TAKS driven curriculum used to reach high test scores. The principal leads by poor example. Not visable!

This school boasts many outstanding teachers and a handful who are punitive and belittling. The principal promotes a family-unfriendly environment. Involvement in the PTA is one way to get around that. Parents are generally friendly. It is outrageous that the school does not allow after-school activities or provide art. I never got a straight answer to explain these situations.
--Submitted by a parent

I am really impressed by the achievement of Thousand Oaks!
--Submitted by a parent