Fernandez Elementary School

The multi-age program at Fernandez is excellent and the new principle Michella Wheat has been a much-needed breath of fresh air. She is very receptive to parents' ideas and concerns, and works well with the students. My primary complaint would be that the quality of the teaching staff is VERY inconsistent -as it is in all public schools due to teacher tenure. After my son's horrible experience in second grade, I would not allow my daughter to attend unless she made it into the multi-age program. Fortunately she did, and Mrs. Smith and her team are fantastic!
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers there are awesome!
--Submitted by a parent

I'm so pleased to see Fernandez' Exemplary status for 2008-2009. The teachers are awesome and staff is most supportive for all parents and families.

This is a great school. The teachers are kind and really care about all students. The school administration works well with all community members and goes out of the way to be helpful. This school delivers a top notch education!

This our 7th year at Fernandez Elementary (and our last as kids are moving on to middle school)). Our children have been extremely happy here and the teachers and staff are most supportive. The PTA is greatly involved in many aspects of the day-to-day life at Fernandez and welcomes all who are able to participate. The annual PTA sponsored school carnival in March is awesome and is greatly anticipated for all our families. The special needs programs are most qualified to help in the care of our children with a caring and involved staff. I have seen many of these children blossom during the school year! Mr. Raul B. Fernandez and his wife Sylvia are very involved in our school with both the staff and the students. It's not often you have the namesake of your school coming in and out and joining in for many of the activities.
--Submitted by a parent

We attended Fernandez Elementary for 2 school terms and were extremely disapointed. The school itself is okay but the principal is cold and am not impressed with the office staff concerning security of the students. The PTA is good at raising funds but can be very hard to break into if they decide they dont like you. They have some excellent teachers inter mixed with some mediocre ones and they have stellar multi-age program that we did enjoy.
--Submitted by a parent

Fernandez has been the absolute Best elementary school I have dealt with while raising 3 sons. Leadership is accessible at any time, teachers are grade A, and the safety and discipline of the children is of highest priority. Extracurricular activities include Bull Dog day; many hours are spent preparing for this extravaganza. Mr. and Mrs. Fernandez are visible and committed to the quality of education and support students and employees receive. Parents are constantly urged to be active in whatever capacity they can perform. Overall, Fernandez is tops in creating a healthy academic and social environment for its children. Employees seem to be contented which lends to a more pleasant learning experience. Keep up the great work! Carolyn Crowe (Wesley)
--Submitted by Carolyn Crowe, a parent

This school/district has no idea had to handle kids with special issues. My child's appendix had ruptured when she was 4,ever since then she has suffered severally when it comes to her uncontorable bowel problems. tehy made her feel bad and told me she was doing it on purpose, but it was a medical condition. The teachers/ special education dept, who has no medical training thinks that it is okay to say that all mental/ medical issues has nothing to do with academic issues. The administration talked to my daughter and scolded her for having a accident in her pants, Without: notification to me her mother. I found out durning a ARD meeting.I would not reccommed this school for nothing. NISD, needs to get there act together.
--Submitted by sheryl Montoya, a parent

This school and district are not concerned with children with special needs, although they do the necessary procedures to stay within the law they patronized my husband and I when we tried to get all the help our child needed. It basically came down to the districts money and special education program 'qualification rules'. We do not reccomend this school or district.
--Submitted by a parent