MH Specht Elementary School

My two daughters attended Specht for three years and loved it!!! All the staff, starting with the principal, and teachers were great! We are military family so we move around often. We will truly miss this school!
—Submitted by a parent

We have had a child in this school since 2003, just after the school opened. We have always had a good experience here, but none as wonderful as the last school year. Our administrative staff is the best in the district, and helped to guide our students and teachers through another transitional year with many new teachers. It is my opininon that we now have some of the best teachers in the district as well. Our PTA is the finest in the district with parent volunteers giving their time to help teachers as well as plan programs and experiences for every student. We are truly blessed to shine like stars at Specht Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had nothing but great experiences with this school. This year, overall student population has dropped from 800 to just over 500, with some realignment to other schools. The facilities for 'specials' are great (music, art, computer lab) and the gym for PE has every type of sporting equipment imaginable. Our daughter is in 2nd grade and really likes her class and teacher! Our early meetings with the teacher and school administration have all been positive.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are very compasionate and very 'on the ball' about situations. My child's K teacher is the best - she really cares about each individual child and corresponds quickly on any matter. The school really emphasizes parent participation - which is the most important and fundamental part of our children's education. It takes the parent and the teacher to get our kids to where they need to be and the teachers are doing their part!
—Submitted by a parent

Specht elementary is a wonderful school. The teachers and staff are compasionate and caring. They all work as a team to enhance learning in a creative way, which is a wonderful thing in this 'TAKS' day and age. The school is capped, however, so you might want to check with the school before moving. Your child will be bussed to another location if there is no room.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved to san antonio this school year. My son's previous school was in a good school district. But specht has done more for my son then any school he has ever done! so i'm very thankful especially for his teacher-she is great!
—Submitted by a parent

Academic quality is very poor. Programs are bare minimum. No Spanish class. No extracurricular activities. Had to fight to get girl scout meetings after school
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter only attended Specht for 1/2 of second and 1/2 of her third grade at which time I chose to homeschool her for the remainder of third grade. She was very unhappy at Specht often complaining of teachers yelling and the entire class being punished for the behavior of few. I was very discouraged when my daughter brought a book home from the library that was completely inappropriate for an elementary school library and upon sending a note to the teacher was not contacted by the teacher as requested. Instead, the note along with the book was sent with my daughter to the librarian. I also did not agree with their discipline of the whole concept.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here from Houston. Both of my children were in the Gifted program at their previous school and very involved in extracurricular activities. I feel they lost a year of education at Specht. The teachers at both grade levels were locked into doing exactly what the other teachers were doing for that grade level. My kids went from loving school to being bored by it. Their grades were excellent but I don't think they were challenged in any way. We are trying one more year at Specht and hoping this year will be different, but we have also been out looking at homes in another district.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend Specht Elementary school and I could not be happier. The principal, assistant principal, and teachers are kind, professional and fair. I have been very involved at the school and have seen first hand how well the school runs, and the care and concern shown by those who work there. My children attended another school prior to this (in the same district) and, in my opinion, Specht is by far the superior school on every level - except for playground size!
—Submitted by a parent

Specht Elementary is an incredible place for children. The teachers are all extremely competent with high goals for learning. The administration is open to all ideas and is the source of excellence. We, as parents, are encouraged to be a part of the school while the safety and overall environment of the school is encouraging and nurturing for our students. We were new to the school district two years ago and have been incredibly pleased with our experience. Both of my children love attending school and have made great academic strides.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending this school & having experienced several school changes due to moving, I have never felt more secure dropping my children off at school. We are from out of state & have always felt more than welcomed here. PTA & Dad's Club here are so dedicated to helping this school as much as possible. Lots of parent volunteers being welcomed by the staff. The front office runs smooth and efficient and they are always ready to help parents and children in any way they can. Mrs. Swanson (principal) and Mr. Maika (assistant) make the best team I've met in public education. It can't be an easy task to manage a full staff of 60+ and students amounting to over 700 and rising but they do it and they do well. Swanson and Maika have made such a positive imprint upon this school that it couldn't possibly be out done.
—Submitted by L Jankins, a parent

Our family has been pleased with Specht. We appreciate the structured environment and the willingness of the teachers to understand our children and work with us in meeting their needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so pleased with my experience with this school. We were new to the area last year and the staff and teachers were so friendly and helpful. We felt so welcome. My children's transition went smoothly thanks to the ladies in the office and the 2nd and 4th grade teams. I was impressed with the principal, she checked with us often to see how things were going and was always available to answer questions and to help when needed. I was pleased with the quality of the academics and what was expected of the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfriendly attitutde towards parents. Staff seems to be unhappy and many would prefer to work elsewhere. Problems come from principal (Swanson) who does not allow for any type of individuality from staff or students.
—Submitted by a former student

Far above everything else, safety is always the focus and priority at this campus. This is not a dangerous area of town.
—Submitted by a parent