Norma J Paschal Elementary School

The GT elementary program in the district is non-existent. My kids qualified for GT in Alamo Heights, but not in the "achievement" based "matrix" despite their 99% WISC-IV scores, 99% ITBS reading, etc. Their 45 min pull out program is "enrichment." There is an administrative culture which takes the state money for GT servicing & disregards any type of GT programming (clustering, acceleration, etc). The district has *no* central coordination of programming. The district is not in compliance with minimum state standards in 1) Yearly assessment of program with input from parents 2) dissemination of this self-assessment to parents and use of yearly evaluation to improve the programming. Home-schooled at 7, DD has been admitted for the Fall to a private school which accelerates 1 year ahead, for 4th grade. DS at 11 was accepted into Stanford's OHS. The worst issue I had with the district was their complete unwillingness to discuss even the possibility of change. I tried to have conversations with 2 different Principals, the assigned GT teachers (who had no ed. background in GT only the certificate endorsement), the district head who ignored emails & phone calls.
--Submitted by a parent

My only child is currently in Kinder at Paschal. Before the school year started, I did extensive research on public schools. I was worried about teachers, principle, other kids, other kids' parents and what they were bringing into the school where my child would be....you name it. I wanted my child to be happy, be around good kids, and have a positive learning environment. Paschal provides all of that for these kids. Good families, good people, caring administration. Parents are well informed of everything going on in the school, and participation is great. I couldn't be happier with this school. They ask and almost strategically demand for their kids to succeed, and I see it from my child and his classmates, to the older kids and how they interact with the Kinder kids. They are giving these kids a great start to their education during the day, and I continue with his education at night with his weekly homework. I couldn't be happier with this school. Mrs. V...Kinder...thank you so much for treating and teaching my child as you would do your own.
--Submitted by a parent

I met with my child's teacher today, for a conference, and I have nothing NOTHING but wonderful things to say about this school. You can feel the amazing, positive, loving energy when you walk through the door. The school makes me miss working with children. I see the smiling faces of the children, artwork on the walls, and there is a warmth about this school that I do not find in other school. My daughter is in LOVE with her school, and we are too. We moved here from out of state and thanks to Great schools and some dedicated research, we were very happy to have found a home in the paschal area. I look forward to having my child and younger children attend this school Thank you so much to the amazing teachers and staff. This is how every school NEEDS to be! YOU ARE AMAZING PASCHAL!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had a great experience with all staff, teachers and leadership regarding my son's education at this school!!! I have had nothing but professional help and courtesy's that I have not experienced with other Texas schools with our son's unique challenges. We moved here 2 years ago and have had nothing but the best help and I notice a difference most in my child and his growth in problem areas!!! Bottom line...this is a school any parent would be lucky to send their children to!!! In fact I had a friend recently buy a home so they could specifically send their child to this school...their two oldest children attended this school from the day it opened and they want to make sure their third child has the same educational upbringing since it is so superior to schools in the area!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Our kids started attending mid-year after we relocated here from another state. We were impressed at the level of organization (pick-up and drop-off) and coordination. I've been to the school several times to have lunch with one of my children and have observed the principal greeting children by name (multiple occasions). Keep in mind this school has several hundred students. Each of our interactions with the teachers and staff have been positive. On one occasion when we did have a problem with something that happened at school, the principal addressed was quick to respond and address the problem.
--Submitted by a parent

Not the school for you if you have a child with ADHD, Aspergers etc. They only want to do what makes the teacher's job easier. My son's 1st grade teacher told him his brain doesn't work right and that he doesn't fit in. He was physically threatened by a student whose parents are friends with the teacher so she never reported it to the principal. The biggest problem at this school is that they are all friends who protect each other. Checks and balances do not exist at this school. They are very good at putting on the front needed to make you feel at ease but in reality they they don't care about your kid at all. To show you how far off the mark this school is, the teacher who said these awful things to my son just won teacher of the year--what does that tell you?
--Submitted by a parent

Phenomenal & fantastic! The principal is an exemplary leader & amazingly involved with the kids & can greet each student by name. The staff is wonderful & the teachers excellent. I love this school & couldn't be happier. We chose our neighborhood just for a school such as this.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children have attended Paschal for the past two years, and I have been very pleased with everything about this school. The administration is very approachable, and problems are resolved quickly. My kids have loved their teachers, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about them. The teachers have been caring, insightful and very open to communication. The music and computer programs are excellent. This is a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

I knew Paschal was a great school, but I didn't realize how great until we moved. The teachers are caring and so easy to talk to whenever I've had a concern. With 4 children, I've had them in every imaginable program that the school offers and I've been happy every step of the way. I wish now that we could come back to Paschal. It is a very special place for kids.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school! Wish we could stay here longer just so the kids could finish their years here. Kindergarten teachers rock and First grade teachers are amazing. We'll miss this school so much.
--Submitted by a parent