Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

Norma J Paschal Elementary School

Public | PK-4 | 696 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 5 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

21 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted May 16, 2013

This is both my kids second year at Nroma J Paschal and I must say the Teachers and the Principal are all AMAZING!!!!! They keep us informed about everything regarding our children. They teach them challenging work and prepare them for the next grade. If you want your child to have additional work to help in any subject they are always happy to send it. Parent teacher conference is really good!! They always ask if my husband and I have questions and if we do they always answer. We are truly blessed to have such Amazing teachers!! :-)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 26, 2012

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


Posted March 6, 2012

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


Posted October 7, 2011

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


Posted June 6, 2011

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


Posted May 29, 2011

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


Posted May 16, 2011

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


Posted March 10, 2011

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


Posted April 13, 2010

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


Posted October 15, 2009

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


Posted April 13, 2009

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


Posted December 22, 2008

Mu child is in First grade, i have spoke with his teacher, counselor and other individuals about concerns i have with my son. They are wonderful about brainstorming with me mad making sure my son gets and receives all that he needs.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 16, 2008

Every staff member I've met at this school seems to truly enjoy working with the children. The school is very well maintained, the curriculum is perfect for their ages, and the teachers are wonderful. The neighborhood around the school is also great, safe and very friendly. If you're moving to the Schertz area, I highly recommend the Paschal district!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 29, 2007

Great school. Guidance counselor willing to work with you in picking the 'right' teacher for your child. Good teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 1, 2007

Excellent teachers. Counselors and Principals work to address immediate concerns. Music program, arts some years. Active parent involvement in classes. Local athletics programs very good for soccer, basketball, football, and baseball.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 21, 2007

Exceptional school. Fantastic teachers, caring staff, and so much parent involvement. My daughter is in Kindergarten and my son is in 1st grade and I'm very happy with thier teachers and educational progress.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 19, 2006

I love the school and so does my daughter who is enrolled in kinder there. She is learning so much and comes home singing every day. I look forward to the rest of the year.Cailins teacher, Mrs. Taylor, is very patient with her, but also requires her to be attentive and follow the rules.
—Submitted by Kristann Smith-Sniff, a parent


Posted March 30, 2006

Excellent school. Great parent involvement. Teachers are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 7, 2006

Excellent elementary school Brand new facility teachers are great
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 10, 2006

The schools music program is outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 87% in 2011.

146 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
91%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

144 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
99%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

The state average for Math was 88% in 2011.

162 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

162 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
88%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

156 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
93%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students95%
Female90%
Male99%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special education87%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students99%
Female98%
Male99%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic98%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education92%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students96%
Female95%
Male96%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White98%
Economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education100%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students94%
Female94%
Male95%
Black or African American91%
Asiann/a
Hispanic94%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White95%
Economically disadvantaged89%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education100%
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students94%
Female94%
Male94%
Black or African American100%
Asiann/a
Hispanic98%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White92%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special education89%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Recognized".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Exemplary".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Exemplary".

About the tests


Texas uses Accountability Ratings to indicate the overall performance of each school and district. The ratings are based on TAKS test results, dropout rates for grades 7 and 8 and school completion rates for grades 9 through 12. Schools and districts rated under standard accountability procedures are designated as Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable or Academically Unacceptable. Schools and districts rated under alternative education accountability (AEA) procedures are designated as either AEA: Academically Acceptable or AEA: Academically Unacceptable.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 64% 34%
Hispanic 24% 48%
Black 8% 14%
Asian/Pacific Islander 3% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 8%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 4%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 1%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 12%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 16N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 0%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 37%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 30%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 28%N/A23%
21 or more years 5%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

590 Savannah
Schertz, TX 78154
Website: Click here
Phone: (210) 619-4500

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare
ADVERTISEMENT