Koennecke Elementary School

I actually went to this school. It's all about manners and AR tests. I didn't mind this school but its not the best. Yes it needs to improve on a few things, but other than that its a good school. Everyone is treated like family and if not then there is conquences. I grew up going to that school. I moved to Austin about a year ago. I am 14 years old, I went to Koennecke but the Principal was Mrs. Guerra. I am sorry that this school didn't meet your expectations. I am not against your opinion i would just like to share my experince. In 3rd grade i was a horrible reader, now being almost in the 8th grade i love to read and i can read a lot better.

Thus far I am completely disgusted by this school, and my Kindergartner only started on August 24! It seems the only thing that is being learned at school are songs about how to behave there. We are expected to teach our child how to read and count by 9 weeks. What are we sending our child there for all day? What are our tax dollars going to? It feels as if my child is gone at school all day, and then comes home for us to home school!
--Submitted by a parent

Also, very, very un-impressed with the principal. So far, love the teachers though! Also, jamm lady, Mrs. Ramos is great.....keeps the kids in line but nice about it! Do wish the kids had a little more down time but know how the schools are pushed to make really good test scores.
--Submitted by a parent

This school seriously needs to change! The principle acts more as a drill Sergeant than a principal. There is no play time before school, they have to sit and read. There is only one recess, the have their talking privileges taking away at lunch if they get too rowdy. I am a firm believer in exercise. Getting rid of some of that energy helps kids focus. Every time I went to the school the Principal was lecturing a class because of their 'inappropriate' behavior. My sons AR program was anti productive, he was also scared that he would have to go to the principal's office if he didn't meet his goals. He had to read easier books to meet the ridiculous goals and reading was not fun anymore. Learning is supposed to be fun!!! His teacher was great though, too bad nothing else was.
--Submitted by a parent

We have attended this school for 3 yrs. each year it has been worse than the year before. My 3rd grader now has a very strong dislike for school. The focus on the taks test is top priority. A full year before the kids were to take the taks they were already very concerned! Forget recess...if they do get a chance it is once a day and suppose to be for 15 min. My observations is it is 10 minutes from the time they leave their desk to returning to thier desk. And during taks month NO Recess for sure! If you want your child to hate school..spend all thier time worrying or studying for the taks test then Koennecke is the school for you. We will not put our daughter in this school for another year. Don't be fooled by the Exp. rating..
--Submitted by a parent

We have 2 children at Koennecke! it's a great school. Not perfect by no means but what school is. The kids are learning so much and never have any downtime - no recess and no talking during lunch; yes it's not easy but the teachers have so much to teach and not enough time to do it in. I have to praise the teachers because there is no way i could do their job - and the pay of teachers across the board is so sad! so hats off to all of you teachers every where - we thank you!
--Submitted by a parent

Whole focus of school is TAKS. Strict campus; kids can't even talk at lunch sometimes, and recess is frequently taken away because the 'whole class' is loud. Classrooms are tiny, but classes are large.
--Submitted by a parent