Kaufman Elementary School

I have never experienced an elementary school that required such a high level of parent financing. I currently have two children at Kaufman, and they bring home yet another fundraiser or other similar program every two weeks. Between these fundraisers, the school supplies required at the beginning of the year, school party supplies, PTO fundraisers, and gifts for four teachers (they each have two teachers) we have spent much more money than I expected to at a well-funded public school. My second grader's teachers are engaged, supportive, and friendly. I haven't heard from either of my fourth grader's teachers since the beginning of the year, but my child's grades and conduct are fine. The PTO meetings held during the day, as well as the constant requests for parent help at a variety of functions during school hours, show a complete disregard for mothers who have both careers and families. School event fundraisers are plentiful but are invariably held on school nights, which makes participation difficult. On a positive note, my children relate well to their peers. We moved to the district from another region of the U.S., and I am happy to report that they fit right in here.
--Submitted by a parent

What a joke! The teachers are smug, arrogant, and the little girls club is alive and well. At a recent conference, confronted with my displeasure at the lack of communication and special testing my child needs, I was accused of yelling, screaming, and name calling. This couldn't be further from the truth! Instead of listening to my concerns, I was dismissed. My child will not be attending this joke of a school much longer. Anyone considering this school, and or neighborhood would be wise to consider spring trails up the street with a dedicated elementary and an exemplary staff. What a difference a few miles makes!
--Submitted by a parent

Simply awesome! J.J. Daw and her auspicious staff and teachers should rule the world. Life would be better if all elementary schools were this good.
--Submitted by a parent

Kaufman is an excellent school - my children have had a wonderful experience here so far. We haven't had any bad experiences and are very happy here. Other reviews mention detached teachers/staff and no parent/teacher communication.....that is absolutely NOT true. This is one of the best schools in CISD in my opinion and I'm grateful to have a school like this in our neighborhood.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is part of the First Class to have completed their elementary years exclusively at Kaufman! The teachers are AMAZING! They go above and beyond to make learning fun, creative, and inspiring for the students. Parental involvement is genuine, authentic, and positive. Fourth grade is quite demanding. One star rating is empty due to the Lack of 4th grade teacher contact with this parent. The rushed approach to teach the test, left students with the daunting task of understanding how to manage organizing the overwhelming amount of worksheets. A little help would have been nice, along with the opportunity to reteach/redo failed graded assignments to a passing grade. TAKS scores reflected commended performance, but were not averaged into final grade. ???? Kaufman Kinder, 1st, 2nd, 3rd experiences were EXCEPTIONAL. Overall.....a Stellar School!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I know for a fact that there were a few teachers that basically had no business being in the classroom...they should have retired or not been renewed. This was a carry over from when the school first opened and a lot of teachers were transferred there just to get rid of them from their previous campuses. That being said, I also know for a fact that there has been a concerted effort over the past year to transition these teachers out of the classroom...and I can tell you that the overall moral and experience for our children has increased dramatically! Not that it was ever really bad, just that now there really are no more bad apples spoiling the bunch! It is truly an exemplary school in all aspects now! Wouldnt have my son there if it wasnt!
--Submitted by a parent

Very detached teachers/staff, not willing to invest making a connection with students. The school is very over-crowded and this hurts both students and teachers. No tolerance for imagination or indiviuality.
--Submitted by a parent

When we moved here, I was excited about the school. Unfortunately, that soon faded. Parent/teacher communication seems to be difficult for these teachers. You will never be notified of upcoming tests or given study guides to prepare your child and reenforce what she is learning at school, etc. I have had several conferences about this for the past two years and it doesn't help. That will not make efforts to accomodate.
--Submitted by a parent

Whne we moved here from another state I was nervous about getting my children involved and feeling a part of this school commmunity. We have had wonderful experiences with all of the teachers, administrators and PTO. If you wish to be involved there are plenty of ways open to do just that. We especially like the family activities planned to get the school community together. This is a group of very hard working dedicated professionals with the children's best interests at heart.
--Submitted by a parent

Named after a long time Woodlands school board hero! Just an amazing person and we are very privileged to have his name on our school. Dr. George Kaufman, thank you for all of the fantastic things that you do and for the inspiration you give to the children in this community!
--Submitted by a teacher