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GreatSchools Rating

Buckalew Elementary School

Public | PK-4 | 790 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 4 ratings
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

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14 reviews of this school


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Posted April 22, 2013

While Buckalew was excellent for my daughter, who is an average student, it failed to support my son. We insisted on testing only to find out that the district has limited resources and only those children in the bottom 10% of the STATE get the help they need. Within 6 months of changing schools to a supportive school my son's reading level improved 2 grades to on-level. His math grade went from an F at Buckalew to an A and is now is going to be in advanced math next year. I blame this more on the district than Buckalew! 2013
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 28, 2011

The Woodlands in general has excellent schools but we have particularly loved Buckalewl! This school is run very well and the kids have had great experiences here!! We highly recommend!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 28, 2011

We love it! We are just finishing our first year here at Buckalew and we love it. I am a Realtor and it was the school I wanted my boys to go to after hearing such positive feedback from so many parents I have worked with. It really is a great school and we have been very happy. I like that my boys are with other kids not too far off from their ages. They went to a K-6 before and now having them here in the K-4 I can honestly say I prefer to not have my 1st grader on the bus with a 6th grader! This school also has a great amount of parent participation, I typically go in to help monthly and there is never a shortage of parent helpers!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 19, 2011

No complaints here! We love this school. We withdrew our son from his previous school due to a negative experience (in a different school district). He has had a positive experience here and we feel that everyone we have met holds this school in high regards. I would certainly recommend this school to anyone I meet!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 9, 2011

After reading the comments from some of the other people, I felt the need to comment myself. I have had children at Buckalew for several years and wouldn't trade it for the world. I am not an "involved parent" but do contribute to the class when things are asked and have never felt like the PTO was snobby at all. My kids have had various teachers throughout the years and all have been experienced, talented, caring, supportive. The entire staff is very encouraging and warm. The principal sends an email newsletter twice a month so you always know what's going on (in addition to the teacher websites for particular classroom information). Yes, my children have had their fair share of homework and it hasn't always been easy. However, with the advancing and changing world we live in now, I am glad for it. School is not the same as it was even 10 years ago.....maybe some people who are posting comments here don't realize that.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 22, 2010

Sure there is a class play but your child will be crammed onto the stage while you stand watching. The program is focused on quantity and not quality. Buckalew is focused on the Taks testing - forget about Junior Achievement or anything to do with artwork. I asked. I was told "not interested in the arts." There is a group of parent volunteers and if you're not part of it or your kid didn't start in K, forget being able to volunteer and you're looked at as imposing when visitng or trying to volunteer for events. The principal will tell you directly that her focus is on the rating based from the tests. My son loved his school before Buckalew and can't wait to leave. It's such a disappointment. If there is a problem, the teachers are quick to point out that it's the kid - they're too perfect to have done anything wrong. Plan to have your child study the same thing over and over. When he complains that he's bored, then he's labeled as negative.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 17, 2010

I found many reviews posted to be outdated or inaccurate. The school currently has a choir and while there is no school wide spelling bee there are tons of other events such as "mathnasium", fun runs, family nights as well as each grade performs a musical play. While you may not be encouraged to drop in and observe your child's class daily, there are plenty of oportunities to be at the school. Parents can volunteer in different areas and observe their children at the same time: in the library, as a room mom, in reading groups, in the teacher workroom, lunch duty, reading day, class parties, or be a photographer for the yearbook. This is only a sample of opportunities. You could be in the school almost everyday! Homework amount depends on the teacher.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 24, 2010

My child had a bad experience at this school, and had a difficult time dealing with all the rigidity and excess of schoolwork and homework. The amount of homework and testing is unreasonable for children of their age groups. Children are held back a grade if they may fail the TAKS tests. My child became unhappy here and didnot want to go to school often. We tried unsuccessfully to work with the principal, counselor and teachers. I agree with the last parent who wrote that parents are not allowed to drop in. There is an atmosphere of being unwanted as a parent visiting the school, except on certain occasions when they're invited. This school is rated a 10 by great schools only due to their high test scores. I think that high test scores often come at a great price to our children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 14, 2010

My three children attended this school for four years. There is a lot of parent involvement, but parents are not allowed to drop in and see how their children are doing. They are only invited at certain activities. There is also a lot of emphasis and pressure to do well on the yearly testing. And, like another parent I agree that there is way too much homework, so there isn't enough time to play or exercise after school. Recess is also taken away often, if the child isn't finished with the large amount of work to be finished during classtime. The principal was very difficult to work with, and nothing could be done to help. A very frustrating school for our family.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 3, 2009

Could not have asked for a better place to be putting our son at kindergarten. Everyone is so warm; atmosphere resembles that of a much smaller private school. I really like that parents are so involved here. And so many kids ride the bus; it is very safe to do so - how convenient is that?? Next year he may be old enough to bike like so many others do. Wonderful Mayberry-esque setup.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 9, 2007

Parent involvement is excellent and it seems to be an overall great school. However, they do not offer a spelling bee, choir, or an honor roll for the children for which I was disappointed. There's also a lot of pressure to send in unnecessary amounts of money for certain activities. For example teacher appreciation gifts. They have asked each student to send in $20 a piece before which I think is ludicrous when you multiply that times 20 students. I'm all for teacher appreciation, don't get me wrong it's important. But not everyone has the money to throw around like that and there is a lot of pressure at Buckalew to do just that...A bit overboard if you ask me.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 14, 2006

My daughter attended this school for two years, Kindergarten and First grade. She had both a new teacher and an experienced one, who provided consistent guidance and support. I did find the need to encourage more one on one reading, which was what my child needed. The PTO plays a big role, providing financial support in several areas. I didn't find that the mix of children represented a very realistic or diverse group, which was something important to me.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 11, 2005

Buckalew is a great school, but there's too much emphasis placaed on the amount of homework. Many kids have so much homework that they can't play after schoool. The 'buck' also doesn't stop at the school. If you have a complaint, it's always the state legislature's fault.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 9, 2004

Buckalew Elementary is like a home away from home for your children. It is efficiently run but full of warmth and caring for the students and community. There is always some sort of great activity going on for the kids to participate in from plays to bug catching and gardening. There is also a huge amount of parental involvement that I have not ever experienced anywhere else. The teachers at Buckalew work to keep each child challenged and also lay the ground work for the their future education by teaching the children how to research and prepare and present a report as early as the first grade. We have felt blessed to be a part of the Buckalew family.
—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.

156 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

157 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
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.

183 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
97%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

184 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
97%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

181 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
98%

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

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
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 Students99%
Female99%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students99%
Female99%
Male99%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White99%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education100%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
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 "Exemplary".
  • 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 85% 34%
Hispanic 8% 48%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 4%
Black 1% 14%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 8%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 2%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 5%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 2%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 4%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 13%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 24%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 41%N/A23%
21 or more years 18%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

4909 W Alden Bridge Dr
The Woodlands, TX 77382
Website: Click here
Phone: (281) 465-3400

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