Independence Elementary School

Posted: April 23, 2023

My daughter is in 4th Grade and I feel she is very secure in this school.

Posted: April 23, 2023

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Posted: February 3, 2018

Principle at the school is always welcoming of parents. I have seen her being available during all school events to talk to parents and kids.

Posted: February 3, 2018

Posted: February 3, 2018

They have a zero tolerance policy towards bullying.

Posted: February 3, 2018

So far it has been really great experience to send my daughter to Independence Elementary school. We had some reservations before the school year. But one of our neighbors who works as a substitute teacher assured us that based on the her experience the teaching quality at this school is way better than other schools in the area. So we decided to send our daughter there even though she got admitted to some other charter schools. It has proved to be a good decision so far.

Posted: February 3, 2018

My daughter gets weekly homework which is based on the learning targeted at school during that week. It's a balanced homework with focus on creative thinking, understanding concepts and fun.

Posted: February 3, 2018

Every teacher has a different approach and we feel fortunate that our daughter has a great teacher in her KG class. The teacher has more than 30 years of experience and knows how to deal with kids and teach them in the right way.

Posted: February 3, 2018

My daughter always talks about how they are taught things like sharing, doing the right things etc. A great way that her KG teacher incorporated in the class was to assign a color rank (blue, green, yellow etc.) every day based on their behavior in the class that day. We as parents have to sign-off the rating everyday in my child's take home folder. I can clearly see the impact of it and how kids naturally try to get to the highest ranking by improving their behavior.

Posted: April 21, 2017

I'm happy that my son is going to Independence. Due to the earlier rating I was little pessimistic- but it was a great decision to send him to Independence. His class teacher is awesome and my son is happy. He improved a lot after starting his schooling at Independence.

Posted: April 21, 2017

Posted: April 21, 2017

Posted: April 21, 2017

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Posted: April 21, 2017

Posted: September 3, 2015

Posted: September 3, 2015

Posted: September 3, 2015

Posted: September 3, 2015

The administration and staff are great. My son is in the dual language program and it is amazing the amount that he has learned since he started. The PTA has done great things such as sponsoring a fun run, bringing in assemblies and starting scholarships and grants for teachers and independence alumni. Come and talk to the principal, and take a tour of the school.

Posted: June 21, 2014

I had an awful experience at this school. My child was in special ed here and treated horribly by the administration. The teachers I worked with seemed very fearful of the administrators. They have zero compassion for kids with special needs and my child had many injuries there, some went unexplained because of their lack of proper supervision. The administrators were always defensive and never took responsibility. Once the gravity of the situation dawned on me, I left ASAP! Now we're in a top notch school district, that not only educates regular general ed kids, but takes the time and effort to hire extremely qualified and competent staff to work with special needs children. They keep their class ratios very low and provide direct supervision. In just 6 short months, my child has improved by leaps and bounds. They were appalled by some of the educational plans that my child was given at Independence Elem. Like I said, maybe if everything is great with your child you might love this school or not, but if your child has special needs, please really investigate the true situation and don't be fooled by the fake and phony smiles and the pretense they put on when they see the parent.

Posted: April 6, 2014

Do not let the ratings scare you. The demographics are different, but the teachers are too notch professionals that are filled with enthusiasm!! A lot of positive changes will be coming soon to this school in terms of a population shift. This is a great school!

Posted: April 4, 2014

This is the best school around! I have been in education for many years and I have not encountered a more welcoming and innovative environment. My child is blessed to go here!!!

Posted: October 30, 2013

I am a parent at Independence Elementary and while I believe the school has the capability to offer students an outstanding education - a lot of parents at the school question the leadership in place. Even with the revised rating of Texas schools this year - it does not show that an improvement has occurred at Independence. Disappointing to say the least - and the excuse that it is a "new school" is waning. Parents have spoken about their "fearfulness" of the administrative staff - as any criticism or concern they have will lead to backlash on their children. Whether there is any truth to this matter - it has been mentioned by more than one parent. Recently, a student was dismissed because of their inability to manage the dual language program. It wouldn't be such a big deal - but with a recent positive teacher conference and commitment from the parents and student about the program - parents are questioning the decision as it was done in an afternoon without parent consultation. The student was simply asked to leave. This in itself is traumatic enough for a 7 year old - but parents are stating that this show of power by the staff is a form of bullying? We tend to agree.

Posted: May 15, 2013

My school is innovative and forward thinking. They are always looking to ways to improve the learning process with creative activities and formats

Posted: November 14, 2012

We were a bit concerned to put our kids to this school, as we read some bad reviews, but after 1 year here, I could not be happier and my children feel the same. We have been moving a lot, we had our children mostly in private schools, so we have a lot of to compare with. I can only say, don't be afraid to put your kid here! you will love the energy, enthusiasm and academic program they have to offer. The principal and the teachers are amazing, PTA is making great progress and gives you plenty of opportunity to help and participate as a parent. Love it!! Btw, Castle Hills neighborhood is great!

Posted: August 27, 2012

I wanted to post a review here, because I used sites like this to base my decision in transfering my kids from Hebron Valley Elementary to this school. My kids belong to Hebron, but I enrolled my kindergardener to the Dual Language Program that was only being offered at Independence. Because I wanted all my kids to attend the same school, I made the switch. I have to say, I was a little worried about the change because I had heard many bad reviews from Castle Hill parents. But the Spanish/ English program was exciting, and my husband and I are both biligual and know how important it is to not only speak the language but to also read and write it. So, we attended the meetings, open house, and now they started school. I cannot say better things about this school! My son came home happy from being at school for the first time! (he is in 3rd grade)They classes are tiny! (14 kids in his class) the teachers are GREAT! My husband and I are so surprised, because we heard terrible things! Give this school a chance! Yes, there is low income kids, but there is also great teachers, and enthusiasm. I see the school becoming a top school with the new dual program. I am very happy!

Posted: August 20, 2012

As another parent said, think twice before sending your child to this school. Don't let the surrounding homes fool you. My child was told she may not pass because of her reading yet they would not put her in tutoring because her grades were too high. How does that make sense? I had to go to the principal twice before any action took place. We moved out of the area just to get out of this school. Horrible, horrible, horrible.

Posted: May 27, 2012

Amazing PTA! This is a fairly new school and the PTA is working diligently to increase parent involvement. They have a lot of exciting ideas and their energy is contagious!

Posted: December 15, 2011

Very unimpressed with school administration. Child's needs and safety do not seem to be a priority.

Posted: July 19, 2011

There is an excitement to this school. Our kids look forward to attending each morning. The teachers are proactive, encouraging students to reach their full academic potential. We are thoroughly impressed with this up and coming school!