Everette Lee Degolyer Elementary School

Posted: September 12, 2023

During my past few years as a parent at this school, I've realized that this school has many shortcomings that prospective parents should be aware of.

The first is the class size. Every class in kindergarten is well above the state cap. One class has 31 kinder students- thirty-one!!! That ratio makes it nearly impossible to build teacher/student relationships, monitor student progress, or really provide any individual attention at all regardless of how skilled the teacher is. The classes within a grade level are not balanced either. Some have 16 or 17 while other classes in the same grade have 25 or 26. Several grades have split level classes. This means that your first grader may be put in a class with mostly second grade students.

As a result, your first grader will not see any of his or her friends at recess, lunch, or during specials. They will be isolated from everyone they have been friends with for an entire school year. It's really sad to see your child separated and missing all of their friends and working on above grade level curriculum they may or may not be ready for.

This school uses and openly supports shame based punishment. Students clip up or down on a behavior chart displayed in front of the whole class. Can you imagine as an adult if every time you made a mistake at work, you had to get up in front of your collogues to move a clip with your number down? Or, if every time you did something compliant, you clipped up above your coworkers? This behavior system is antiquated, goes against current academic research, and creates a competitive community where students are viewed and labeled as good or bad in front of everyone. At a time when youth are struggling with mental health more than ever, this school disregards student emotional well being and places more emphasis on compliance and fear/shame based behavior management.

The communication about academics at this school is inconsistent. Only a few teachers send out weekly newsletters. Parents have no clue what their students are working on, which in turn makes it very difficult to support your child academically. Yes, there was one curriculum night that overviewed the entire year, but for parents who want to work with their child at home, you are left on your own guessing what would be beneficial.

Many of these shortcomings would be easy to fix; it's just not a priority which is a shame. This could be a great school, but it needs a leader with a vision who strives for growth.

Posted: September 12, 2023

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Posted: June 3, 2022

DeGolyer is an outstanding school. Children thrive in this safe environment and if you have the chance to volunteer or get to know the teachers you will see the kids receive an outstanding education. We transferred from a nearby Catholic school and could instantly see a drastic difference in the culture of learning and simply how much the kids were learning. Teachers are open to building relationships with parents so that you can have an active partnership in your child's education. Instruction is differentiated by child and the school uses MAPS testing three times a year so parents receive very clear metrics on your child's growth and progress. My child entered with learning gaps and anxieties from his previous experience and all was caught up within one year and back to believing in himself. It truly is a STEAM academy and concepts are taught multiple ways to ensure learning. I cannot say enough good things about this school and wish we could stay longer. It is a truly special place.

Posted: June 3, 2022

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Posted: April 28, 2022

My son been here since 3rd grade and all of his teachers were supportive, challenging, and kind.

Posted: April 28, 2022

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Posted: April 1, 2021

We have three sons at the school (K, 2, 4), all of whom are in the Gen Ed. (aka Mono Lingual) program. I could not be happier with the quality of the education they are receiving!! The teachers are passionate about teaching, well-educated/qualified themselves (not uncommon to have a teacher with a Master's degree) and are easy to connect with should any concern arise. The leadership is amazing! There's a DeGolyer tradition of the principal being available by cell phone and I love that. Any parent or community member is encouraged to connect with them directly! The PTA and Dads Club are thriving and very involved helping ensure our teachers have everything they need, that the parents are informed, and that the family feel is maintained across all grade levels. We have experiences with the TAG program and the Dyslexia intervention program and have zero complaints there either! If you're looking for a neighborhood gem of a school, look no further, you have found it!!

Posted: April 1, 2021

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Posted: June 2, 2018

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Posted: June 2, 2018

We spent 9 years at Degolyer and didn’t want to leave! Such an amazing school! Love love love it!

Posted: May 2, 2017

Our oldest daughter has attended DeGolyer for he past 2 years and has loved it! She is in the dual language program and is already speaking and writing in Spanish. The PTA and Dad's club are very active and principal is wonderful!

Posted: August 17, 2015

Moved from the Dallas suburbs in 2013 and was apprehensive about DISD. What I can say is I'm blown away by the quality of this school. Bright, energetic and involved principal who has made great teaching hires and has the support of the parents. Speaking of the parents, the PTA and Dad's Club are very active and host wonderful events for both parents and teachers throughout the year. The old school architecture is also a pleasant departure from the prison-esque design of new suburban schools and the actual auditorium (not a lunch room with a stage) should be considered a treasure. It hosts amazing musicals, concerts and other events.

Posted: August 17, 2015

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Posted: January 13, 2015

Thriving school with outstanding parent involvement! The new principal is enthusiastic and involved in daily classroom happenings. Also, the fine arts program can't be beat!

Posted: December 12, 2013

One of the better schools in DISD. We moved my daugter here from a private school in the 1st grade and she has loved it! She is now a 3rd grader. There have been some recent changes in administration - but so far it seems to be perfectly accetable. My daughter had a teacher quit suddenly so we will see how quickly they will get a fulltime replacement. My review will change drastically if we still have a sub after christmas break. There is a huge Dad's Club here as well as a PTA so there are parents at the school all the time. All in all this is a nice little gem in the poop that is the Dallas school district.

Posted: May 22, 2010

my son has turned from a reluctant reader to just devouring every chapter books he can get hold of. the reason? an excellent teacher and perhaps, it is simply that the school is conducive to learning. and i agree that more can be done to make it a really delightful place. PTA and Dad's Club are already doing a lot!

Posted: May 19, 2010

i go 2 went 2 this school and i loved it if your looking for a great scool this is the one!

Posted: March 7, 2010

The parent involvement cannot be beat at DeGolyer. My child has the best teacher and is thriving. I do think there are opportunities to step up our game with challenging the status quo and considering the dual language program to attract more families. I am committed to making sure we keep striving for excellence.

Posted: August 16, 2009