Venable Village Elementary School

Posted: January 23, 2024

Venable is an amazing school especially for my Sped child. All the teachers and admin work very hard to make sure everyone is successful. They welcome all volunteers and have all sorts of events every month.

Posted: January 23, 2024

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Posted: February 24, 2022

this school is great. Its on a military campus for one. The staff here is dedicated to making sure that students get what they need in and outside of the classroom. they make sure that student and staff safety is first and foremost and so much more. your children will be loved on

Posted: February 24, 2022

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Posted: February 17, 2018

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Posted: February 17, 2018

My son has been at Venable for 2 years now and has done great. His teachers have always had open communication on where he is in class and what he needs to work on. Love it.

Posted: March 3, 2017

Teachers are fantastic, but the overall school culture is severely lacking. Office staff has considerable rudeness. There is a big feeling of US vs Them and an invisible wall. No smiles, no friendliness. Parental involvement doesn't exist. The rules the have to keep parents away and out are excessive. Other schools in the district have a much more open policy and are able to do this without, 'the distraction of parents around' - I really feel that school and home should be on the same page... we all have the same common goal, but this school just leaves you feeling like you are an outsider that has no right or privilege to be involved in the process. Im not saying I want to be there everyday and overlook their shoulders, but maybe once a month be allowed to participate for an hour. Disappointing. We have since enrolled our child in another school- and its a much better environment. Its a shame.

Posted: May 18, 2016

This school is so unorganized! They fail to let parents know when the bus is running 45 minutes late. They failed to call me to let me know that my son couldn't ride the bus, because they messed up his paperwork. They work with bad copies where sometimes half of the letters are missing or they have major errors in them. The kids barely have playtime (about 10 minutes on the playground, but only if your child is good, if not they have to sit quietly in another room) in PreK but take 2 hour naps and watch tv. They also inform you 1 day prior that they need you to bring something in. I could go on. That is the worst school I've dealt with so far. Excuse my English. It is my second language.

Posted: May 18, 2016

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Posted: March 30, 2016

My child was a transfer student there from Pre K to 2nd grade. He had the best teachers who worked with him and pushed him to his full potential. These teachers genuinely care about their students.

Posted: October 12, 2015

Our children have gone to this school for 2 yrs and we are very sad to have to leave. The staff are awesome our children love their teachers. So glad we chose to send them to Venable Village.

Posted: April 8, 2015

I come from working in a school system and was dumbfounded when I encountered the restrictions this school has. I tried volunteering but was told that I could not do it in my kid's classroom but , if it's all the same to you, it's the one reason I am doing it for! MCPS (in Maryland) would allow me to volunteer in my child's classroom at least once a week. I felt more involved and my daughter loved seeing me there. We got to eat lunch and she still remembers those times. I can't even have lunch with my kids, and I am a firm believer that any parent should be allowed to walk in to the classroom at least to "check up." I would any daycare or babysitter. But this school only lets you in the office and only on special occasions "Family Night." I think they have no clue how isolating they are to the families and why people hate their school. The teachers are good, both my kids have enjoyed their teachers and their time at school, but it has been rough. I would have loved to help out since being in the Army has freed me some time. But they did't allow me to do it. We won't be back next year. I like being involved in my kid's education.

Posted: March 22, 2015

I have reviewed the school previously on how I wasn't a fan of tge closed campus feel. I wish I could go back and edit my review. We have since moved but stayed in the area. We decided to keep our son at venable. Daddy was deployed and I was was moving by myself. We ended up be late to school more than I would have liked. 7 times in 7 months. They sent me a letter saying if my son was late to school again they would put him in lunch detention!!!! He is 4!!! A preschooler can't get himself to school. Punish the parent not the child. My son was never more than 10 mins late. Maybe missed the morning announcements. Over all this school is very strict. My son has since said he doesn't want to go to school anymore. Which breaks my heart. We will be taking hin out of venable. If you don't mind your kid having that military strictness, then this is the school for you. High test scores but kind of cold.

Posted: June 10, 2014

I just got out of 5th grade on June 5,2014. It was such a awesome learning experience for me!

Posted: April 25, 2014

My son has gone to Venable Village for 2 years now, Pre-K, and K. I give his Kindergarten teacher 5 stars, she has a genuine interest in the kids, and reaches out to parents. However, the principal and administrative staff in the office are awful. When you walk in the office you are greated with attitude and unpleastantness - unexpected and shocking for an elementary school. You would think it would be pleasant and friendly, but never once have I been greated with anything close to that. The closed campus is weird and off-putting. How can a parent not be able to visit their child at school or eat lunch with them?? I can't wait to PCS. If it weren't for my sons Kindergarten teacher I would have tried to move or pull my kid out. This is not the case for all the teachers, I have heard horror stories about other teachers.

Posted: January 5, 2014

Loved this school. The best teacher and staff. we just moved and already miss this wonderful school and staff.

Posted: August 19, 2013

Venable Village is a newer school.... My child has done very well, and the teacher seems exceptional, with a very genuine interest in his well-being. My only complaint, is what other reviews have already touched on---- 'the unfriendly' office. Just the looks I get, I feel like I am in trouble when I walk through the doors. I wish it was more of a friendly, smiling, happy feeling, but it isn't. - Also, I think the not allowed to eat with your child if you wish is kinda strange. Have a special table so it is not a distraction- maybe just for birthdays, or special occasions... Loosen up a bit. geez.

Posted: June 5, 2013

Front staff is rude. The teachers are okay but really strict which is not for every child. Any behavior that is not good behavior gets the child written up. Some kids need more instructions and they don't give that to them. They rather punish a child instead of teaching them. The school is in relatively new shape compared to other schools we have seen. The parent drop of in the mornings is nice for those who need to rush off to work but would like to walk my kids into the school. The parent pick up is horrible unless you go 30-40 minutes before school gets out its hard to find parking. And people are rude parking side ways instead of straight in and out to get more cars in. Kids get walked out at different times never the same time daily and often the bell rings when we are getting in our vehicles. There is a walking trail but its over a mile to the school and there are bugs/bees/wasp on the way home. Parent's are not allowed in the school only in the office and then escorted into the bldg after signing in. They have volunteers but very limited not seen any PTA involvement since we have been here. Can't wait to move so my kids can be educated.

Posted: April 22, 2013

When my kids started 3 years ago it was a pretty nice school. One day I had to pick my child up about 20 min early because she had hurt herself. As I was leaving the parking lot, a teacher aid stopped me to inform me that the parking lot was closed between the hours of 2:45-3:30 or somewhere close to those times. I explained to her that I was there before the time that it closed and it was because my child was injured. She told me it doesn't matter what I was there for or what time I got there if the parking lot is closed then it is closed and she was rude about it. I contacted the principle to inform her and all the principle said was that it was too bad that the teacher's aid wasn't as nice as I would like her to be. I recently had a another concern and contacted the principle to assist me with it. When I was voicing my concern in a very respectful way because I do understand I had fault she was very rude and didn't even let me finish my 2nd sentence! I asked her not to interrupt me because I wasn't done but she kept talking. The principle and office staff keep getting more disrespectful as the years come. I will say that all of the teachers have been wonderful.

Posted: September 6, 2012

I love this school! My child was in Kindergarden las year and is now in first grade. I am so sad to have to leave this school in about a month because we are moving. I wish we could take this school with us!!!

Posted: September 6, 2012

If you want to send your child to a punitive, military environment then send them to this school. I had lunch with my kids and couldn't believe the drill sergeant atmosphere. Also, there is no accountability for the unprofessional behavior of the teachers. We are currently looking for another place to live to get our kids out of this school.

Posted: July 29, 2012

This school is #1 for a reason! My daughter went here for pre-k and had mrs.ibarra. She loved her teacher and the school. The principal is very informative and nice. The councelors are there for you. I am moving this year to another neighborhood but am going to be driving the distance to say at this school!

Posted: July 13, 2012

My son went to this school for Pre-k and Kindergarten. Don't get fooled by the exemplary rating. The principle advocates for the teachers and not the parents. The only skill she has is talking too much! No one is holding the teachers accountable. It's always the parents fault. The only good thing going for this school is the school counselor. It takes Zeus to just have lunch with my son. The "discipline" secretary is unfriendly, rude, and is a good example of my impression of this school. It is extremely militarized with kids walking at parade rest and act as though they have a "bubble" in their mouth as to not talk. Mrs. Cooper, although overwhelmed with the extravacant number of students in her class, was described as "mean" by my son and that "she screams a lot". I went to a B-day party of one of my son's classmates and the parents said similar things. I want a school environment that reinforces my child's positive attributes and not constant ridicule to him just being a typical 6-year-old. As a matter of fact, I am moving out of Pershing Park into a better school district where parent involvement isn't riduculed and teachers won't label my child as an imp.

Posted: June 1, 2012

I love this school and hope the next school my daughter goes to can match up to this one! We are ETSing and I'm nervous because we enjoyed the teachers, the staff, the learning process and the safety of the school. My child has excelled tremendously. I was a volunteer for several months and was able to witness the workings inside the school. All of the staff I encountered were professional, helpful, and truly had a love for the children they taught. They find creative ways to help children with all sorts of learning techniques. These teachers completely bless my heart. I have personal reasons to love the security at this school as well. Hopefully our next school will be this great!

Posted: April 24, 2012

the school is the worst ....they dont do anything to help stop or prevent the bullying on the kids...these children are not soldiers! you want the kids to respect you .how about respecting them as well as their parents...and not talk down to them (parents) like they are idots...the prinicpal also needs to just retire she is a joke...there are a couple teachers that i think are awesome ...but overall i wouldnt recommend this school for nothing

Posted: March 24, 2012

I have been very happy with this school. The exemplary rating is not due to teaching only the TAKS test. My children have experienced a well rounded educational program at Venable. The staff has always been friendly and concerned about my children and family. Venable Village is one of the best schools in the Killeen/Ft Hood area.

Posted: February 28, 2012

***I really don't understand what these people are talking about! Also one of the rules in this website is that you can't name teachers and personnel*** I'm a military spouse and I have moved several times, so I know a difference between a good and bad schools, and school personnel. This is the best school my children have gone to. One of my boys was in special ed, ( AUTISM) these especially are the best teachers and IEP/ ARD team you could ever dream of. Experienced, dedicated and they love children. They are so good that my son ( we moved again) got a IEP meeting to review his status and his progress was so amazing that it got dismissed = he doesn't need special education anymore. I OWE THIS TO MY SPECIAL ED TEACHER AND THE TEAM TO HELPED THIS HAPPEN. THEY MADE THIS POSSIBLE FOR MY SON, WITHOUT THEM HE WOULD NEVER SPOKE. HE IS A REGULAR STUDENT IN REGULAR CLASSROOM EDUCATION. THANK YOU TO ALL THE STAFF AND SINCE I CAN'T NAME, THANK YOU, MY DEAR BELOVED TEACHER, SPECIAL ED TEACHER = MRS. G*****

Posted: January 28, 2012

The last years I would say that I was satisfied with the school but this year I encountered a big problem. My daughters teacher was extremely rude and unkind to the children. If my daughter did her homework for the next night on accident, I stead of the teacher just giving her praise for being ahead, she would literally erase my daughters homework and make her do it again. Also, during the middle of the year, my daughter came home telling me that her teacher already told the class the three names of the students that would not be going to pass to the second grade!!! Talk about privacy! Also my husband had a car accident and my daughter was absent from school that day. When she was approached by her teacher asking how come she was absent the day before, my daughter told her and instead of showing compassion and concern to my child she said... "that is no excuse for you to stay home.". It made me sick to hear my daughter say that to me while crying her eyes out because her teacher humiliated her in front of the class. When I took her out and told the principal, she acted like nothing was wrong in her eyes with her staff... Horrible!!!

Posted: January 24, 2012

Office lady that signs children in and out is a complete WITCH. Very sarcastic and unfriendly. My child has many appointments for medical reasons and every time I sign her out she snickers " oh, wonder what it is for this time." Plus my child is singled out by teacher. If two kids are caught talking, only mine seems to be written up. Plus I have requested extra tutoring and my countless requests have gone unanswered. Teacher talks down to me during meetings, and says she has to bring "her class" down to my childs level once a day to get my child to work on same level as class. Worst part was it was said infront of my child. My child is denied requests to see nurse and today had a bloody nose and my child was to scared to ask teacher to see nurse. I am also not allowed to eat with my child and have been denied an observation day. DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL. I will be switching ASAP.

Posted: November 13, 2011

Awesome school !!! My kids went there from pre-k all the way through 5th grade with no problems. I miss all the wonderful teachers. couldn't ask for a better school.:)

Posted: September 28, 2011

My daughter went to school here in Pre-K and 1st grade and she excelled! She struggled the year before but this school has such a wonderful and caring staff and I couldnt have asked for more! My only dislike was the pick-up process at the end of the day. Its so hot there and to have to park down the street and then stand outside was horrible for not only me but the kids.

Posted: April 13, 2011

The parents are NOT allowed to eat meals with their children. This is the ONLY school in the entire district with this closed door policy. Parents are not allowed to have any input in their children's education. If any complaints are put forward the parent is automatically blamed. The students that are dropped off in the morning are locked outside the school and left unattended for 5 minutes every morning. The Principal has instructed that the staff is not to let them in the building until 7:30, but the drop off time in the student hand book, letters home, and the "Tuesday" folder all state drop off time is 7:25. The District has been made aware of this but refuses to do anything about it. The school has not sent home or advertised ANY change in the school policy regarding drop off times. this started in Jan. 2011. Bullying is a HUGE problem at this school and nothing is ever done about it. Some of these poor kids go home an emotional wreck everyday. If I could leave zero stars for principal leadership I would. I put 1 star for parental involvement because they are not allowed to be involved.

Posted: March 11, 2011

The principal is the biggest problem in this school. She s does not care about the students and parents. The teachers and staff are very disrespectful. They do not like parents with high education standards for their children. My child is learning absolute nothing but the TAKS test twice a day. I know now why the school is receiving exemplary school recognition because of grades on the TAKS test, that s all they seem to teach. We went to talk to the principal about my child not getting hardly any homework and taking any test, and the principal answers that is not important if my child is doing good at school and she always answers with We Are An Exemplary School . Parent s involvement not allowed this is very suspicious. I feel that kids are not really learning anything here at this school.

Posted: March 6, 2011

2010-2011 school year. We're VERY disappointed.The principle Mrs. Potvin is not up to my standards of a near adequate leader. Parent involvement here is zero because the principle and teachers discourage parent involvement, not sure why exactly. They request a background check (which is fine) but and even then after you pass you are not even allowed to eat lunch with your child or attend field trips. No PTA. My child I would say is bright but the curriculum here is a joke! Last time I checked, our children are to attend school for EDUCATION not babysitting...I want to be involved, I want my child to grow and soar academically, that is NOT going to happen at this school, I believe if we continue here! I believe the principle is the reason for this failed school and when the principle is the problem there is no luck in trying to solve it. As well as the office staff is in need of many things on being friendly, attentive and maybe they should try and check ID's more often, I mean if you wont let the parents even eat lunch or participate in class because of "SAFETY" (excuse) then maybe you should try and ID when someone picks up a child.

Posted: December 16, 2010

After my kids attending Meadows Elementry for 2 years and getting harrassed daily and beat up. Teachers bullying and teachers favoring bullies. Also teacher not teaching, this school has been a huge relief. I love the care that the faculty takes of the children and the responsibility they take in the childs education. I consider myself extremely lucky that my kids now go here.

Posted: November 18, 2010

I am very unhappy with this school! The principal is not a people person, she doesn't know how to talk to her parents. My daughters have contacted a number of different illnesses from this school, including scabies. The staff does not know how to talk to or treat parents, and the parking is absolutely absurd! I do not recommend this school. They don't even send letters home letting parents know whats going around in the classrooms. Nasty!!!!

Posted: July 13, 2010

My son has been attending Venable Village since he started school, so far things have been WONDERFUL! He has excelled in every grade and he will be starting 4th grade in a "cluster class". This will be his 2nd year in one. So far we've had positive experiences with both staff & students. My son had a few issues with other children on the bus a time or two throughout his time at this school, but I can honestly say that each time the situation was handled by the driver (immediately)and then by the principal the very next day! I love this school and hope to stay in the area long enough for our son to finish elementary here!!!!

Posted: March 25, 2010

My family moved to Fort Hood in the Summer of 2009 and my daughter wast starting first grade at Venable Village. My daughter did not like the school at all. The teacher was not friendly at all. I asked to have a conference with the principle and when I went up to the school, she told the office personnel to tell my husband and I that she could not see us. I took my daughter out of the school. I spoke to other parents in our neighborhood and they said their kids did not care for the school either!!!

Posted: December 3, 2009

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Posted: July 28, 2007