Candelaria
Helotes, TX 78023

Most kids have a great experience here. Assuming you are willing to fight other parents to keep your kids safe, don't have a special needs kid, and are willing to suck up to the administration, you will have a great time. Despite constant bullying, the administration refuses to step in unless you are willing to essentially bully them back. Special needs kids are looked over and IEPs are not followed. Be prepared to fight every single day to make sure your kid gets the services they are legally entitled to. There are a few really great teachers. Sadly, the administration plays favorites and those gems aren't allowed to truly shine.

We relocated from Arizona where our oldest attended a top public high school. Our youngest was in many of the AP courses at Brandeis, which was her only saving grace. Our daughter was told by her high school guidance counselor, "just apply to the community college." Our daughter said no, I want to attend Purdue University. She applied and was accepted. I met with the career guidance counselor. I asked what his role was and if he helped students and hosted university visits. Our previous high school hosted dozens of universities all over the country and parents volunteered to be present in the room during these presentations. The director was on the phone with his wife when I arrived and when off the call and during our meeting he stated he had tried to get universities to come but they really didn't have any interest. As parents we did EVERYTHING to support our daughter during her application process at Brandeis. A neighbor's child is participating in a high school collaboration program with a UT Health lab that she found on her own. She said she was the only applicant from Brandeis because nothing was shared from the high school. She came from Health Careers where the school shared about application process. It's appalling that there is little if any exposure and support for students wanting to attend college. Seems the focus is Military and sports. At our previous high school conferences were held (7 minute rotation for each class) where students attended with parents. It was a collaboration and progress update with a growth mindset philosophy of what's going well and goals for improvement. I only met our daughter's teachers at open house where we were lectured to only listen to presentation and not bother teacher's individually. I understand this, however to have zero communication is just pure laziness! Our previous school wanted a career and guidance counselor but didn't have the numbers to support, zero excuses Brandeis, do better!

This school was such an amazing place to go to. Every year when i went my love grew. All of my teachers were always amazing and so supportive and helpful with what you needed. The admin took everything very seriously such as bullying and fights. They made sure to avoid fights at all costs. The counseling department was amazing I personally knew all counselors and they all went above and beyond for everybody. I really recommend this school. The teachers were amazing and taught me a lot of things within and outside the curriculum. I felt like I was actually being taught and not shown a slide show. The best teachers were Mrs Salazar and Mrs Rasco who went above and beyond to help students. Garcia is a place for everyone.