Govalle

First and foremost, the state test score data is incorrect. Govalle staff, parents and students worked so diligently to help students raise their academic standardized test scores, even though we understand the focus on tests should never be a school's #1 priority. In fact, Govalle out performed or was on par with all the area local charter schools (East Austin prep, UT Elementary, IDEA, KIPP) , even though Govalle serves 3x as many kiddos with special education needs. In the midst of that kind of pressure, Govalle manages to provide fine arts experiences for all kids, including musical performances and art exhibitions for each grade level, in addition to collaborations with Paramount Theatre and the UT Shakespeare outreach program. Govalle provides trauma-informed care for all students, and includes a junior counselor program. We have a dual-language program pilot for Prek-1st (next year includes 2nd grade) because they believe multilingualism can benefit students in the global economy and as compassionate citizens of the world. Govalle continues to build on STEM educational experiences with Engineering is Elementary curriculum, STEM building challenges, Science Fair and collaborations with the Thinkery. They provide field experiences in both the fine arts and sciences. They have a Dyslexia therapist onsite to provide strategic interventions, as well as a school psychologist available for the children. But most of all Govalle respects families and is an open campus most of the year, allowing parents to walk their children to class, eat lunch with them, and celebrate birthdays at the end of the day.