Cactus Trails Elementary School

My granddaughter attends this school and loves it. The teachers seem genuinely caring towards the students and the special days/activities the school has keeps things interesting. The homework load for our 3rd grader doesn't seem overwhelming like some have mentioned. I am happy to see that they actually have spelling words to learn and practice their cursive writing...our previous schools in Killeen did not. I'm not sure why they do not provide bus pickup/drop-off for kids living more than a mile away...I am sure this is a district issue though, not school controlled. The pick up lines for car riders is well organized yet still horrid but I'm not sure how it could be improved upon either.

My son was in Kindergarten here. His teacher constantly put him down, his self esteem was awful. By the end of the year he was filled with anxiety about what she would say to him if he did anything she didn’t like. He was bullied and I never once was told about it, I had to bring up all the incidents to get any clarity including another child “spanking him”. The teacher constantly communicated things to the kids, to tell parents (these are 6 year olds - honestly not the best choice). Lastly, my son had virtually no academic growth, even after we met with the teacher several times to understand his academic data, which she couldn’t provide us. On the very last day of school they wanted to force us to promote him to first grade by signing a form. We’re moving him to charter. I’ve worked for public schools in many places, this school is messy.

We moved into this district last year and do not regret our choice one bit. Everyone has been extremely helpful with our transition from overseas schooling to state side. Even with things being different this year, every interaction we have made has been above and beyond.

In my opinion 2 or 3 yrs ago it was a wonderful school teachers staff and families were involved but once they brought in Deena white as a principal she forgot to let our children be children,she forgot to involve all families in every grade,she forgot to let our children be united and have fun while learning, I have a adresed this concern many times to the district and even to the principal her self never have I received from either parties a response neither have other parents and even teachers who have also raised their concerns but like a lot of districts they have swept it under the rug, she is and will continue to run this school with no fundamentals of unity, kids are treated in my opinion like little soldiers following her needs her wants she is to demanding and strick no compassion, the school staff and kids deserve a fun loving compassion motivational Principal with ethic and love for ALL children no matter race or ethnicity a principal who follows discipline with Love.

My child has attended this school for two grades . I like that the school has improved in organization. I liked how the old principal was also involved and had a concerned attitude towards the students which shows she cares about her job . The new principal doesn’t really seem that way but he’s still new so ,will have to see how that goes . Im glad that bullying is not tolerated nor profanity . Academics wise , there is plenty of help for students that do fall behind . Front desk does seem like they lack people skills . Overall not a bad school