Sherwood Elementary School

We wanted to provide a review for any new family ( not from Houston/ outside Memorial) considering this school for their children, specially for people of colour, or hailing from a different country. Our review is personal to our experience at the school and we appreciate may provide a different viewpoint than held by the majority of white families. We joined the school last year arriving as expats from another English speaking country, our child is brown of Asian heritage, was in third grade and was sadly bullied at the school. We raised a complaint but were told that meanness did not equate to bullying and the school assistant principal offered our son counseling at the school. We then learnt from other families of instances of bullying, specially from those of color, different religion. Some were too afraid to raise this publicly, but spoke of it in private. Many had no option to leave the school. We also had comments which we feel were racist made by a class teacher regarding black students our child was seen playing with being a “bad influence”on our child. This was a tipping point for us. We did not get invited to birthday parties, many families at the neighborhood pool would treat us as “invisible” and look past us. We were told by the school this was “normal”. My son was also bullied to give a gift to two boys “from a respectable” doctor family, who refused to invite him to their birthday thereafter. My younger daughter made only one friend, was questioned about her hair colour, was told to go away from a group of girls playing together and her only friend would never come over for play dates to our home. The school is very focused on testing results and lessons are raced through ending in a test. The GT classes are great but at Bendwood and many children we hear want to drop out of the GT program because of bullying/ rough playing at recess there. The school does little to educate its children to be inclusive, open minded or sympathetic. Foul language and hitting, video gaming, showing off about branded shoes seems to be the ethos here. We tried hard, knocked many doors and spoke to teachers. A few families in the neighborhood cared ( mind you also not native to Memorial) and we are thankful for their kindness. After a year we finally left the school for a private school this academic year. We hope this review sheds a light for anyone similarly placed as us, a professional, educated, brown immigrant family.

My little girl has been in this school since kindergarten and was bullied until the beginning of second grade also got dropped off in wrong bus stop at a very dangerous area in the neighborhood this school does not really let parents engage in activities with the kids. My daughter has only had one field trip in the 3 yrs and it was just making slime I don’t feel like they really care for the students .communication is horrible list goes on and on

Very unprofessional in the last year or 2. Unorganized and shows favoritism to students who receives benefits. Will never recommend this school to any parent or student.

My child was in this school for 4 years. I used to think great things about this school until we pulled him out. He is now thriving at his new school & the teachers are much more understanding. They do projects & take trips unlike at Wilchester. I would not recommend this school. There are much better options in spring branch.

Our son started at The Branch School two weeks after we moved from CT to TX and 5 weeks before the pandemic shut everything down. He finished out his preschool year virtually with The Branch School. Being only 4 years old, he was nervous about going to a new school. The staff and educators were so inviting and focused on making him feel safe and secure. There were several times he would cry at drop off back in CT at his old school, but not once did he cry at TBS! He loves the attention he receives upon pulling up to the school (everyone knew his name and the often play music to get the kids excited for the day) in the morning and is always eager to head off everyday. He is now in Kindergarten at The Branch School and being half way through the year I cannot say enough good things about it. Not only have we witnessed tremendous academic growth, but he has also grown emotionally as well. We love the individual attention each child receives and all the hands on learning whether inside the classroom or in the outdoor classroom space. Going to school during a pandemic had us nervous, but the safety precautions TBS put into place have been superior. The entire community has done everything they can and more to make the children feel safe, welcome and loved during this trying time. Having interviewed at several private schools, we are so happy with the decision to send him to TBS and grateful for the education and experience he has received. The Branch School has set our son up for a very bright academic and social future.

We love Sherwood! Couldn’t imagine our kids in any other school. We’ve had both our children in since 2020 and will continue here through Elementary. The staff is wonderful, teachers are so nurturing and respectful. It is a small but mighty school that goes above and beyond for each individual student.

A welcoming school with a talented and kind staff. They’re involved with the children and help them grow as individuals. Our child is thriving for the first time (5th grade) and actually finally loves school. He is happy and learning so much. They go on field trips and make learning interesting! I wish we could stay here after 8th grade.