Tijerina Elementary School

I moved my two kids to this school because the ratings were great. After a not so good experience at another school my oldest child fell behind. We came in thinking it would take months for her to get where she needed to be. But, after entering De Zavala she was able to “catch up” in only a few weeks! Her reading improved incredibly! Her math knowledge grew and her overall confidence was boosted! My youngest who is in pre-k knows his numbers to 30, he knows his ABC’s and most of the letter sounds. It is October he’s learned this so quickly! I am truly amazed at their progress here. A few things I dislike is there is no after school programs. There used to be a YMCA but it is no longer offered. My work schedule varies and unfortunately getting to them by 2:50-3pm is a struggle for us. The school is also very small, when they did their holiday program we were all crammed in the cafeteria it was really uncomfortable. They’ve also attempted to do other events in the basketball courts, and it’s usually hot still crowded and short staffed. Wish they had more parking! Overall the great educational knowledge my kids have gained overshadows the negatives.

I currently have a child in PreK heading into Kindergarten. My son has grown so much in the past year and love that PreK and Kinder have 2 teachers in the classroom to make sure student needs are met. Not much for clubs in the lower grades but for upper (2nd-5th) they have a variety of clubs such as robotics, Cycling, girls running club, cheerleading, gardening, chess club, etc. For ancillary, they have P.E., music (band), computer, and library. Currently no art program at the moment. Ms. Lopez, the current principal, has really done ALOT with the school and has brought in multiple programs such as Little Beakers Science, Children’s museum, a performance of Junior B Jones, Toro, and others. The PTO has also helped sponsor multiple field trips for the kids (my child went to 2 theatrical productions, HMNS, downtown aquarium, and another one that’s currently escaping me…). Also, my son recently had an issue with 2 older children bothering him in the hallway at dismissal. As soon as I informed the principal/his teachers (the end of the school day), the next day they went and spoke with the two boys, had my son there so they could discuss the issue together, and updated me on the matter. Problem Solved! :) I would also like to add that the counselor sends information in the weekly school letter on things you can do at home to help your child’s emotional/social growth and the counselor does a great job working with your child right away if an issue arises. Overall, Carrillo is slowly growing and improving its program from where it was a few years back. This school isn’t up there for grades/activities like Travis, ROE, or Harvard BUT they are slowly getting up there and It’s currently the highest ranked school in this area. I can’t wait to see what the school has to offer in the years to come.