Northrich Elementary School

We have had at least one child at Canyon Creek Elementary for over a decade. It is a very small school (2 classed per grade) with a stellar administration. I have had teachers and administrators go above and beyond on more occasions than I can count. The school does a good job fundraising through the pta so the kids get lots of extra sports equipment, technology, authors visits, and even clubs This neighborhood has a great sense of community and it is really easy to be known and get plugged in!

As parent of a 1st grader, our main concerns about this school is the over usage of iPad in the classroom. Daily activities are done on iPads, tests, breaks, etc. Many studies are showing the harm of such devices on the development of children, but Richardson ISD does not seem to pay attention.Discussing this concern with the teacher showed that this is pushed by Richardson ISD, and the teacher will oppose the parents in order to favor iPad time.School academics, while praised by a so called 10/10 rating, are very weak (maths are a joke, very low incentive to read and write, etc).The school is also very rigid - maybe rightfully so due to its massive size - to answer specific requests of level adjustment for better child development.This is not a good place for strong academics and healthy child development.

PCE is lucky to be hidden in a special neighborhood that supports its activities and students. Most grades only have 2 sections and people know each other and take care of our whole school. Kids get special experiences like dad-child campout, grade level musicals and choir.

The School does not take bullying seriously. Tried to see the principal in person. And she refused. Problem still unresolved.

The idea of a classical education is outstanding, and much needed. Unfortunately, St. Paul does not have the leadership or the quality of faculty to pull it off in a manner that benefits the children. Teachers are leaving, many of their top students are exiting, and the overall education is not worth paying for. Sadly, the focus is on petty discipline of the students as a way to distract from the failures of the teachers and overall environment. At the end of this past year, they began having daily mass from 8am-9am, and tried to sell it to the parents as a form of spiritual enhancement. In reality, it appears to be a coverup of the fact that they don't have the resources to offer quality academics, hence the offering of more mass. If you interview at this school and are considering it as an option for your child, get everything in writing from the principal. In our interview (we were there one year), I was told there was an honors math teacher and program, which was very important since my daughter came from a STEM school. It wasn't until November when I found out that the honors math teacher had left over the prior summer. I found out when my daughter told me she was "assembling Legos" when I asked her how her math tutoring went on a particular day after I picked her up from school--the school never informed me, and when I reached out to the principal about the honors math program my email was ignored and I never received a reply. Avoid this school until it is cleaned up and the current "leadership" is replaced. If you go to their current Facebook page, you will see how many new teachers are coming in for next year due to extensive turnover. Sadly, until the current Head of School/Principal is replaced there will still be poor decisions made regarding the program at the school, in my opinion. Many blessings to all.