Dodd Elementary School

Our experience at R.F. Hartman Elementary has been nothing short of exceptional. From day one, the environment has felt incredibly welcoming; seeing the teachers and the leadership team, including Principal Shawnell Bradshaw and Assistant Principal Meagan Wendt, personally greeting the kids with glowing smiles at drop-off sets such a positive tone for the day. That same enthusiasm, care, and personal connection are just as evident at pick-up, providing our son with a safe and loving space to grow both academically and socially.What stands out most is how the staff truly lives 'The Wylie Way,' fostering a genuine love for learning through core values like grit and gratitude. We have seen a remarkable transformation in our son’s confidence, socialization, language, and mathematics. We are especially grateful to Rachael Howe and the entire teaching team in her class for their dedication—they truly see each child as an individual.We also want to highlight the incredible support from the Counselor’s Corner. Melanie Brune has been instrumental in our son's emotional growth, helping him find his voice and navigate his feelings with kindness. We couldn't have asked for a better foundation for his elementary years.

This review is written specifically for African American families with Black children considering a move into Wylie ISD. This is the review I wish I had read before relocating.We moved here from another state, and since arriving, my family has had a consistently negative experience with this school and district. This is not based on bias or comparison it is based on what I have personally witnessed and experienced with my own children.From the beginning, there has been a lack of hospitality, care, and basic respect. Texas is often described as “the South,” but there is no Southern hospitality here. Interactions have been cold, dismissive, and at times openly discriminatory. I have spent months in meetings and email exchanges advocating for my children.My Black children have been treated differently. I have also spoken with other Black families locally who report similar experiences. The district does not appear to prioritize or protect Black students.Teachers have yelled at, threatened, and spoken harshly to my children behavior that is unacceptable under any circumstances. Some of these teachers were Black themselves, which raises serious concerns about the school culture and pressure to “blend in” rather than protect Black children. Regardless of the reason, it is not okay.We attempted mediation, and even pursued due process, hoping the system would work as intended. It did not. The experience felt dismissive and nonchalant, including interactions with legal representation that gave a clear “don’t care” attitude. If you are a Black family considering mediation or due process in Wylie ISD, I strongly advise against it. It was a waste of time, energy, and emotional labor.Because of all of this, I withdrew one of my sons and am in the process of withdrawing my second. The system simply does not work for our family.I do not recommend Wylie ISD for families with young children especially Black children or children with special needs. Do not rely on the online ratings. The “10/10” scores are misleading and do not reflect lived experience. Academic rigor is lacking, homework is minimal to nonexistent, and accountability is low.If you plan to homeschool, Wylie may work for you the neighborhoods are quiet, safe, and well-kept. But if you are relying on the public school system to nurture, protect, and educate your Black children fairly, I urge you to reconsider.

This school has been a wonderful experience for my child and for our family. From the very beginning, the school has provided the support he needed as a non-fluent English speaker. He has been consistently supported in building his English vocabulary day by day, and we have seen real progress since he started.The teachers and staff have been attentive and thoughtful in making sure he feels confident, included, and encouraged. He feels comfortable participating in classroom activities and has felt welcomed not only by his classmates, but also by students from other classes.The teachers are caring, affectionate, and truly dedicated to their students’ academic and emotional growth. Communication with families is clear, and the school environment is safe, inclusive, and welcoming.We are very grateful for the support our child has received and highly recommend this school to other families.

Teachers have been great but I would agree with the other review about the principal being condescending and uninterested in anything other than bolstering her accolades.