Needs Opinions on Gisd Schools

Hi T.,

My son attended Armstrong from K-2. I think it is a great school. I have the upmost respect for Becky Ayers, the principal there. She was also my older son's principal at Kimberlin before they opened Armstrong. The only reason I moved my son was because we moved to Rowlett, and it was a long drive to Armstrong everyday. Plus, he was accepted into one of the Math/Science/Technology Magnet schools (Watson),which I have found to also be a great school. I would have had no problem keeping him there through 5th grade otherwise. The teachers are caring and competent. The staff is helpful and friendly. My son loved it there.

One thing to keep in mind as your daughter gets older is the option of the magnet schools within GISD. There are 3 gifted/talented elementary schools - my older son attended one from 1st-5th. You must sign up for the testing in the fall in order to qualify. Also there are 2 math/science/technology magnets. The kids must have greater than 75% on their ITBS for this one. There is also a classical magnet. - Lots of information on these on the website www.garlandisd.net.

Hope you find this helpful!

/J.

I had a son who went Aldridge in Richardson and I could not have been happier but once my other three kids started in Garland, I noticed a big change in everythign they do here. The school district as a whole is lagging in so many things. If there's a chance you can go to another please try cause I'm very disappointed in the Garland school district. We have a child in class who's been moved around already 3 times and has a bad attitude problem and it's very upsetting to the other students as well to the teacher and she's one of the best one's at the school we go. I'm actually ashamed to mention our school cause things are not good right now as far as things like that. Plus PTA involvment is also low. If you plan on getting involved prepare for low involvement from parents as a whole.D.

try www.greatschools.com it give their scores and tells you all about them

I have worked in Garland ISD for 5 years and have worked at most of the schools in that area as a substitute. I really like Abbett. Armstrong has a lot of bussed kids from other areas and it has a rough behavior in some of the classes. Don't much about Luna..

I KNOW THIS WAS NOT ON YOUR LIST BUT I LIKE ROUTH ROACH ELEMENTARY. IT IS A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL WHICH IS A VERY DISTINCTIVE HONOR THAT VERY FEW SCHOOLS RECEIVE. IT HAS BEEN EXEMPLARY FOR 10 YEARS AND RECOGNIZED FOR 2 YEARS. IT WAS THE ONLY SCHOOL IN GARLAND TO RECEIVE THAT HONOR. THANKS, FLO

Hi T.,

My son went to Abbett for two years, kinder and first. He loved it. The teachers were wonderful and really show me the ropes being that was our first years of "real" school.

Good luck!