Pillow Elementary School

3025 Crosscreek Drive

School District

Austin Independent
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Austin Independent School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by other on February 23, 2025

More teachers are quitting for the next school year, 2025-2026. Some quit this mid-year. Why? Administration is extremely negative towards the staff especially the assistant principal. The test scores will be even lower than before because the principal ran the best teachers away which leaves students to bare the consequences of failure. There isn't a PTA because parents do not feel welcomed and encouraged to help school. Most of the wonderful events that were celebrated have disappeared. Volunteers have stopped coming to help too. The principal wants to erase the history of Pillow but look at the results. Your better off going to a charter school. If AISD gives Pruitt a principal position, say a prayer for that staff.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2024

RUN!!! This is the worst experience and the worst school my child has ever attended. Ran so poorly, teachers quitting, wild kids running the classrooms and teachers doing nothing. No learning was done. My child was pulled and this school was nothing but trauma for her.
Submitted by teacher on May 26, 2024

This year was a record-breaking year for teachers quitting, retiring, and transferring from Pillow. The principal has created a hostile work environment for teachers again. As a result, four teachers quit mid-year. Students were left with substitutes for half of the year or teachers had to double-up on classes. Over 26 people left at the end of the year. So, if you're thinking about enrolling at Pillow, you may want to consider that your child may or may not have a teacher.
Submitted by teacher on September 26, 2023

The current STAAR rating for this school is an ""F." I was a teacher at this school for many years. I've had a lot of support from principals that were professional and had great leadership qualities. For there to be an improvement in the rating, there must be a change in the current principal at Pillow. The principal talks and treats teachers with disrespect. Teachers did not feel valued and were retaliated against. So for two years in a row there has been a HUGE turnover in the staff. This principal lacks the knowledge and leadership of how to run a school. Parents, teachers, and members of the community have voiced concerns with supervisors but she continues run the school into the ground. It is a shame to see how the school has changed for the worst.
Submitted by teacher on April 25, 2023

I am a current teacher at Pillow with many years of teaching experience. I can honestly say that of all the schools where I have taught, Pillow is right there at the top. It's like a little undiscovered gem...don't let test scores fool you, there is diversity, equity and inclusion with a new sense of community engagement and action. We have a strong admin team (the current information on this site is incorrect). The front office staff is lovely and helpful. While COVID was a set back to all of us, Pillow is forging ahead with innovative teaching and accountability for everyone who is part of our school family. The campus is huge...one of our playgrounds is actually managed and maintained by Austin Parks and according to Reddit, we have one of the best places to bring your dog (after school hours of course) to play. It's in such a sweet neighborhood...quiet and somewhat off the beaten path. So, come see us...you will leave with a smile on your face!
Submitted by other on August 14, 2017

I agree with a previous review about one office staff member specifically. Not only did she treat me with disrespect, she acted as if I didn't exist and had no rights, and my child (who was standing by me) noticed it. I brought it to the attention of the principal and he was very defensive. School personnel, no matter who they are, should not be rude to parents. Parents (and every person in the community) pay their salaries. You should treat parents as your boss. I don't mean to say that school employees deserve to be mistreated by parents - absolutely not. However, some of the staff and professionals at this school should look more objectively at each parent and not group everyone together as trouble-makers, etc. One front office employee has always been very friendly to me which is very nice considering the attitude of the other woman. Additionally, I have seen a teacher at this school man-handle a student and it was very disturbing to see. At one conference with a teacher who taught my child only one subject, it was like pulling teeth to get any information about how my child was doing. You could tell the teacher was thinking about every word he/she said before saying it instead of having a normal conversation. This teacher appeared to be afraid to say anything. It was the strangest parent-teacher conference I have ever attended.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2017

Awesome Teachers and Awesome School ! Thanks You Very Much !
Submitted by other on March 24, 2017

There is still some opportunities for improvement, but the principle is amazing and a great start. The community is a great support and well utilized at this school. The teachers seem dedicated- a lot of career-long teachers here. I am excited to see what this school can become.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2016

My son has attended Pillow for almost 2 years now and I have only had one good experience with the staff. The staff is seriously lacking in basic social and people skills. I rarely see anyone smiling or being socially interactive. Especially the office staff. They couldnt care less about addressing any issues or questions. I have been yelled at on more than 5 occasions by random staff members in the morning while trying to get my son where he needs to be. This year alone, my son has had 3 teachers and I only recieved notice each time a day or two prior. Yet they saw absolutely no problem with this and didn't understand why I was concerned. My son has had issues with bullying, yet when addressed, they blamed him for not letting them know or for making things up. When I asked my son why he wasn't telling the teacher of this, he replied "because she doesn't like tattle tales". Every morning is a struggle trying to get him to school because he's that unhappy here. When your 7 year old crys and beggs you to please take him to a new school, it really makes you question and wonder what is really happening behing those doors. Race is also certainly an issue here. If you are not Hispanic, you absolutely do not get decent treatment. My son has been harrassed many times because he's white and they actually got mad at me for defending equality. Every race is equal. No exceptions. After reading all the reviews on here, I'm actually really surprised at the positive feedback these people have given. The end of this school year will be our last here and I am so ready for it to be over. His new school has a 10/10 rating. My advice to any parents out there, do your research and really think about your choice of school. The ratings are there for a reason. I didn't listen and I regret it. Don't make the same mistake.
Submitted by other on February 22, 2016

I am a big fan of Pillow Elementary, a school I visit regularly in my role as professional storyteller. I was thrilled recently to provide three large assemblies, funded by their active PTA, in honor of I Love Reading Day -- a well-organized event, from the excellent sound system to the efficient filing in/out of the children. Over the years, I've seen the student body gradually diversify which for my mind brings a rich culture to the school, and makes my task more rewarding, sharing tales to connect the children with each other, and with the world they live in. Last week, those students were extraordinarily well behaved and attentive, happily soaking up the stories. Frankly, I believe this says as much about the faculty as it does about the children: teachers who love the school and have been there for years, and motivated new teachers, all of them dedicated to educating the whole child. The literary specialist says they work hard to balance rigorous classroom instruction with fun ways to learn and grow, but top of the list is always an emphasis on reading. That's why I was there. As it happens, I pass Pillow daily on my morning walk, and it pleases me that the school and its grounds always look nurtured. Even with construction (they recently began much-needed, long-overdue renovations, including an up-dated library) the whole area is still pristine and well maintained. I'm proud to call Pillow my local elementary!
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2015

Not a good school!!!! My daughter was behind after attending here and her teacher was horrible for communication.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2015

My son attended Kindergarten and first grade at Pillow. His first grade teacher Ms Sarah White is an exceptional teacher, she helped my son in every way to improve and utilize his capabilities and created new opportunities for him. Really grateful to her and the whole school family - will miss you all.
Submitted by other on March 29, 2015

Pillow Elementary School is an incredible school. The teachers are so caring and nurturing to each student. They always go above and beyond to make sure each student learns what they need to succeed in the next stage of their education. The teachers take a personal interest in each student to give them confidence in finding what motivates them not only in school but in life.
Submitted by teacher on March 29, 2015

Pillow Elementary is a wonderfully diverse neighborhood school. There are over 35 home languages spoken. Students at Pillow feel safe and happy and are supported by their teachers who provide equitable learning experiences giving each child the tools they need to be successful. There is parent involvement with the PTA hosting several Spirit Nights a year to raise money for the school. In addition, the school opens its doors four times a year with a night dedicated to celebrating the each of the 4 content areas. My favorite is their Literacy Night where children come in and have fun with literacy, guided by their teachers, and leave with a free book! Lastly, Students in 1st-5th grade are exposed to foreign languages once a week (Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Latin). This really is a wonderful school and one of Austin's best kept secrets.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2014

My son attended PK here in the year 2013-14. We found this school to be quite good, the teachers and staff are friendly and involved. The school had regular field trips which helped keep the students interested. The parents were encouraged to be highly involved. I do not know why the school fell in the ratings but our experience has been good so far.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

This review is for 6 years ago (06'/07')- not sure if the same principal is there. My son loved this school. He only attended in 5th grade, but as a senior now he looks back and says 'I really liked Pillow. I learned so much there.' The principal was really the key I believe. She was terrific. She hand picked a group of teachers that truly wanted the best for the kids. They taught in a way that made the kids think, not just memorize facts. Thank you!
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

We love the school, my son is happy there, since PK he has great grades, we're taking an active part in his education by reinforcing what he learns at school at home, I wish more parents take the plunge an volunteer more at school , the opportunities are there.
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2013

The staff and faculty at our school goes above and beyond for it's students. We are a family here.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2013

Pillow Elementary is a good neighborhood school. We love that parent involvement is encouraged by the staff.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2013

Pillow is overcrowded and has a high percentage of low income students. Because this does not reflect the neighborhood it has taken some adjustment. The teachers range from extraordinary to tired and probably need to retire. My child's experience was very good in kindergarten with an environment that was nurturing and safe. Crowd control is a major part of the principle's challenge and, as well as, teaching children to speak English. I have not agreed with a policy that no one has playground time or be involved in activities that might disturb when the older children are taking state tests. I also wonder why the 1st and 2nd graders are in portable buildings. There are good people who care about the school but the declining scores must be addressed. The past reputation is no longer valid. Probably symptomatic of the entire district.