Wells Branch Elementary School

14650 Merrilltown Drive

School District

Round Rock Independent
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

public

School Map for Round Rock 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 parent on November 27, 2024

It used to be gray 3 years ago. Today, the noticeable lack of stability among the staff, including the office staff and the principal. This instability has continued to affect the school environment, and it seems to have worsened over time. This year, for example, my child’s classroom teacher resigned at the end of August, and the position has remained unfilled since then. As a result, my child has had multiple substitute teachers with no consistent leadership in the classroom. There has been zero communication with families about the ongoing situation.As a parent of a child with special needs, I reached out to the school principal with my concerns, but it took a week to receive a response, which was merely an apology for the inconvenience. While I appreciate the acknowledgment, the lack of follow-up or any substantive action is deeply concerning.More recently, I learned of a serious incident involving a Special Education employee. When I picked my child up from after-school care—provided by a third-party organization on school premises—the after-school program leader shared a troubling report. She had witnessed a school Special Education staff member speaking to my child in a demeaning and disrespectful manner, even physically forcing him as a form of punishment. According to the leader, the SPED employee instructed the after-school staff to "make him do things, not ask him," and to isolate him so he could "learn." This behavior is unacceptable and deeply concerning, especially in an environment that should prioritize the safety and dignity of every child.I emailed the principal immediately about this alarming situation, and while I did receive a response stating that an investigation would take place, I have not heard anything further since then. The lack of transparency and follow-through on such a serious issue is simply not acceptable.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2022

For me that the best my kids study there that’s amazing school. I’m not agree with the score has because that’s school is amazing.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2018

Each year the experience gets better, especially the difference between present and 9-years ago. I think an 8 is a fair rating, and I expect there will only be further improvement!
Submitted by other on September 21, 2016

Excellent teachers for K, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd grade. I was not impressed with the 4th and 5th grade teachers. I had 2 kids go through Wells Branch - there were good and bad experiences. unfortunately, my kids battles head lice constantly at this school. Some of the teachers had pillows and blankets on the floor along with carpet that probably made the problem worse.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2015

I am not agree with "Great Schools" rating about Wells Branch Elementary, My daughter attend to this fabulous school where teachers and parents do care about childrens and their wellness, the teachers at WBE are excellent professionals, they help childrens to get their goals in the best possible way, they do care about their development in each field, also they have great communication skills with the families.The Parents at WBE are really involve with the school helping to make the school better everyday.More than a public school, WBE is a friendly community.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2014

My daughter has attended WBE for six years. She will be heading to middle school. I would share that I have loved WBE for many reasons....because there is a culture of respect and caring, because it has a strong parent and volunteer presence grounded in an active pta, because it is a culturally and ecomically diverse school. My daughter has had some wonderful teachers. The coaching and specials teachers (art, music) are top notch. She has an outstanding smart fun silly group of friends. She has been encouraged to participate in art, and choir, and robotics, and extra curriculars.. Sure, I sometimes wish for more project-based learning, especially in science, but our experience has been positive and we will miss the school when she moves on.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2014

My daughter has been in this school for almost two years now. All teachers we have interacted with are very well prepared, very motivated and very professional. The principal knows how to run the school, but unfortunately she is not very charismatic. However, the new assistant principal is and they complement well each other. There are a number of parents and volunteers that are very involved in the school which is great. There is a nice sense of community at the school.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2012

The principal is cold, rude, and treats parents as a necessary annoyance that must be kept at arms-length. Information from her and the administrators is not at all forthcoming, and when more information is sought, there is a definite "stay-away" message that parents receive from her and her staff. As a result, parent involvement is reduced to a small handful of dedicated PTA board members. Students are low in morale, and don't see the point of going to school, turning in assignments. I'll be glad to be leaving WBE.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2012

I have 3 kids at this elementary school, 5th, 3rd, and 1st. Their teachers are all exceptional, and they take the time to talk to me, about my kids and how they are doing. It really feels like a collabrative effort for their education. As a parent, I believe parent involvment makes or breaks a school. The PTA at Wells Branch is awsome! The teachers encourage my help, and the principal and vice principal listen to my concerns. Even though it is overcrowded we are making it work.
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2011

The school is overcrowded. The teachers are stressed and are not getting enough support. My daughter is bored, and I have asked to have her moved into the gifted classes, but that is not how RRISD works. Being a single parent on a major budget I can ill afford to send her to private school, or pay for after school enrichment activities. I moved to this area as I heard good things about the school, but I am dissapointed to be sure. Thank goodness for hebrew school and the library!
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2011

Great staff and super teachers.The one time we had an issue with bullying it was diffused swiftly in a professional manner. The teachers are committed emotionally as well as professionally and really care about the kids. We will miss the WBE family.