Donald Elementary School

2400 Forest Vista Drive

School District

Lewisville Independent
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Lewisville 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 September 17, 2024

We desperately wish we had heeded the warnings in the previous reviews. We moved our children to private school after the trauma inflicted at Donald.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2023

RUN far away from this school. We have had kids through this school and it used to be amazing. Unfortunately with the new administration the last couple years it has taken a STEEP decline. The principal covers up issues with teachers and students. If your child is bullied they will do the bare minimum. They do not care for your child’s well-being at all. So if you are thinking about transferring to this school or about to move to the zone, take a look at the school and inquire about how long the admin has been in place. Because who we have now doesn’t lead the school well or support teachers.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2023

I notice there are no reviews since 2019, so thought I’d update. There is now a new principal since these last reviews were written. This is not the same school. I’ve had a child at this school since 2015, and even though it is my youngest child’s last year in elementary, I could not wait to transfer him out. Twenty two teachers left at the end of the last school year. While I realize some turnover is inevitable, this is far more than what I’ve heard from the surrounding schools. (To compare, one nearby school had 6 teachers leave) They are clearly fleeing from poor and incompetent leadership. While there are a handful of great teachers left, most have left for other schools in the district. Most of the SpEd staff left as well. This used to the the school that counselors and psychologists would recommend if you had a child who received SpEd services, that is also no longer. Ask around and you will hear many unhappy current parents whose emails and concerns go unanswered or are dismissed. Don’t transfer to this school, and if you’re zoned here, transfer elsewhere. There aRe many good, close options. Overall, the district is strong and schools are viewed favorably. Unless there is a change in leadership, this school will continue to decline. Hopefully the district will step up and recognize a change is needed to return the school’s reputation to what it was prior to the change in 2020. (And no, this can’t all be blamed on COVID, as other schools in the district are faring much better)
Submitted by student on May 30, 2019

At Donald It is a vary safe place to learn. In first grade i got tested for dyslexia and the teachers would help me and now i got a 92 on the 5th grade math star test, and it is all because of Donald. I am going into middle school next year and I will miss Donald so much. I wish every kid could have the opportunity i got from Donald
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2018

Great experience with this school. Highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2018

I have loved Donald over the past 3 years. We do so many fun things and the kids are always happy to go to school. We have to move away this summer and I am devastated to leave this school.
Submitted by parent on March 01, 2018

This has been such a great school. My child is always excited to go to school everyday, and his learning experience has been such a great one. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a school to push your child to their full potential.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2018

My husband and I feel blessed that we just happen to be zoned for Donald. It is an incredible school with an incredible staff. Our son has had a great K-1 experience. We are excited for the next few years.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2017

I have had three children there over a span of 12 years. We love Donald and the caring community on campus.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2016

Donald Elementary is a fantastic school! Teachers don't want to leave, new graduates try their hardest to get in, families do whatever they can to buy in this area (unfortunately, houses rarely go on the market) and other teachers in the district drive their kids here to attend if they aren't zoned for it. They don't focus on the standardized tests too much, but make sure that the kids are prepared and learn the material to make the successful in school. The PTA and general parent population is very active in the school. Our kids are nurtured, loved, educated and enriched. They use technology to add to the learning experience, but don't rely on it. My 4th grader has a district-issued Ipad, but brings home just as many worksheets, art projects and writing assignments as I'd expect without the Ipad. Also, cursive is taught, which isn't a big deal to me, but apparently many parents think this is important, so I thought I should add that. I have 2 kids at Donald and one who will attend once he's a Kindergartner.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2016

My daughter had wonderful teachers. They were kind and eased her transition as we transferred from out of state.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2015

This is our second year at Donald and it has been a wonderful 2 years! The staff are great and treat the kids and families well. I have a son with two learning disabilities and they have always been so good to us and have helped us learn and teach him in a way that has helped him to grow and be more confident. They also offer after school tutoring if your child needs it.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2015

Two of my kids currently go to Donald. We've had a great experience with all of their teachers. I'm really impressed with how they use technology in the classrooms and how they help more advanced learners stay engaged.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2015

All 3 of my children went through Donald Elementary K-5. I was an active PTA member & room mom. I was also a substitute teacher, subbing in many of the districts elementary and middle schools. I can tell you that Donald is one of the best (if not THE best) elementary schools anywhere in the District and I would hold it in comparison with any elementary school anywhere! Simply phenomenal. The principal, Michelle Wooten, is simply the best principal, woman, educator, leader and cheerleader for her kids, teachers and school that I have ever had the opportunity to know. She knows each and every child in her school and will go above and beyond for any of them. The teachers know that she will fight for them to get them whatever resources they need to be successful in their jobs and for the children to be successful and to stay on the cutting edge of innovative teaching methods and technology. I could go on for hours about all the wonderful things Mrs. Wooten has done for Donald Elementary. Now let's get to the teachers! PHENOMENAL! They give 1000% of themselves each and every day. Can't say enough positive things about Donald!
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2015

Donald is a great school with fantastic teachers and involved parents. We moved in the middle of the school year 3 years ago and my son had an easy transition and we felt welcomed into the school. The administration really cares about parent concerns. The school has been proactive about using technology as another tool for our kids to use which I like but it is just a tool. Educating our kids is the top priority and technology is just one of the methods used at Donald. We have never had problems with bullying and I feel that it would not be tolerated here.
Submitted by other on September 16, 2014

The staff at this school have been extremely rude with some of the simplest encounters. There are nice ways to do things and say things and the way I have been treated by the teachers and staff is unacceptable. I would recommend some kind of training for the staff on how to be civil and kind. Unfortunately they didn't pick up on those things growing up through life. Very disappointed and would recommend finding a different school if you're considering this elementary for your children. You will be treated disrespectfully and without reason.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2014

We came from this school from out of state and had heard great things about this school. We experienced two bad teachers during the year we were there. One lazy teacher and one really horrible teacher. After many conferences with teachers and some with the principal we suffered through the year and decided to homeschool just in time for the school to pass out Ipad's to every child. They got rid of drama and minecraft replaces Art most days. We were so disappointed with this school, the poor quality of teachers and leadership, and the lack of parents speaking out. Smaller class sizes and higher quality of teachers would help this school tremendously. Enrollment is down, charter schools don't have room for all the students that want to move, public schools are doing too many things wrong.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2011

My daughter is entering 2nd Grade this upcoming year and we could not be more thrilled with the education she is receiving at Donald. The teachers, staff and families all work together to form a great environment.