Skipcha Elementary School

515 Prospector Trail

School District

Killeen Independent
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Killeen 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 January 23, 2024

It’s not the best, I’ve seen better schools in Mississippi.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2021

Skipcha has been wonderful for all five of my kids. I have two receiving speech services and have seen tremendous growth. I have a daughter who missed half her kindergarten year due to the Covid shutdown of 2020. She went back to be a face to face learning August 31, 2020. During her first grade year she did not grow much in reading and writing. She was flagged as possible dyslexic. I had her officially tested for that in April of her first grade year and it was determined she is dyslexic. She was recommended to summer school for extra practice. This year they added dyslexia instruction for the children who need that additional help. Skipcha has gone above and beyond to get my daughter the services she needs to succeed. Although she hasn’t grown as much as her peers this year, we have a plan in place to help her in her second grade year. I am so happy that Skipcha has been there every step of the way to help. She was also placed in reading interventions early in first grade. She went to those four days a week. In the fall she will continue her dyslexia instruction and be put in small reading groups. I also increased her speech services through the school so she can work on that. All my requests have been honored. I highly recommend this school. And all my other kids have excelled here as well.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2021

If you have a student in gifted and talented services, look else where. Thisvstudent barely does anything for those kiddos. One project a year and the parents never get to see it. Also if you have a child with any special needs the teachers seem to have little to no education on adhd, autism spectrum or other disabilities. They will be treated as a problem child and written up for ISS even in kindergarten! Sadly I would not recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2021

My son is level 1 autistic and the school labors him as a problem child. The staff is not educated or equipped to handle even the most minor disability. The IEP has taken the entire school year which violates state laws. Zero compassion or care for kids with disabilities.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2019

Poor. Thankfully, Mountain View offered to keep my kindergartener after the Skipcha special needs team didn’t show for the ARD meeting to transition him from preschool at Mountain View. I’ve pulled my older child from Skipcha and enrolled him into a private school in Killeen.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2019

Let me start by saying, we like this school but it could be so much better. I have a 3rd grader at Skipcha and this is my child’s first year here. I think the teachers and staff do the best they can but the school has reached max capacity and it shows. When deciding on this school I wish I had known 1) kids only get 10 minutes of recess a day, 2) lunch is only 20 minutes and children must stand and wait until everyone in their class has their meal, 3) there is a music teacher but no visual art teacher at least not that 3rd grade sees. Also, at least for 3rd grade, there are no special classes in 2nd language (they have ESL), daily or weekly musical instrument instruction, or science. I only mention this if you have come from a school system where this was available. Also, I do not know if these concerns/ observations are limited to Skipcha or are mandated by the Killeen ISD. Lastly, there are a lot of tests. There is a lot of getting ready for tests. The better than average standardized test scores reflect this preparation but I question how much is test prep and how much is applied learning- there is a difference. I would love to see some out of the box thinking from administrators on helping teachers make that happen.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2018

My Daughter has attended both 4th & 5th grade at Skipcha. The staff has been enjoyable and always supportive. They also have an excellent Gifted & Talented program.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2018

My daughter has gone here since kindergarten and is now in 2nd grade. The teachers aren't made to give spelling tests. My 2nd grader can't spell, can barely read, or do math. Teacher turnover is high, and most of them are only there to collect a paycheck. Maybe my daughter just fell through the cracks, but I'm deeply disgusted withe the lack of education she has received.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2015

I absolutely love this school!! My children have been going to this school for 4 yrs and they love it too!! My son is special needs and the Special Ed department is amazing. I love Ms. Garagate and Ms. Lopez!! My daughter has also had some pretty amazing teachers like Ms. Shams, Ms. Davidson, Ms. Chavarria and Ms. Morantes!! Teachers are very approachable and communicate with parents pretty frequently through email or the Dojo App. If I have any issues, I usually get a response the same day or the next day. I'm happy to see a school that rewards children for their behavior, achievements and attendance, it motivates the children to do their best. Enrichment groups on Fridays are great. I appreciate the school keeping my kids indoors when its too cold outside, so cares if they watch TV for recess at least they are safe and warm! Parents are encouraged to eat with their children, kids are allowed to speak in the cafeteria. PTO is the best I've ever seen! The volunteers are amazing and always give 100%. We are gonna miss all the wonderful staff and teachers when we move next month!!! Love this school...it's the best in the area!!
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2014

ONE OF THE BEST- I had 3 children went to this school for almost 2 years. I have had at least one child in every grade from pre-k to 4th grade. I loved this school and my children did as well. The teachers are all really great and parents are definitely involved in the school. The kids are rewarded for achievements with awards assemblies and attend-dances. My kids did not want to miss a day of school so they could go to the attend-dance. They also have enrichment groups where they get to pick an activity and go once a week to participate in things like cheerleading, pets, and duck tape design. All the teachers have been loving, caring, and open to meeting with or calling or emailing me when I have questions or concerns. I have no idea how this school rates a 6. I have had my kids in schools from Arizona to Maryland because of the military and this is one of the best. My oldest child came into this school advanced and scored that on the Texas standardized tests and has maintained it throughout our 1.5 years here. I have no idea what other people are complaining about. We are moving this summer and my children and I are sad to leave this school behind.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2014

I read a review below and it was pretty funny and very far from the truth. I have both of my kids at this school and I have a good experience and communication with their teachers. The kids sometimes do stay inside due to inclement weather and do like that they do this so my kids don't get sick. Kids no being able to talk during lunch are you kidding me, have you ever been there during lunch? They actually encourage you to go eat lunch with your kid and I do so almost every Friday. I have no complaints about this school whatsoever.
Submitted by other on April 17, 2014

Skipcha is a great school with dedicated teachers and a very active PTA which results in enthused students who are progressing above average.
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2014

This school is great! Reading the negative comments are comical. Parents talking about incorrect grammar from the staff yet not utilizing it in their reviews. I fully believe some people would not be happy anywhere. The school has a system that has been perfected. This system may not be obvious to those who occasionally visit the school or perhaps the kids themselves, but what works, works. You have to have structure to avoid chaos at this age level, and they do. I have had children at this school for 8 years now and I can't complain a bit. Great job guys!!
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2014

Skipcha is an education machine. I mean it exactly like it sounds--they churn out kids with the basic level of education required to move on. Special considerations, TAG or Special ED, are not well tolerated. Parents are openly encouraged to stay away. We referred to it as "the prison." Kids are frequently kept inside during recess-and watch tv--are never allowed to talk, even at lunch, and the PE program is a joke. Are you surprised to know they have discipline issues? My 2 kids sadly attended 1-5th grade here. The only reason I didn't pull them is because the individual teachers they had were good (Lugo, Foss). Unfortunately, the on-post schools here are worse, so unless you home school, there is no better option:(
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2013

We rented a home specifically to attended this school over being on post. My son attended first and second grade at Skipcha (2011-2013)and the teachers that he has had (Shams & Brown) have been excellent in both communication with me as a parent, and information sent home. Offered open conference times daily. They have seen potential in my son and have encouraged him daily in the classroom to do better and perform at his highest level. He is a honor roll student but needs to take more time on work and they encouraged him to do so. Pros: teacher quality, the fresh new viewpoint of the younger teachers that are so vibrant and fun for the kids. Friday enrichment days, awards ceremonies and silver star child for recognition of good work/behavior. Immediate resolution of bullying. Cons: Closing the door at bell time on children walking up, yes we experienced this too and it upset me, and the atten"dance" for childen with perfect attendance (when your sick you need to stay home), School policy regarding younger siblings not welcome (some of us parents atcually watch our children and demand good behavior) but can't help w/this rule, and no art program in curriculum.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2013

Parents beware! As the parent of a kindergartner who had attended preschool in a different location I had high hopes of my child continuing her young education in a caring atmosphere. This couldn't have been further from reality. The teacher was always exasperated at the end of the day and practically shoved the children to their parents, there is no organization or communication at all! Children wait in hallways in the morning , parents are not allowed to walk their children into class. These are 5 and 6 year olds!!!!! The teacher was always frustrated and unapproachable; again this is KINDERGARTEN! Staff are extremely rude and over the course of the year I was called three times at work questioning why my child wasn't at school when my kindergartner had been dropped off. Needless to say I had a heart attack on each instance and then they discovered that my child was actually in class. The drop off and pick up system is pure chaos, many children get locked out alone if they are tardy. ( I mean even one minute!) Policies constantly change without any notification. Children are simply herded like cattle from point A to B. Great private schools in the area, this is your best option.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2013

My child has been attending this school since kinder. I have had some issues but have got to say that as far as teachers go, Ms Papke that teaches 3rd grade is absolutely amazing! Daily, my child expresses to me the things was learned, which is something i would always have to ask about in order for it to be discussed. Ms Papke has really brought out the best in my child. I hope Skipcha appreciates how wonderful she really is. They have a truly gifted teacher on their staff. Mrs Parker is also a wonderful principle. My rating is based on the assitant principles. The approach from the assitance principles in resolving issues has been very poor. I have not been satisfied with my issues being handled unless Mrs Parker was involved. The rest of the staff is good as well. Mandy that does attendance is always a ray of sunshine and very pleasant.
Submitted by other on February 22, 2013

I loved this school. I am a student that went here since kindergarten and I went to fifth grade last year. My teachers were great and they helped me to get ready to middle school all year long. I just moved recently and I miss the place
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2012

I love this school. I had moved to this area in the middle of the school year with my son who was in the first grade, and they made the transition simple. His teachers were wonderful as well.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2012

I whole heartedly agree with the review on Feb 2, 2012. This school has an elaborate Science Lab, but it is hardly ever put to use, what a waste.