Beard Elementary School

8725 Sonoma Parkway

School District

Northside Independent (NISD)
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Northside Independent School District (NISD)

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 July 06, 2019

Most kids have a great experience here. Assuming you are willing to fight other parents to keep your kids safe, don't have a special needs kid, and are willing to suck up to the administration, you will have a great time. Despite constant bullying, the administration refuses to step in unless you are willing to essentially bully them back. Special needs kids are looked over and IEPs are not followed. Be prepared to fight every single day to make sure your kid gets the services they are legally entitled to. There are a few really great teachers. Sadly, the administration plays favorites and those gems aren't allowed to truly shine.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2011

We moved to the area from another area in San Antonio. We had heard great things about Beard, but began having problems almost from day 1. My son's teacher was extremely negative...no paper was ever good enough. If he made a perfect score there was always a negative comment added at the top, such as handwriting too small, spelled February wrong - AGAIN, etc. My son had previously attended another school in the district. He is an A student without behavior problems. He loved going to school, but when we got to Beard he cried every morning that he was scared and hated school. How sad. Conferenced with teachers, counselors, and ultimately principal, but no one seemed to much care. Not until I "name-dropped" about upper level NISD employees did I get any results. Front office staff is too busy gossiping to be friendly or helpful. I agree with the poster who said parental involvement is welcome as boosterism only, not as equals. As an educator myself, I am appalled by the way I've been treated and would NEVER treat my students or parents this way. On a positive note, my son's teacher this year is FANTASTIC! There are plenty of wonderful teachers. Just hope you get one!
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2011

This will be our 3rd year at Beard. This school has been outstanding! My son was struggling with some learning issues, but has blossomed at Beard. He is now in the GT program and is above grade level in all areas. The teachers are great about stimulating the more advanced kids while working with those that are a little slower to catch on. As for the drop off issues, we get there early enough that it is not a problem. If you wait until 7:35 to drop your child off for 7:45 school, you are likely to be late. The principal and vice principal are both very supportive and helpful. They have both assisted me with problems with my rambunctious pre-schooler and he's not even a students there yet. Parent involvement is above average. Unfortunately, you will always have some parents that just can't be bothered. Overall, this school is great!
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2011

Amazing school! We've had children here for the past 5 years and continue to be impressed by the level of rigor and challenge Beard provides our children. Mr. Rustan, the principal, is absolutely incredible!! He knows his community like no other, understands the needs of the children and ALWAYS is willing to meet and discuss any and all concerns. He makes himself available to everyone - which is truly amazing considering the school is 1,000+ students. Plus, he knows all of the students names which is remarkable!! Beard was named a Top 5 School in San Antonio and the #1 rated Northside Elementary School... contrary to a previous poster these rankings just don't happen if meetings are denied and the curriculum is "deadening". It is a high achieving community where our students are pushed, but supported, and the results speak for themselves. Being a large school, there has to be some understanding that the Vice Principal is used as a liaison and a communicator just as Mr. Rustan is. Mrs. Pruneda, VP, is an EXCELLENT administrator and is also willing to meet with parents and families. Again, a previous poster indicates "denied a meeting with principal"... not at Beard!
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2010

Beard is an excellent school. I taught for 30 years in elementary. I am now raising me 3 grandchildren and they all go to Beard. 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade. They love going to school. They have high expectations, and parental involvement is essential. I couldn't ask for a better school. Teachers have high energy and are very positive and caring.