Bush Elementary School

13800 Westerloch Drive

School District

Houston Independent
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Houston 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 May 29, 2021

In 2012, Barbara Bush was listed as one of the top 10 Nation school’s, not anymore. It’s not even on the top 20 Nations list the last I looked. It’s overrated which had changed the school’s main focus; an equal education for all levels of students. The pandemic has allowed me to see their priorities and goals. Leadership is driven by the school principal who has been there for years. She is professional and very matter of fact, but lacks humbleness. The leadership staff has been trained to show no emotions (empathy) and their top priority is bringing up the school’s ranking and being on the top. The meaning of education has been forgotten and working with parents who are concerned on their child’s education is not extended here and simple requests seem like a burden. The teachers report to the principal and this is a school that looks good on the teacher’s service record, resume. They do not help parents who ask for help; you have to be in a good ranking here to be acknowledged. The interest should be for our children efforts, the school is overrated and the culture here does not represent the true meaning of education.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2021

My daughter went from 1st grade to 5th grade at Barbara Bush and we have nothing but good experiences. The teachers are all great, have a great hard working attitude, we never had any major problems with kids and the principal runs the school extremely well, very hands on. My son still attends this school and is currently as well in 4th grade and same experience. Great school, great people, great experience, very high standards, extremely high and not only academic.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2020

My experience with this school is awful due to the principal's decision. We moved to Houston last year and sent my daughter (born after sept 1) to a Montessori school to continue her kindergarten as we can join her in Barbara Bush this year in Grade 1 as there is an age waiver that principal can apply. We applied for Grade 1 this year which principal rejected and asked us to join her in KG. I emailed her to test my daughter's skills, but she never replied. I called again and the staff let me know that principal cannot reconsider her decision and will not reply to my email as she is busy with meetings. I consider her way of communication is awful and she is using her power of age waiver with partiality. I have a few friends who have same issues of having their children that are born after Sep 1 and she admitted them into Grade 1 without any issues, but with us she always rejected even without talking to the child or observing her for a period of time.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2020

My 2 kids has been attending this school since kindergarten and it has been a great experience. Teachers and staff are sweet and helpful. The principal, Ms. Rose, is always at school even in the carpool at dismissal time. She makes a great job hiring the best teachers so our kids get a excellent education.
Submitted by other on May 17, 2019

ran by a principal-theresa rose that cares more about who is bringing donuts over the children.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2019

The main strength of this school lies with the teachers. The teachers at Bush are amazing. The leadership is a bit too obsessed with school ranking, test scores, and winning. I do think this sends kids the wrong message about what it means to be successful. Being successful is not all about competition and winning. I would say while it's a very good school, it's not very well-rounded. The focus here is mostly on academics and not much else. Our children have done well and they've been happy for the most part, but if I could go back in time I would choose a school with a more holistic approach to education.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2018

Experience is very bad. Test statistics drive the whole school attitude. Kids' development is not part of the school's objectives. As a result, kids' stamina for learning slowly decays until it is gone when they start middle school. Thank you BBE !Such school should be forbidden to exist on tax payer money.
Submitted by other on October 18, 2014

I am currently in 8th grade going to West Briar Middle School. I loved BBE. From what I remember, this school has outstanding academics and a great faculty. I remember when I was in BBE Mrs. Bush (the spectacular First Lady) visited us once a year and read us all a book, from Pre-K to 5th grade. I had a twin brother with Down syndrome and I remember the teachers there loved him and treated him very well. When I went to middle school, with my brother, my intelligence level drained due to the level of teaching as well as the atmosphere. West Briar Middle School is becoming worse and worse through the years. Our new principle Simpson is rude. She is cruel to the students, does NOT listen to the student and even the teachers agree. I am very scared now because I have a few high school magnet programs I would like to apply for but I'm scared my IQ has gone down because of that school. I was zoned to go there but to sum it up Barbra Bush is and excellent school and try not to go to WBMS. I'm sorry but it's the truth. Good lick with your choice of schools! I strongly recommend BBE!
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2014

We just started school this year. My kids moved from a private montessori. While they are adjusting with the big school rules and environment, the teachers and staff work very very hard with the kids. Ms.Ennis is the best teacher one could have asked for. So is the reading teacher. Ms.Junco is working fantastic with my younger one. It's a pleasure to be in this school. The front office staff are so helpful and even the ancillary teachers are so warm and creative with the kids. My kids love it now. The principal, vice principals are always at the car pool lane making sure the kids are safe, whether it's rain, shine or thunder. Hats off!
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2014

Bush is a "good school" academically speaking-overall. That is partly because they have an active PTO and are populated by families with middle to high incomes to support it. Also because of SOME, not ALL of the teachers. They drive you nuts about making sure your kid is in school daily so they don't miss funding. Duh. Some teachers are inspiring and accept that not all kids learn the same way, while others will demonize and vilify kids who are not perfect straight A/gifted students. My kid struggles due to a documented learning disability, but several teachers treated him with disrespect and bias because of it. The resource teacher is low key but awesome. Some teachers even told her she did not "want" to learn. A few others were compassionate, inspiring and supportive. So, it's truly a hit or miss. They retest students over and over until they get the best grade that looks best, and then say that their students are better performers overall when I don't think that is true in actuality. They do not administer discipline equally, so don't expect that either. There's students whole parents work here and who are subsequently,"immune" to the rules.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2014

Excellent school ! My son started in Kindergarten and is now in 1st grade. They have a great learning process. All the teachers are extremely nice and word very hard with the kids.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2013

Yes,its the best simply,real educational academy, the teachers are real professional, the principle guiding the car pool daily by her self for children safety. I never see staff loved the children like that.
Submitted by other on August 14, 2013

Hi My school has talent! My school has power! Power,Power to rock other schools!! WE ROCK!!!!!!
Submitted by other on January 24, 2013

This school is the best. Nothing can top it. It's the best of the best!!! :D It has amazing and caring teachers, and the staff are all nice. I super duper highly recommend this school. Like I said: BEST OF THE BEST. :) I don't get why everyone is saying the office staff is so called rude. They are so nice! They know what is going on with the students. And this school is just one word - Amazing. :)