Carrillo Elementary School

960 South Wayside Drive

School District

Houston Independent
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
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 24, 2023

I currently have a child in PreK heading into Kindergarten. My son has grown so much in the past year and love that PreK and Kinder have 2 teachers in the classroom to make sure student needs are met. Not much for clubs in the lower grades but for upper (2nd-5th) they have a variety of clubs such as robotics, Cycling, girls running club, cheerleading, gardening, chess club, etc. For ancillary, they have P.E., music (band), computer, and library. Currently no art program at the moment. Ms. Lopez, the current principal, has really done ALOT with the school and has brought in multiple programs such as Little Beakers Science, Children’s museum, a performance of Junior B Jones, Toro, and others. The PTO has also helped sponsor multiple field trips for the kids (my child went to 2 theatrical productions, HMNS, downtown aquarium, and another one that’s currently escaping me…). Also, my son recently had an issue with 2 older children bothering him in the hallway at dismissal. As soon as I informed the principal/his teachers (the end of the school day), the next day they went and spoke with the two boys, had my son there so they could discuss the issue together, and updated me on the matter. Problem Solved! :) I would also like to add that the counselor sends information in the weekly school letter on things you can do at home to help your child’s emotional/social growth and the counselor does a great job working with your child right away if an issue arises. Overall, Carrillo is slowly growing and improving its program from where it was a few years back. This school isn’t up there for grades/activities like Travis, ROE, or Harvard BUT they are slowly getting up there and It’s currently the highest ranked school in this area. I can’t wait to see what the school has to offer in the years to come.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2021

I just move to Houston and looking for a school for my 4 kids. A friend recommended me to Carrillo. I entered the office last week and I see the principal yelling and raising her arms as she is screaming. I was surprise that was the principal! I believe it was the secretary helping me out, but I felt she was more concern about what was going on back there. She didn't provide me with the right information because I had to ask her twice a couple of times. I decide to take the application and throw it away at home. I called my friend that refer me and she mention the principal don't carry herself that way. Then she realized that principal is new to this school year. I fear for the teachers and staff but strongly agree someone needs to watch her or provide her some training on how to treat the staff instead of putting a show. I'm like the school ratings but there's other schools with same ratings...I pass!
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2017

My son is in the vanguard kindergarten. They have done an excellent job both teaching him discipline (he can be a bit wild and talk out of turn) and academics. He came into kindergarten reading, but reluctantly. He now reads willingly and at a 4th to 5th grade level (Captain underpants and the like). He is very excited to start 1st grade next year. They also Mr. Busby an excellent music teacher. This is unique as many school have cut music and arts as their budgets have shrank. The older students get to learn guitar or band and the band regularly wins the HISD competitions. Unlike most schools with Vanguards in HISD (River Oaks, Herod, Travis), this one is decidedly more working class serving a predominantly Hispanic population. In fact they have one of only two Spanish language Vanguard classrooms. A majority of the students qualify for free lunch and are economically disadvantaged. Thus there is great diversity as well.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2015

this is a excellent school. the staff is very friendly. the teachers know what they are doing with the students love love this school. i wouldnt choose any other one for my kids.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2014

La mejor escuela en programa Vanguard del area para los ni os con habilidades cognitivas superiores. Excelentes maestros y docentes, as como una principal que trabajan arduamente en equipo para mantener en el nivel mas alto a nuestros ni os. Pasion y dedicacion en su vocacion. Limpieza y seguridad, buena organizaci n, excelentes programas. Esta escuela a superado mis expectativas inclusive he notado una mayor ventaja y una gran diferencia en el nivel academico de los ni os de Carrillo comparado con las escuelas del area incluyendo KIPP (Tengo una hija en KIPP).
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2013

Great vanguard program and education but need more extra carricular and more teacher parent involvement.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2013

This is an amazing school. My kids love it here and the teachers and principals are amazing and very energetic. They have a great vanguard program and I'm sad to pull my kids out of this school because we will be moving. Very low turn over on teachers!