Herod Elementary School

5627 Jason Street

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 October 23, 2024

They are working through their issues and ultimately you just need to decide if you want your family along for the ride. We had heard mixed reviews about Herod, but when they launched the Pre -K program this year we figured we would give it a shot. Pros:1. VERY involved PTO that cares about the school and wants the best for the students. They are very welcoming and involved. 2. The students do learn things in class. Our child came home the first week telling us their favorite shape was a rhombus! We definitely didn't teach them that. Cons:1. Teachers seem to be treading water. My understanding is that the language immersion teacher was fired the day before school started and they had an aid teaching this class. This meant one less aid helping with the other classes and put the teachers in a real bind. Despite touting their app that made communicating with teachers easy, our teaching did not even have a profile set up in the app until the second week of school and never answered messages on it. 2. This school seems focused on equity at the expense of the educational experience. Our child came home with bruises on their neck and when we inquired about what happened (several messages unanswered and only after we made it clear we would be reaching out to the principal did we get a response) we were told that the class has three students with severe behavioral issues and they essentially couldn't pay attention to what the other children were doing so they had no idea what happened. This was enough for us to pull our child. Upon coming in to complete the withdrawal form not a single admin asked about our experience. Just seemed like business as usual (which I am willing to bet it is). If you have the resources to go somewhere else I would encourage you to do so.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2024

I have conflicting views of this school. I work inside the school system so as a community partner, I have seen a variety of experiences. Because of this I know we are at a school that performs better than some. Specifically I’d like to note that this campus has one of the strongest and supportive PTOs I’ve ever seen, and that this campus takes some of the most field trips I’ve ever seen. However, when issues arise it’s very hit or miss on the experience. For example, I’ve been very impressed at times with the approach and response to concerns. I’ve also REALLY struggled to get supports properly in place. Requests for supports or meetings have to be submitted multiple times, regardless of if students are legally entitled to them, and sometimes communications and requests are completely ignored. This avoidant/neglectful approach forces you as the parent to have to either become complacent or demanding in resolving issues. Also, this type of approach causes prolonged and escalating issues that result in situations like children struggling more than needed and even getting hurt, teachers/staff reaching burnout at faster/higher rates, and academics suffering. I found myself at the end of the last several years saying things like “I tried to help you 3 months ago avoid this moment and predicted something like this would happen.” I land on the opinion, that many staff do a great job and are supportive and caring. However, parents and staff struggle sometimes to get what they need to support the kids. As a result the school spends a lot more time being reactive to issues than necessary, and academic and social emotion needs of everyone suffer at times because of this.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2022

This school is just okay. The student population is diverse and that's what I absolutely love about Herod. On the other hand, communication from the school leadership has been non existent .The previous principal named Ms .Colion wasn't great, but she did communicate via phone, in person or email.She was also present before and after school.She assisted with student arrival & dismissal. She made herself available to parents eventhough she wasn't always 100% truthful.The new principle Ms Berry, doesn't communicate at all with me. Its been weeks and she hasn't responded to my emails . Also the school doesn't open on time. School is suppose to open at 7am. How can they ask students to be on time, but the staff isn't on time to open the doors for all of the students waiting outside. In my opinion the school has not been the same since Mr. Paulus left. He was always available to respond to concerns and needs of parents.I feel they rushed to get a new principle instead of taking their time to find a great principle that the school deserve.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2019

I would rate my experience thus far at this school as outstanding compared to my experience at a previous school in the area. They are very friendly and committed.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2019

Overall, we love Herod. This school has great diversity which we looked for when we were applying to schools. The staff including the principle, teachers, custodial, and office staff work as a team and it's felt the moment you go through the doors. They are cheerleaders for our kids.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2019

It has been the best experience. We are so sad to only have had our son there for his last year of elementary, we wish we would have started in kindergarten. Highly recommend this school!
Submitted by other on October 26, 2018

Zero tolerance for diversity. Treat children like head cattle
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2018

Herod is an amazing school! My daughter has been there for 3 years, and I wouldn't want her anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2018

My experience is great. My son has been a student at Herod since Prek and is now in the 4th grade. The teachers are great as well as the administrators. The school culture environment is warming and inviting. The dual language program rocks. My son, english being his first language, continues to do exeptionally well learning his academics both in English and Spanish.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2018

This is my daughter's fifth grade year, she has spent her entire elementary journey (Pre K through fifth grade) here. We are extremely satisfied with the culture of the school (tolerance, rigor, variety of experiences), diversity in race and ethnicity, and collaboration of teachers. My daughter is in the Dual Language/Immersion program and it has not only taught her a second language but it has also helped her to be more understanding and compassionate about people's differences. I have no regrets about sending my daughter to this elementary school.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2017

Love love love Herod. St. Germaine/Flanagan/Waller were incredible!!! Can't wait for 3rd grade
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2016

We are having a great experience at Herod so far. Our daughter is in the dual language program and us growing tremendously. We love Herod so far!
Submitted by other on October 29, 2015

All schools have there problems at least at this school u will be heard.SO FAR SO GOOD
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2015

Wonderful school with wonderful teachers! My child spent 1 year there but we miss it greatly now and wish we could go back. The teachers are truly wonderful and very caring.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2015

We are very pleased with the new principal. She is very qualified and has a great vision for the school. It's difficult for some parents and teachers whenever there is a transition. There will be a great increase in technology next year, and there will be some inclusion in the specials rotation beyond the computer lab. Science and Math remain a huge focus, with Science still being in the specials rotation. There has been a slight increase in testing, but that is coming from HISD and not the new principal. The real focus is still on educating the whole child.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2015

Herod unfortunately appears to be headed in the wrong direction. We have been huge advocates for the school for years. Lots of great people work there. We have had a child at Herod Running the halls for nearly a decade. They have always been happy, safe and growing their intellectual capacity. Recently there was a change in school leadership and it appears she either does not understand or care what the families at Herod want or is intentionally forcing a cultural change. No honest vision has been shared and for the most part the parents have been excluded from any major decision which is not how the school has operated historically. The focus is now testing and state test scores and not educating my child. When we shared our concerns with the principal she responded with half truths and denial. My youngest child who loved going to school now hates it. She does not understand why she has to take the same test nine times when she got an 'A' the first time she took it. Many families are making arrangements to leave who have been at Herod for many years. It's just sad to see the focus has shifted from education to testing . Be forewarned!
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2013

Did not have a good experience here. I think the school struggles to try to accommodate many different levels at once and many students fall through the cracks. My child's teacher and other staff seemed completely overwhelmed. I didn't hear about multiple problems my child had at Herod until much later. Sorry to say I cannot recommend this school since I was initially very excited about it.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2013

My boy's school is Herod Elementary School. The campus is new and beautiful. People are very nice. My boy is in K-5. He likes school and does well in math, reading and arts. He joins in the Extended Day program. He plays much time and his performance is good. I like it very much.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2013

Herod is a wonderful elementary school with dedicated teachers and staff that strive to create a well-rounded, creative child. It is a Vangard 'Gifted" Magnet. It is also the home of a great Dual Language curriculum which serves students from K-5th. We started 2013 with 825 students and interest in the school in increasing all the time. Our student population is very international and diverse, just as the city of Houston is. The children are taught to be respectful of each other and learning and trying our best is the focus for each child. We are fortunate that our principal wisely chose to keep all of our specialist classes. We still have P.E., Library, Music, Art and Mind Masters (a class only taught at Herod). Many schools had to cut programs such as these, but Herod was able to keep them and their wonderful staff. Children in the Vangard curriculum are challenged by the curriculum. From Kindergarten on, children are required to give oral presentations of their projects, which helps them with confidence and public speaking. The school also offers a PTO-run Enrichment program and a school operated Extended Day until 5:30 p.m.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2013

My daughter has attended Herod for 4 years. She is in the Dual Language program. We couldnt be happier. Wonderful teachers, committed administration and a modern facility. When she started she couldnt speak any Spanish. Now she is totally fluent. It's a lot of work and a real commitment on the student, teacher and parents part, but totally worth it. Wish I could give Herod 6 stars. Great work.