Twain Elementary School

7500 Braes Boulevard

School District

Houston Independent
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
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 August 23, 2017

We've had a daughter here since first grade and have been thrilled with the teaching and community.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2017

Our 2nd grade teacher was awesome. She has both discipline and kindliness...
Submitted by parent on June 29, 2017

I have a son who attended kinder (2xs) all the way up to 5th here and a daughter who started in kinder and is going into 3rd at this school. We've had many ups and downs but none have been ignored. When they are doing great, they're highly praised and when they need help I'm bombarded with information on how they're doing, what's being studied, how to help them and what the teachers expect. My son has ADHD but stays non-medicated and there were a couple trying years when he had a pass to go leave class and visit with the principal, shred papers with the admin or go talk to the counselor if she was available and he was feeling overwhelmed. It worked. He was able to address the problems and keep his self esteem intact. The following year, he hardly had to leave class at all. For a public school, I'm very impressed and there is no lack of enthusiasm to get things accomplished inside these doors.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2017

Absolutely an amazing school. My son just finished first grade and has blossomed into a confident, well-rounded and intellectually curious young boy. Principal Ms Patin has great visions for the school. She leads by examples and positive encouragement. Teachers, ranging from primary classroom teachers, axillary staff to after school instructors, are all very caring and effective. The IB program integrates the core values very well into the curriculum, the LDC program brings kids to a higher level of writing and reading. The school environment is friendly and accepting, and encourages kids to accept others of diverse background. All over, an amazing, well rounded, and academically excellent school.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2016

We spent one year at Mark Twain and were impressed with the welcoming and inclusive school administration and teachers. The principal is approachable, involved and highly visible in the school. The IB program is well executed and consistent with IB programs in other countries. It is amazing how much the school is able to offer given that it is public, not private, and thus has to rely on fundraising for the extras.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2015

Hugh disappointment!PTO controlls everything. Including PTO parents hand picking the best teachers. This school behaving/ wishing they were a Private school.With no regard for the fact it is a PUBlIC SCHOOL. The more 5 star gift cards/ money you give. The better teachers you child will get for the next year. This is expected not appreciated. Hugh class room dues on top of bringing more class room supplies.And forget bringing your own school supplies. If not purchased through PTO they are sent home. School supplies are $30 dollar mark up through PTO.Unprofessional principle and front admin. Staff. Don't you dare to try to communicate to this military mentality. Or your child will be black listed. With mean and harassing teachers. Very small number of teachers are nurturing, kind and like there jobs.Overcrowded classrooms with 3 to 4 parents using false addresses to get into this school. A counselor who is determined to analysis, label and diagnose every child how enters this school. Instead of allowing kids to have a normal elementary school experience. And a free spirit. Best advice bring your check book and quit your job....join PTO.And Then have a fabulous experience!!!
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2015

I have to unfortunately differ with most of the opinions of Mark Twain for specific reasons. I sent my daughter there for 2 years, and she has ADHD. There needed to be very small accommodations for her, as she was under a 504. The principal never made any changes that were written down, nor the teacher, or helped improve her education, and she was not learning, literally, anything. She completely fell through the cracks. I had meeting after meeting and there was all talk, yet nothing shown. She just needed a little extra, and this was never done. A good school for a completely typical student, yet not at ALL for an out of the box thinker, a child who is creative and thinks differently, and especially not for a child who has any kind of learning difference. Even as small as ADHD.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2014

This school is more than great! The education is in a very high level and the kids are in really good hands. All the personal is caring and respectful. The principal has an unfrequent level of commitment and has the best disposition to keep the school at the level the students deserve. The literature program is the gem of the school. The kids in this school love reading and writing and they are encouraged to do so. Great Fine Arts program as well and very nurtured library!
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2014

One of the best schools! The principal is very much in touch and dedicated to the school's well being. Kids are well cared and overall development is stressed upon, not just test scores. I have had very good experience whenever I needed to talk to anybody. It is a school that is both academically good as well as with a personal touch - a combination rare to find.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2014

This school is very good, Teachers are very helpful and caring. My daughter has been here for two months, and she loves to go to school.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2013

This is a well organized school. Students are encouraged to learn and express. Parents are well involved. I love the school building too - indoor rooms are very clean, bright and organized.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2013

We just started at Twain but I have been extremely impressed with how organized and friendly everyone has been. My daughter just started Kindergarten her and she was immediately put at ease by her new teacher. I look forward to a great year at Twain.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2013

our son attended K grade and this is our first year. Indeed the environment is buzzing with energy and parents are kept involved at every stage. I would disagree with the 'child not wanting to go to the school' and teachers 'yelling or screaming'. On the contrary the child loved getting up in the morning and looking forward to school days. In our experience they make an effort to educate children to be part of a diverse society. Can't comment on higher classes. We did find it odd though that they tend to promote local businesses to get donations but perhaps it is OK if done within reason due to overall budget cuts etc.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2013

Our son is in K grade and this is our first year. The school is great especially teachers, they are very helpful and caring. My son loves to go to school.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2012

The principal displays strong leadership and while LDC and the writing program are impressive, I subtracted a star because the math and science is program is not as strong as it should be. Many other parents say they supplement with extracurricular math/science programs. My child is a rising 5th grader who has attended Mark Twain since the 1st grade and he says he feels weak in that area when compared to his friends who attend other elementary schools.