Griffin Elementary School

7800 South Fry Road

School District

Katy Independent
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Katy 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 05, 2021

504 program is good, agree with most other reviews on the whole.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2021

MGE has been so wonderful for our family. We moved from out of state for the Special Education program for our son. While the SPED at MGE has been wonderful, we have been equally as impressed with the General Ed. Both of our children are thriving!
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2018

Initially when I was searching through dozens of “top rated” school in the Katy area I was only going off of the schools with the BEST reviews. So here is my HONEST review. My son is going to first grade this year. He currently is in one of the top private schools in our area where we pay almost 20k a year for his education. We decided to give public schools a chance because of a job move...instant regret. The initial feeling was great. The office ladies were polite and helpful. The nurse was professional and caring. When we showed our sons report card for Kindergarten to the registration lady, she called for backup from school principal JACKIE KEITHAN. Jackie came to let us know that our son’s school wasn’t accredited and said “I don’t know what this is. It’s some sort of daycare.” And tossed the paper on the table in front of us. She said our sons name wasn’t anywhere in the “database.” (He goes to a PRIVATE school Jackie, it wouldn’t be anywhere online) Making us feel like we were apparently not good enough to go here. Because we are Latino?? No one else was interrogated. When I told her, let me call the school because I know it is...the school confirmed their accreditation was online but she wouldn’t hear it. She said...”it’s not on our TREC system” (something about Texas registration). I stood up to finish the phone call with the private school and when I turned around she was sitting in my seat and told my husband I DONT KNOW WHY SHES UPSET...and then told me I DONT KNOW HOW TO MAKE YOU HAPPY and yelled this loud enough for other parents to hear. Unbelievable. Unacceptable behavior from a leader to children! We left there in disgust at how rude she was to us for NO reason. Today I get a phone call from Griffin Elementary apologizing for the “mixup” and saying that they found the school after all and it is in fact accredited. Wow. Only took 24hours. Fail again Katy ISD. KATY ISD REALLY??? Your website says 16:1 HMM. She judged us IMMEDIATELY and publicly. This woman made us feel like we were not good enough to go here. All the other NON LATINO families didn’t even get a second look...but my family was questioned on the school we came from’s accreditation?? And turned out IT WAS ACCREDITED AFTERALL?? Unbelievable. Where this woman received her leadership training is a disgrace. This is racism at its finest!
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2017

Great school, awesome teachers, stuff, and principal. Beyond any expectations for a public school
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2017

Wonderful school. My Son love his teacher and friends. The art class is amazing
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2017

We didn't have the best experience here. It felt like a very strict, non nurturing environment for our kindergartner.
Submitted by other on January 20, 2017

We moved into the area and this is my son's first year. My son was in the gifted program before in HISD but since KISD has its own rules he didn't qualify for the gifted program here. He is bored out his mind plus he can't seem to make friends at this school since most of the kids have been friends since kindergarten they aren't too welcoming to new comers. The teachers and principal and assistant principals have all been very friendly and helpful to him with the exception of one teacher in the carline which constantly yells at my son despite knowing that he has hearing loss and even has written him up for it! Until recently they added a math & science club but aside from this, this school is seriously lacking extra curricular activities. My son was involved in UIL music, math, solo acting, the math rainbow challenge, Marathon Kids etc and this school participates in none of the above. Additionally they have to bring their own electronic devices to school because they don't have enough tablets for the classroom. We also don't like that the school is carpeted since he has eczema and asthma. He does like his teachers and the work is fairly easy for him. I also like the school's weekly newsletter and emails from the teachers to let you know what's going on in the school and classroom. They also have an excellent PTA which organizes a lot of fun activities. They also have a Watch Dogs program for dads.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2015

Our son spent 3 years on this school. Teachers are nice but the front desk ladies are very rude, including the assistant principal. I believe the good education is more because the students come from families very involved rather than Katy ISD approach. Math classes are based mainly in repetitive worksheets. The program for Gifted and Talent was great.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2015

This is our first year at Griffin and we LOVE it! I have found the many extra activities that the fundraising supports to be a superb addition an already excellent public education! The fundraising the school partakes in supports fun activities such as Popcorn Fridays, School Store (which by the way we use to TEACH our children about earning money and managing it wisely, we've also used it as an opportunity to teach about generosity as they purchase things for OTHERS), Science Nights, Math Nights, and many many more FUN and EDUCATIONAL events. Our children are excited about these fun events and it gets them pumped up for school. I feel the staff at Griffin have been warm, loving and patient when dealing with my son. They encourage parental involvement and a COMMUNITY approach to education. They teach more than just math, science, reading they teach what it takes to build CHARACTER and help these children form into the best little people they can be. Two thumbs up in my opinion!
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2014

I am tired that the school is asking for money all the time. They always say that it is optional but the kids return to school with their brains washed asking and begin for money for everything. Why do the teachers inform to the kids the possible contributions? Let the parent decide! For example, is it necessary have a School Store? why my little kids need to learn how to buy silly toys and learn how to spend money unnecessary? I am no happy at all.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2014

The principal talks down to parents! I am an adult and your equal not a little kid treat me as such when I enter your school. Not able deal well with children who do not fit their mold.
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2014

I feel compelled to refute the last review before this one that states the school continually asks for money and then awards children whose families donate. The writer also asks "where does the money go?" Most fundraisers are planned by the PTA, not the school. Like all schools, Griffin PTA raises funds to support additional resources - these include purchasing smart boards and other technology for classrooms, developing a garden, hosting teacher appreciation events, and planning fun celebratory events for all the children. The school is blessed with a team of industrious parent volunteers who donate countless hours so staff can focus on teaching. If any parent wants to know "where the money goes" they should simply contact the PTA and they information is readily available. What's more, the school has a focus on service learning so often donations are used towards helping others in the community and around the world. Yes, there is an auction at the annual fundraiser where parents can bid for items (including "first in line in carpool". ) It's a very successful fundraiser since the school is situated among a community generous both financially and with their time.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2014

The school's main intention is to extract $$ from parents. Every week there is something or the other to extract $$. The school plays with children's psychology by awarding students that contribute the most $$ to the school. Horrible staff and poor parking - pick up and drop off. The school has an auction system for efficient pick up and drop off. Another way to make $$. Where does this money go?
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2012

My children have been at Griffin for 4 years now and, with the exception of the over-crowding last year, we are very pleased with the education our children are receiving. The school is very good about keeping parents abreast of curricular changes and answering any questions we may have. To round out our experience, we have been extremely fortunate to have exceptional teachers. I have spoken to parents of children who were transferred to Griffin through the redistricting last year. They have all had positive things to say, as well.
Submitted by other on October 16, 2011

Simply put, this school is overcrowded as are ALL elementary schools in the Cinco Ranch West area. Why parents continue to move to this area and cram their kids into schools way over capcity blows my mind.