Ursula Stephens El

2715 FRY RD

School District

Katy Independent
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
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 September 17, 2015

As a parent of a 5 yr old and 9 yr old, I wanted the best school for them. We came from Cy-Fair school district and after 3 weeks in KISD, the difference between districts is overwhelming. My children are happier, excited to go to school and love being hands on in the classrooms. Their teachers are dedicated and truly care for them and their growth. My 5 yr old went to a private preschool and has said he is bored in class but when I reached out to his teacher, I was given an opportunity to have him tested for the G/T Program. I am able to reach both teachers via email, phone, and cell phone. I have had no issues with that at all. Reading the reviews, the emphasizes is on snacks or lack of or not enough time. I am confused, we send our children to a school to learn, not to eat throughout the day. Snacks are a privilege and not many schools offer this option - Cy-Fair didn't. Then we have a reviewer stating it's run like a prison, a bit over dramatic if you ask me. Are they strict about time and protocols? Absolutely and I love it! We need more discipline in our school districts to produce brilliant, law abiding citizens. Most reviews are on how rude the front staff is, not being able to contact various office staff members and snack issues. I find these humorous since I can visualize these reviewers calling constantly asking if their child has eaten a snack or asking how their child is doing that day. If these are their “major” concerns, then they are lucky their children are in that school. Stephens was ranked #1 in the entire state of Texas by the Texas Education Agency and parents are complaining about the school being disciplined and no time for snacks? Seriously? If you are looking for anything other than what truly counts in receiving a top notch education, I suggest you find another school. If you would like your child in a school that is disciplined, well organized and TEA recognized for excellence year after year, Ursula Stephens Elementary is your answer.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2015

Be it that I had a student not only at other KISD Elementary schools but also a Spring Branch ISD Elementary I speak from a place of understanding. Since the beginning of USE the principal has been out of touch with the community. The school is run like a prison and it's very difficult to see how your child is being treated. Some of the staff really do care and give 110% but others are just there for a paycheck. The front office staff are extremely rude most of the time. Trying to get in touch with different front office staff (asst. principals) etc can be quite difficult. Email usually works best, assuming they check it. Phone system voice mails rarely get a return phone call. Kids are bored in class, snacks are short if offered at all and recess if they get it is 30 mins or less. Some of these are district issues, some are state mandated issues and some are school level issues. Parents need to stay involved as much as possible and fight for your child's education! We want a fostering of knowledge and challenge our kids not have it be a prison.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2014

When we moved to Katy, we thought our child would be getting the best education but I feel they haven't lived up to par. Each student is unique in their own way and my child is not being challenged enough by his teachers. If your child is ahead of the learning curve they just have to sit there and do "busy" work and not learn anything. My son spent his whole first grade year coming home telling me he didn't learn anything and it was the same stuff he already learned. The principal here is out of touch with the parents and doesn't try to get parents involved and make them feel welcomed. PTA is unorganized and doesn't make an effort to get parents involved. Parents want to be a part of their children's schools and they shouldn't have to ask continuously if they can do something to help out the school. The staff at the front desk is the worst I've ever seen. They are so rude and need training in customer service. I am also very unhappy with the car rider drop off policy. The teachers are never outside at 7:55am to get the students and the line backs up for the parents that need to get to work because there is only 2 out of 8 teachers opening doors for the children.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

My son is in this school for the past 2 years and he will be attending 3rd Grade this year. Love the teachers in this school and they are very considerate and am quite content with the facilities and academic quality of this school as it has been an Exemplary school. However this year my younger son will be attending Pre-K and I felt it was surprising the administration decided not to incur a snack time for these kids who will be in class for 3 hours! I am personally a Montessori teacher and I feel this is not quite appropriate that such young kids be hungry without a small snack for such a long time! Not quite sure! I think they should think it over! Quite concerned.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2011

My daughter is going to USE since she was in pre-K. Now she is in third grade. I think the school is excellent. They have great teachers and really good level of organization, but the administrative staff need costumer service training to make this school the best!.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2011

My children have gone to Stephens for 3 years now and I have been very pleased with the level of education they have received. I have felt that the teachers truly care and are willing to go the extra mile. The administration of the school is visible and they recognize the kids for all their work, not just test scores! The school has been Exemplary for the last two years! Since this is the top rating a school can receive, I would say it is a Great School! I know Katy has very high standards and that is why I moved to the area!
Submitted by teacher on February 18, 2011

The administration is horrible. Three teachers had to quit in the middle of the year and another staff member as well. The teachers are amazing. They are the best caring teachers I have seen in this proffession. I just wish they had a better administration that cared about the students and not the state tests.
Submitted by other on June 16, 2010

To tell you the truth I came to this school when it was new as a 4th grader because i lived closer to it than my old school and didn`t like it one bit but all the qualities were good though like all the teachers were nice and it was a good challenge for me but most of all I made lots of new friends i guess i didn`t like it there at first because it was nothing like my old school
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2010

I find it very interesting that I have posted 2 negative reviews about this school and both of them have been removed. Both reviews had to do with the LACK of professionalism from the administrative staff. People need to KNOW THIS!
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2009

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Submitted by parent on January 09, 2009

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