Gonzalez Elementary School

201 East Martin Avenue

School District

Mcallen Independent
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Mcallen 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 29, 2024

Superficial school that allows children to be picked up early if you pay $1,000.00!! That's discriminatory. Negligence is one word that comes to mind for the well being of students, but academically the school is great. The redeeming quality are the teachers.Attendance>everything
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2024

Two of my children attend Gonzalez Elementary and I have no complaints! My children are excelling both academically and have also developed so much socially during their time at Gonzalez.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

An amazing school with dedicated administrators, staff, and teachers. We are blessed to be part of the Grizzly Family.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

This is a wonderful place to be!
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2023

Principal in this school lacks compassion towards parents. The success of her students is not her priority. She black lists parents and students and finds ways to remove them from Gonzalez Elementary. Sad that she was given such a privileged position and she uses it so carelessly.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2020

Terrible because the principal wanted everything her way. Parents are not allowed or wanted at this campus.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2019

Worse school in McAllen. It’s a money based school.
Submitted by other on July 08, 2019

Awesome school! The teachers and staff are amazing.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2018

Stay away! The ratings don't show the stress and fear kids experience at this school. Teachers are great but they are afraid of the principal who is a dictator that intimidates those who attempt to whistleblow.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2018

I have had two daughters attend Gonzalez Elementary and we loved it. The teachers do a great job setting expectations of excellence. They also get students thinking for the future. For example, my oldest daughter was able to she attended Gonzalez Elementary, she would attend Cathey Middle School, Memorial High School and then the University of Texas. She was a 1st grader at the time. The Principal and teachers may at times come off as rigid, which may rub some parents the wrong way. But that is likely because they know what they are doing and have been successful. Like any school, there are imperfections, but I have found this to be a high quality school. I've seen the difference between this school and other schools. I would recommend this school in a heartbeat.
Submitted by other on August 31, 2016

Pre-K teacher cant handle all her students. School has children outside in the rain for pick up. My child has had nothing but bad experiences since he started school.
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2015

The staff is extremely rude. The drop off of my two children is getting ridiculous. I've been yelled at. Told that I'm not allowed out if my car. When I called to talk to someone I got blown off. The teachers don't give you a straight answer on why the kids scores are so low. Very disappointed. Just moved here and the schools back home are way better. They don't even smile at this school! I'm looking into getting my children out ASAP.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2013

Although, there are some very good teachers to be found, the principle is a terrible example of a principle. Everyone tip toes around her and she is very impersonal and choose and picks who she cares to give the time of day to. We had a very hard time ever getting her to return a call or even see us. All functions and fundraisers are fully funded by parents, putting a financial strain on some parents. I was completely appalled to learn that the day she discovered a child and their family had moved to a different district, she had him withdrawn on that very same day and did not give the parent any notice whatsoever. In my opinion this is an educator who truly does not have their child's interest at heart. Are there any good points to this school! yes! but the stress and overbearing attitude and indifference of the principle make it almost unbearable!
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2013

You cannot find a better school in McAllen. Our two kids attended from pre-K through 5th. Teachers are excellent and the principal is connected to every aspect. We have now moved from the area and are in one of the best districts in Texas. Our children could have not have had a better start on their education process than what they got at Gonzalez. Sincere thanks to all of the staff and teachers there. Keep up the great work!!!
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2013

My children attended this school for several years. I was really pleased with most of the teachers, coaches and staff. The additional IB curriculum was good - not as broad as what I read about before attending the school. Parental involvement was fantastic, in my experience. When Spanish language instruction had to be cut due to funding, a parent volunteered her time each week to continue the instruction. Homework was challenging, there were loads of projects, and the extra-curricular activities were fun and varied. My impression of the difference between this school and other schools in the valley is that Gonzalez is making an effort to produce leaders and critical thinkers, not just good workers who can pass a standardized test.
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2012

the notion that this is the best elementary school is simply a poor reflection on how horrible the other public schools here are. This is one of the worst public education systems in the country and it shows. As with most other public schools in the area, they fail the Texas State end of the year examinations. Which is why the school has mandatory tutoring sessions and some of the longest elementary school hours outside of inner city public schools, school pre-k to 5th grade is from 7:45-3:30, which is extended to 7:45-4:15 on tutoring days. I do not recommend this school. Also, at 911 students over half the classes are in portables. Worst public elementary school experience ever. Be careful. If you don t have to move here don t. The principle was placed on administrative leave last year for an altercation with a student, and was not allowed back for months. She also target particular students and picks on them. They are also driven by greed, not education. This is a genuine warning from one concerned parent to another. I am not sure what your options are but beware this school. Beware, this south Texas education system honestly.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2011

My son has gone to Gonzalez for 3 years and this is an AWESOME school..We are moving to Virginia this summer, and I sure hope we can find a school even close to Gonzalez..The teachers are great, they are very friendly. and they have a great principal...