Cactus Ranch Elementary School

2901 Goldenoak Circle

School District

Round Rock Independent
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Round Rock 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 17, 2022

The rate of 10/10 is the result of the effort of the parents and private tutors and not the teachers. Your child's teacher is in control of your child's acedemic development and will not accept you to ask her any question, you have no idea what your child is being taught at all, if you disagree with their way of teaching or request details, then the whole staff will start treating you bad until you take your child away and leave. Very sad.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2022

We love this school, last 4 years we had a very good experience with this school. Each year starts with class teacher coming home and introducing herself. My son likes all his teachers. They are very patient in explaining the concepts, effectively communicates about my son's performance with us. He never once complained of any issues with school nor did we face any issues. Can't wait for my little one to start her school this year.
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2019

Terrible. Worst decision to have bought house in this school zone.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2019

It has been a horrible year. The kids are not taught well at all. They are just taught to pass STAAR, but don’t really have the basic concepts right. Sometimes the teacher is eating while teaching, I don’t really know if the kids were more interested in the food that the teacher ate or the lesson being taught.Also, too many rules during the class. For every little mistake, instead of teaching the students calmly, they are being punished with timeouts or writing names in a book.If a kid makes mistake during the literature class, sometimes they are shamed in front of the whole class. Their grades are also discussed. Hey are taught just to pass the STAAR test, but are not taught any basic skillls(writing/math/science). During the science hour, mostly videos are shown... so if the kid understands, good for them, or better luck next year.Overall, we figured out that basically the school year was a complete waste of time and effort. Nothing taught.. the only thing learned was how to successfully get scared of every thing , including reading and finishing books!!
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2019

Cactus Ranch is a great school. I can't imagine how it could be better. The teachers visit the students home in the beginning to the school year. I like the extracurricular programs. Everything is so organized in there. It is a really amazing school!
Submitted by student on May 16, 2018

It was absolutely amazing and I wish I could stay there forever.
Submitted by other on June 20, 2017

The school has a lovely culture where teachers visit students home in the beginning of the year to say "Hi". Kids are so excited to meet the teacher. It also gives the teacher the idea of the kids background.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2016

I don't have a complaint with the School. They care, and the teachers and staff are good the students. They put boundaries as far as behavior in place and encourage community. It is a high performing school so it is important to realize there is pressure on these kids, intentionally or not. We are very very pleased with the school.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2015

Cactus is a good school, but not really "better" than any others really... Most of the teachers and staff are very interested and invested in the school and the kids, but there are also others who are there for a "typical" teaching job. The turn around over the last several years has been high. The head principal, we found, was not very approachable. The test scores show the school to be "exemplary" but don't let that fool you... that shows test scores only. They absolutely teach TO the test, using many many worksheets in the classrooms, and if your kid needs any extra help, you really have to advocate for them at Cactus Ranch... or they will get lost in the system and in the school's absolute desire to rank high... more after-school 'tutoring' does not make a better learning environment.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2015

Cactus Ranch is a great school. The first thing I noticed, the parents who send their kids to school here don't view teachers as baby sitters. They are very active at the school. The teachers and staff are top notch. They truly care about the kids and there seems to be a bond and responsibility with parents/students beyond just being teacher or staff member. I have never experienced anything like that before. It is a great environment for my daughter. She wants to go back and be a teacher there some day.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2015

Cactus is a great school. The teachers and counsellors go above and beyond to work with students to fulfill their maximum potential! Jose and his team work very hard at keeping the school clean and in working order! Mrs. Sharp and Mrs. Freeman are always very welcoming and friendly. Mrs. Crain, Mrs. Mussey, and Mrs. Grubb are all fair and very "with it", in terms of knowing how to handle the many situations that go across their desks. The teachers are all very friendly and extremely hard working! The community cares about the kids at Cactus.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2012

Our daughter is in her third year at Cactus Ranch and her/our experience has been great. The teachers communicate well with parents and are readily accessible. Children feel safe on the campus. The school is in touch with the community, often holding fun/educational events outside of school hours, encouraging family involvement. Looking forward to our son entering kindergarten next year.