Lee Elementary School in Austin, Texas

“Our family will have clocked a decade at Lee before our last child moves on to middle school. During this decade, we have watched and participated in many changes: the fight to keep a sixth grade against district administration initiatives, the swelling student body and closure to transfers, and a change in administrative leadership. The previous commentators' observations regarding social cliques amongst parents and kids is true of any small vocal community. Sixth grade was such an abysmal experience for my oldest for several reasons but the biggest factor was perhaps the fact that the student population dwindles to half which did not provide sufficient social diversity at an age when kids are already painfully self-conscious and struggling to 'fit in.'. I'd give the academics a 'B'. Too many worksheets. Not enough time using a textbook. Unfortunately, middle school in AISD is pretty bleak.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love this school. Both my daughters have attened this school since the kindergarten. We really enjoy the arts, music and language programs. This year my 6th grader will learn both Spanish and German. It's a really wonderful neighborhood school. Parent involvement is appreciated and I love the emphasis on hands on/experiential learning!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Amazing Teachers and Staff who have been at the school for many years.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Overall, Lee does not live up to its reputation. On the plus side, it has a great student body and very involved parents, a wonderful library, excellent kindergarten, good discipline, and an outstanding art teacher. Negatives include an overwhelming emphasis on TAKS preparation, unwillingness to challenge students or innovate, abysmal music instruction, and lip service given to Spanish instruction. In particular, there is a strong sense of 'This is the way we've always done it, so we're just going to keep doing it this way.' If students were trusted more and given more opportunities for in-depth academic growth, Lee could really shine. Instead, it seems easier to hand out worksheets, which is a distressing waste of potential.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children who have completed their first year at Lee, one in 4th and one in 6th. The academics have been wonderful and the school makes good use of UT and other learning opportunities within Austin. The music and art programs are beyond anything I've seen at any other elementary school. I'm sad for the people in reviews that said they thought it was cliquish, because we've had the opposite experience. Because the school is so small, everyone knows everyone and there doesn't seem to be enough people to create cliques. There may be parent cliques, but my observation is that is just because they've known each other for so long. As for the kids, everyone is part of one big group, everyone is included. It is a wonderful dynamic for the kids that I am sad that my oldest is done there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I would say 'ditto' to the clique aspect of the school. I found the other parents to be very snobbish and not welcoming. My daughter, who is a straight A student, did not have a positive experience because of bullying and harassment. I have transferred her out of Lee after the administration was not willing to remedy the situation.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school gets results with most children. That is indisputable. However, they are all about results. Children face departmentalization at the first grade--three different teachers for academics plus the art, music, PE, etc. If your young child is not ready for the more depersonalized model of a middle school, choose another area schools doing a fine job of academics and instilling a love for education. Know that relations with parents are impersonal as well. Parental involvement is high, but only in implementation.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Lee Elementary is a school rich in academics and promoting students to be public speakers and advanced students. Lee is known for its school productions and high parental involvement. If you are looking for a strong academic school that helps promote your child's social growth them Lee is the school for you. Very close to the UT Austin campus, it serves many of the children of the UT professors and the UT staff.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“When we first moved to Austin to begin seminary we were actually looking at Pease instead- but as we researched Lee more and discovered it has had a Blue Ribbon rating- we decided to look into it further- we have been very pleased- size is a huge factor, we know so many parents and students because of the relative smallness of the school- to see so many families walking and riding to school together gives the school community that something special we have been very pleased with the academics, the special programs, field trips and the staff. If you want your child exposed to an eclectic mix of people, to be challenged to learn and competently taught- this is your school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our oldest son started Kindergarten this Fall (2005) at Lee Elementary and we are very excited about the quality of the program and the teachers. Couldn't be happier!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“When I was making the decision to move into the AISD it was hands down a decision to send my son to Lee. Not only the historical school ratings, but the size of the school, the longevity of teachers who have been at Lee, the witnessed numbers of parents who walk and ride bikes with their kids to school helped in my decision. Since at Lee, my expectations have even further been exceeded. The academic standards are good and the parental commitment to keeping the specialty teachers is paying off with the amount of attention to the special programs for each grade level. I am very pleased with the choice we made to move into this school's neighborhood and am grateful for my son's love of learning at Lee.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Outstanding school with great teachers, who actually want to teach your child, knowledgeable and very committed staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Overall, we are very happy with the school. They use the nearby university to their advantage and provide a wealth of cultural events to the kids. I do feel they are caught in the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' mode and feel they refuse to try new things/programs.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I admitt I am not a parent but I am a fifth grade student who has just graduated from Lee and is moving on to Kealing next year. Although I'm not an adult I believe my views should count too. The teachers are wonderful. The level of academics was also very high. My teachers were always challenging me to excel. My favorite teacher in the school is the art teacher Ms. Kennedy. She's the best teacher ever!! Once a day we have special areas rotating on a three day basis. Each room has a class parent who helps organize fund raisers, partys etc. Over all Lee is a great school and i will always remember it fondly!”
This review was posted by a former student.

“I have just left this school for Kealing Middle School, and I believe that the school is not very good. Kindergarten and fourth grade were good, but I believe that there is a social clique and people feel left out or unimportant. I did.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“I have been amazed at the level of parental involvement in this school. We have been extremely happy with all of the teachers and staff of Lee Elementary. I feel extremely lucky that my children have an opportunity to attend this school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great principal who fights to make sure teachers get to teach their way. Caring and very competent teachers. Active parents who donate money when the district cuts off funds.”
This review was posted by a parent.