There is quite a bit that is fantastic about Barton Creek Elementary. A couple of disappointments were uncovered as we researched the school, but overall it’s a world class schools that most any parent would be excited to send their little ones to. I would certainly send mine!

Barton Creek Elementary

Barton Creek Elementary is just off Bee Caves Rd, West of loop 360 and serves the most Western part of Eanes.

If you schedule a visit with the school (and I suggest you do) walk in through the main doors, turn right and you’ll find the office where you sign in.

Security

The double doors to the entrance is always locked while school is in session.  A visitor must always go through the front desk in order to enter the school and their ID is recorded.  The double doors are only accessible by staff with a key card.  All the doors leading outside (to the playground, basketball court, soccer field) are locked and accessible only by staff.

Nature trail

Touted on the internet was a nature trail that leading to several outdoor classrooms. The trail is short and runs between the buildings, which is gated and leads to outdoor picnic tables where parents can join their children during their lunch hour and have lunch outside. It’s nice but a little disappointing relative to expectations.

Playgrounds

There are two playgrounds. One as of this writing is currently closed due to an ADA compliance violation. this is being remedied but a disappointment (this seems avoidable to me and kids need play areas)

PTA

The school has an involved and supportive booster club (PTA) who raises and funds for the professional development of their teachers. According to the tour guide other Eanes ISD schools do this but this is uncommon to other public schools.

School layout, starting class rotations

One of the schools two corridors are dedicated to children in kindergarten through the 2nd grade the other is dedicated to 3rd – 5th grade students.

The  3rd – 5th grade get slowly adjusted for graduation to West Ridge Middle School as they begin to rotate between classes to prepare them for middle school where they start  rotating every period.  3rd grader rotate once during the day, 4th graders rotate twice and 5th graders rotate three times during their day. In middle school the kids change classrooms at each period so from my perspective this sets them up nicely for this change.

Observations

• Every student has an ipad for educational use, even the kindergarteners.
•  In the classrooms the children look engaged and are listening to their teacher or working independently with others in stations.  Artwork displayed in the hallways and the writings of some strong english composition are featured on the walls.
• The library is attractive. Children visit the library together as a class once a week. Students are encouraged to borrow books the same way a local library does.
• The classrooms, hallways and bathrooms were all clean with a staff sweeping up during the lunch hour, focused on keeping the place presentable.

Gifted and Talented

If you choose, your child can get tested in the Fall, usually around October and are either placed into the gifted and talented program or if they don’t get in, they can test again the following year.

The program is taught by one teacher. The GT students rotate three times per week and get 45 min/day with the gifted and talented teacher.  During non academic classes the children are taken from their classroom and brought to the classroom with the GT teacher and spend their 45min with her.  I’m not sure what to make of this program but apparently it’s been well tested and had earned high praise. She must be one amazing teacher.

If you have any questions about this school or the homes that are served by this school feel free to reach out to me. Always happy to help.

Cheers,