Garden Oaks Elementary School

Posted: January 21, 2026

Posted: January 21, 2026

Posted: January 21, 2026

Posted: January 21, 2026

Posted: January 21, 2026

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Posted: January 21, 2026

Posted: January 21, 2026

The school no longer supports Montessori methods as of January 2026. Students do HISD worksheets while sitting on the floor during so called Montessori time.

Do not recommend as a magnet school anymore. It was good while it lasted.

Posted: April 18, 2018

It didn't feel like a community the way some public elementaries do - I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but there were definite "cliques" among parents. The teachers didn't seem to have full command of classrooms, and my child, who attended pre-K through first grade there - fell pretty far behind on reading. She caught up quickly when moved to a conventional public elementary. Montessori may not be for everyone, or at least it didn't work for us, and we didn't feel particularly welcome here or that it was a warm environment.

Posted: April 18, 2018

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Posted: March 21, 2018

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Posted: March 21, 2018

My daughter was tested for dyslexia and qualified for extra help. The process was faster than usual. I am very satisfied on how concerned the teacher counselor and specialist. They were very informative and helpful!

Posted: March 21, 2018

It depends on the teacher. I’ve had teachers who deal with right away and other teachers who don’t show much attention to the problem.

Posted: March 21, 2018

I would rate it a 9. My 3 kids attend the school and so far they enjoy going to school. I’ve had both bad and good experiences. It helps that the parents there are great! It feels like a strong community. Everyone is friendly and welcoming.

Posted: March 12, 2018

Fun! This school left such an impact, the teachers and aids truly care about you and the progress you make. They don't give up on you, that was my favorite part of going to this school. I have so much more to say, but i don't want to cry. I miss all my teachers, I pray that wherever they are that they find themselves happy and safe. I am forever thankful to have been a part of this school's vision for kids! I'm in love with the memories I have... :))

Posted: March 12, 2018

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Posted: May 6, 2017

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Posted: May 6, 2017

Test scores are not "horrible." A tiny group of parents want to do away with standardized testing, and many of them are shills for the teacher's union. My kids have attended GOMM from PreK-8th grade. You will not find a finer public school in HISD.

Posted: May 6, 2017

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Posted: April 9, 2015

Test scores are horrible !!! Parents at this school want to do away with standardized testing . Life's a test ! Setting children up for failure.

Posted: January 29, 2015

My son has been at GOMM almost three years now and we are extremely pleased with the school. I realize the style of learning is not for everyone, and it's important for parents to look into Montessori before enrolling their child in this school. However, my child has excelled since enrolling here. His reading, writing and math abilities are much farther advanced than our friends and family's kids who are at other area elementary schools. Parents are extremely involved and help coordinate a lot of activities like the Pancake Breakfast, Ice Cream Social, Holiday Show and Fall Festival. They also try to hold field trips as much as their budget allows (recently they went to the Science Museum and have plans to go to the Hobby Center soon). The principal, Dr. Pollack seems to be very accessible and can be seen at the front of the school every morning.

Posted: August 23, 2014

We started searching for schools before our daughter was born and Garden Oaks Montessori has proven to be the best choice . All you parents out there doing your research reading reviews and checking stats , I wish you well . Just don't believe the hype that you see on the rankings pages of best schools in this city . My family prefers a school that remembers our child is worth more than her last TASK . If this school could be rated on focusing on your child to encourage community , self confidence leadership and becoming ready for their next level of education , then they would be number 1 . Yes , we have made the right decision to jump start her school career here at GOMM .

Posted: July 15, 2014

Totally misleading. Rude office staff. Some of the parents have an highly inflated perception of themselves and the GO community. Teaching (in my daughter's class) was minimal. Classroom management was horrible. My daughter came home every day talking about how noisy the classroom was and how other kids were distracting her, or getting into trouble, or causing the class to lose activities. Her Stanford test scores went down after attending GO. Extremely disappointing. Listen to the negative reviews. It's really NOT just one or two parents with problem children. My daughter is an extremely discipline, high achiever. My husband and I are both educators. We knew almost immediately (but not quickly enough) that it was a mistake to enroll her here. Parents are really involved which is a great thing, but parent involvement can also have ugly intentions. Pick another magnet school. There are WAY better ones out there.

Posted: April 28, 2014

My school is amazing! It was a Magnet Schools of America school of Distinction. Always something happening to support families and children. Happy children who love learning - more than just test scores!

Posted: April 27, 2014

My two granddaughter have attended this school since PreK. They are now in grades 6 and 3. We have been very impressed with the curriculum and the incredible support they teceive from their teachers. It has a caring and family atmosphere. Go Garden Oaks.

Posted: January 17, 2014

Garden Oaks is a great place for social fun. There's lots of parental involvement, and the school calendar is loaded - very impressive. We are NOT happy with the level of teaching, however. The Montessori Program doesn't appear to work at the school level, and we don't believe that it is a true Montessorit program, especially since children have to take STAAR tests. It all looks great on paper and during walk throughs. As it turns out, we are HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED, but "different strokes for different folks." This is a great forum for parents to express their own personal views, experiences and perspectives of this school. Each will vary, but should be respected, so parents looking for a campus can make their choices based on ratings/comments. Each will need to see and learn for themselves just as we did. We just can't tell you how disappointed we are.

Posted: January 13, 2014

Garden Oaks has been fantastic!! The teachers recognize the students as individuals and help them foster their strengths. I love that the environment teaches personal accountability and allows them to build skills for successful lifelong learning. My children grasp on to concepts quickly because they can explore the topic in a number of ways. They aren't confined to learning based on what they can accomplish at a desk. Because they work in classrooms that span 3 yr age groups, they learn how to appreciate and communicate with people that span different abilities. Students encourage their classmates to be their best. This school is literally building all the skills needed for future leaders.

Posted: January 12, 2014

There have been some comments on here about the school's test scores. All of my children attend Garden Oaks and I am not the least bit concerned about the school's test scores. A Montessori program focuses on the whole child and on so many more factors than can be measured by a standardized test. Additionally -- Montessori is designed so that children can learn at their own pace. The traditional system is not designed for this (which goes against everything we know about human learning), and I will argue that the problem with any school's test scores is not a reflection of the quality of the teaching. It is only a reflection of the reality that all children learn at different individual paces. A traditional model ignores this reality. I don't need a test score to be able to observe learning in my own child. Garden Oaks is a wonderful school and we are so impressed with the growth and progress across a wide variety of skills and knowledge that we have witnessed in our own children as a result of the guidance and support of the caring educators at Garden Oaks.

Posted: January 11, 2014

As an educator I have very high standards for my children. Garden Oaks Montessori has met those standards. After reading many comments here I do see that some parents may not agree with the Montessori method for their child. That is what is great about education- there are choices! We have been at GOMM for 7 years and are proud of the school. I have a child with special needs as well as one who is very gifted. This school meets the array of needs they both have and work with me to support them. I am thrilled that there is a middle school program there now. This helps eliminate a massive change at a vulnerable time in a child's life. The principal is an advocate for all of the diverse children at the campus.

Posted: January 10, 2014

Our family moved to Houston from South Africa in 2011. Our daughter had been traumatised by violence in that country. Within 6 months at Garden Oaks our daughter had changed completely. She was smiling, talking easily, and interacting fearlessly! The teachers are compassionate and hardworking and the principal is simply outstanding. She is being challenged academically and doing very well, thanks to ongoing support and extra help twice a week from her teacher. Our daughter went through a patch of being bullied about 6 months after we got there, but the teacher dealt with it swiftly and immediately and it ended very quickly - at every stage we were supported and taken very seriously. We consider ourselves enormously privileged to have our daughter at Garden Oaks. The Montessori System is very well run and the lady who manages it in the school is an outstanding teacher. Classes are small and the middle school is growing each year. The parent organisation is excellent and the principle supports and works closely with the PTO. In our opinion the principal's warm and caring personality and the teachers hardwork and care is the secret to this incredible schools success!

Posted: January 10, 2014

When we were considering moving to the Houston area, we wanted to be sure we were in Houston ISD so we could put our children in the magnet school program. We are so happy that our children were accepted at Garden Oaks! The school is 45 min. (one way) from our house, but we don't mind one bit - that's how much we love this school! Great teachers, great staff, great principal, beautiful campus, and TONS of parent support! We look forward to many years in the Montessori classrooms at Garden Oaks.

Posted: January 10, 2014

Our kids go to GOES and we are pretty involved both at school and in their every day education. If you are looking for community, this is the place for you. If you are looking for education, then look elsewhere! Our kids are so far behind we have had to hire private tutors. I know of many kids whose teachers offer additional instruction after school, weekends and during the summer months at the parents' expense. There is no transparency and what is said and done at this school are completely different things! The principal is receptive but I thin completely in denial of the teaching quality. We are so disappointed...we, too, had great expectations!! There is a lot of talk of leadership and education but it surely is everything but! I find that the teachers are preparing from standarized test to standarized test and no focus on basic reading, science, and math. We are currently awaiting magnet application decisions to transfer elsewhere.

Posted: January 10, 2014

I have two sons at GOE (PK-4 and 2nd). I'm rating this school as excellent because: 1. Teachers: between the two of them we have had 4 different teachers. All 4 of them have been great. They have not been perfect, and they each have/had their own way to conduct the class, but they were all instrumental in teaching my boys the process of learning, fomenting an inquisitive mind, and guiding them to become more aware and caring members of their community. 2. Principal Leadership: My boys have both created problems as well as suffered from other kid's misbehavior, and on all occasions we felt that the teachers, the staff, and the Principal were diligently working in solving the issues fairly; and we have been happy with the final resolutions for each problem. 3. Parent Involvement: is outstanding; I have never seen anything like it. // GOE is the right fit for our family, and we feel very fortunate to be in it. I believe, though, that to be successful in any school (Traditional or Montessori), everyone in the family has to understand the method and be on-board... Seek first to understand then to be understood as they say around here... Best of luck with your choice!

Posted: January 9, 2014

The extraordinarily responsive and deeply invested principal, faculty and staff are the highlight of Garden Oaks Montessori. We transferred in from an "exemplary school" which was a dismal and even dangerous environment for my children. If you want a traditional militaristic "get in line and be quiet" sort of atmosphere for your child to blossom, then go elsewhere. Garden Oaks Montessori gives all students the *opportunity* to thrive. I would warn anyone whose children do not have Montessori experience to be cognisant of their child's need for transition. A child who is used to having the whip cracked in order to get their work done is going to have to learn how to manage their own time and take responsibility for their own work and their own progress. If you don't have faith in your child's ability to learn this valuable skill, then Garden Oaks is going to disappoint you. Attendance at the first PTO meeting of the 2013-14 school year was almost half teachers and staff. These people are dedicated to what they do, and to the children they serve. This is a beautiful, caring community and we are so blessed to be a part of it.

Posted: January 6, 2014

I'm sadden to see all the negative reviews for what I consider to be a fantastic school. This is my child's fourth year and she has learned so much and looks forward to going to school every day. Because of the Montessori programming, she is never bored and is able to excel at her own pace and has been able to do work far above her grade level. The two teachers my child has had during her academic career have been wonderful and easily accessible. I cannot say enough about our principle who has really done a remarkable job at ensuring that every child is safe and is receiving a fantastic education despite budget cuts. As a friend of mine once said, Montessori is for every child, but not for every parent. Sometimes what appears to be just play or non educational, truly is exploration and a learning experience/lesson. I recommend this school to everyone who has children. And my child proudly tells people she is a Garden Oaks Eagle!

Posted: January 6, 2014

We have all 3 of our kids at this school. We are not zoned to it, so we feel extremely lucky to have gotten in via the lottery system. We have been so impressed with each of our children's teachers. Not only are they amazing teachers but they are also warm and caring. Not a day goes by without our kids impressing us with what they learned at school. In addition, the parents are also amazing. It's such a great community. I'm disappointed and saddened to see one parent repeatedly posting negative comments. Montessori is not for everyone, but if it fits how your child learns, there is no better school than Garden Oaks Montessori.

Posted: January 6, 2014

This is an amazing school that has given my children leadership and skills that you can't find in another environment. I find it frustrating that so many negative things to offer without much offer of solutions. No school is perfect, but the best way to get close to perfect is parent involvement. This means volunteering in the classrooms, on the PTO or even at one of the many weekend/evening school sponsored events. If you just sit back and let it happen around you, you have no voice. Using social media and anonymous postings does offer a valid voice where concerns can be addressed.

Posted: January 6, 2014

Garden Oaks Montessori is an amazing school with loving educators who work long after school ends each day, each week, each vacation to make sure that the children in their classes learn and grown as they need to learn and grow. I have 2 children at GO. One is in Children's House and one in Lower Elementary. My just turned four year old is starting to read and my first grader cried on the last day of school because she didn't want to leave her teacher. Both of my children's teachers spend time at school in the evenings and on weekends making sure their classrooms are creative, educational, fun and aesthetically pleasing. They are investing their time continuously in my children and I will continue to invest my time in Garden Oaks Montessori. I find the leadership at Garden Oaks professional and caring.

Posted: January 6, 2014

I have two children who attend Garden Oaks and we are beyond happy with the school! My kids are now in kindergarten and they started when they were in Pre-K 3. They both love their classes, teachers and I'm continually impressed with their academic achievements! The teachers get to know your children and help them learn new information through their strengths. There's also a great sense of classroom community, both on the student level and the parent level. And the parental involvement is unbelievable! This is a school where parents make a difference and want to be involved in their children's education. I can not say enough good things about Garden Oaks Montessori and look forward to my children continuing their education at this school.

Posted: January 5, 2014

My child's teacher is well trained, individualizes instruction for all in her classroom, and I have observed in the classroom. I am very pleased with the Montessori program, after school programs and the education my child is receiving.

Posted: January 4, 2014

I am reading the posts regarding the closure of the remaining two traditional classrooms. School program transitions are always difficult however, the posts that refers to traditional scores being higher is incorrect. Last year's traditional classroom scores were far lower than the Montessori program passing rates on STAAR.- I encourage parents who have these misperceptions to contact our principal for the exact numbers - they would clearly be surprised! Montessori education is amazing!

Posted: September 12, 2012

In reading the parent review from 8/31, I feel compelled to respond. Speaking as a parent who has 2 children entering their 4th year at GOES since the age of 3, I feel that the review was not fair, especially since it appears to be from a new parent basing it on the 1st wk of school. Due to the severe budget cuts of the last legislative session, the principal continues to be creative in working harder with less. In trying to prepare for the 1st year of harsh cuts, while many other schools were laying off their employees, she was able to cut her budget and keep every one of her staff (the Magnet grant has does not cover employee salaries). She is extremely supportive of parents and staff. She works late into the night on campus, attends most -if not all- school events and PTO board meetings, and she's never unanswered any of my emails. The previous parent stated, "You'd be surprised how well people would work and give of their time and services if their voices/opinions were considered/heard." This is reflected with the principal's leadership. Due to our strong parent base and volunteer hours, we were the only school in the magnet grant that met the parent involvement requirement.

Posted: July 3, 2012

I am so happy to work at Garden Oaks Elementary. The school climate and culture is welcoming and encouraging. My colleagues are top notch professionals, who always put students first when making decisions. As a long time educator in public school systems, I rate this campus as excellent, because of the dedication to, and compassion for students, from PK through 6th grade. The Montessori program at Garden Oaks differentiates instruction for each student, found popular for the past 17 years by parents here, who have actively supported Montessori education in the public sector. The focus on environmental science is a growing attraction and fits well with the beautiful access to outdoor education. Please come visit our school and take a tour to see for yourself the smiling, happy faces of students, parents and staff. A real gem in a lovely neighborhood, this school is a magnet Montessori school, open to enrollment from outside its zone by lottery through the district's magnet program. I love teaching here, and look forward to the new school year. Garden Oaks is a place where children flourish.

Posted: July 2, 2012

I work in the field of education and have very high standards. GOES has exceeded my expectations! The teachers are very dedicated and definitely go above and beyond to engage students. The principal is accessible and proactive. All of the other students and parents I have had contact with have been friendly. There are assistants in the rooms with the youngest kids. Montessori is great for teaching children how to learn (not what to know for a test) and work to solve problems independently or in a group. The environmental science aspect is an added bonus.

Posted: July 1, 2012

We LOVE this school! Classes start at PK3 and go through 6th grade. The school itself has a wonderful community feel with outdoor classrooms and classroom gardens. Teachers and staff are dedicated and care for the success of all students on campus. The after-school program has tons of offerings for all of the students on campus.

Posted: July 1, 2012

I am a parent of a child at Garden Oaks Elementary and an adjunct faculty at the University of Houston. As a fellow educator and parent, I have seen tremendous growth in my son's reading ability, writing ability, cumulative comprehension in Social Studies, Geography, Natural Sciences, Math, and Art, as well as a deep respect for himself, others, and the world around him. He has self esteem and uses conscious decision making skills every day, skills he has learned in the classroom as a result of Montessori. We really believe in the Montessori mode of teaching at GOES!

Posted: July 1, 2012

Garden Oaks is a very special place. I know my child is receiving an individualized education that is top notch. The Montessori program supports my daughter and allows her to work on very advance work. I love the community feel of the school.

Posted: July 1, 2012

Garden Oaks Elementary has not only provided a quality education for my children but a strong, loving community for our entire family. My kids feel completely at home at their school and a sense of pride and ownership. They have been in the Montessori Program since they were each 3 years old. They are now going into 3rd and 4th grade. The multi year classrooms provide opportunity for peer education and leadership skills. If we had to pick all over again, we would be right where we are. Doesn't get any better than that!

Posted: June 24, 2012

Thought this would be a great fit for our children, but was disappointed. Older kids where rude, not all but most. The principle was in denial about the bad teachers. There seemed to be a click of parents that were involved but not very open to the new or incoming parents. I don't know my be good for some just not for us.

Posted: April 29, 2012

Unfortunately, we were very disappointed with this school. We had very high hopes, but soon realized it did not work for us. Our child became bored and not interested in attending school. She also picked up some very bad habits from the older montessori children, including their cuss words. We never got feedback from the teacher, and our child started falling behind. This school is not good at all for the really young kids, as the teachers cannot dedicate the time to helping them. The classes are just too big. The school seems to have a strong parental base, which is good. However, it also has its share of bad kids, who can bring the good kids down.

Posted: January 26, 2012

wow, cant say enough about the dedication of this staff. my child began the first grade nervous, not liking school and unable to read. within two months, she loved school, loved her teacher ms. davis and was READING and WRITING. She still enjoys school, and I could not ask for more from a 1,000 dollar per month private montessori school - and unlike many private schools, GOE has the resources to identify and help students who may have learning disabilities.

Posted: October 16, 2011

Very disappointed the Montessori program will now be mandated, rather than optional. We will now have to look outside our own neighborhood for traditional education programs. And, for the Montessori supporters, this is not a commentary on the quality of the program. I'm sure it is great for some children - but certainly not all. Whether or not to send a child to such a program should be up to the parents, not the school district.

Posted: April 25, 2010

Because GOES is a great place for children to grow and learn not only the academics to be successful in life, but also learning about how to give to the community and values such as respect, world peace, responsibility, caring, honor, perseverance etc. The teachers at Garden Oaks really care for the future of their students and give more than lessons to help this children develop a character and become a world citizens.

Posted: April 24, 2010

I love Garden Oaks Elementary School for many reasons: 1. It is a free Montessori education 2. It is has an incredible outdoor garden campus 3. The school is tucked away in a beautiful safe neighborhood 4. The staff and principal are wonderful 5. Parent involvement is outstanding 6. (And most important) Children are happy and they are learning What is not to love!

Posted: April 24, 2010

The parents, the kids, the teachers, the principle, the support staff, Montessori, the school grounds. I'll stop now, it sounds like an Oscar's thanks! We love the schoo!!

Posted: April 24, 2010

The parents and teachers are great. The gounds are beautiful and lots of outdoor space for kids to learn.

Posted: April 23, 2010

Public Montessori, a great community of people, wonderful teachers and administators!

Posted: April 11, 2010

excellent community involvement in school. Great opportunities for Montessori education.

Posted: March 27, 2010

I am a proud parent of 2 children who get to benefit from the Montessori education method offered at Garden Oaks. Not too many school districts in the nation offer public Montessori and I must commend the decision makers at HISD in supporting alternative education methods.

Posted: March 11, 2010

My children love the montessori program that this school has to offer. I love the teachers. And the principal and staff are just wonderful. I think it is a fantastic school. Just big enough to participate in various activities and just small enough to have a real neighborhood environment.

Posted: March 9, 2010

A very warm school. Not many students but all are welcome from my experience as a garden oaks mom. Teachers are warm and many of them have several years of experience. We have parents who put everything they have into it. We have have teachers who love the students. We have students, teachers, and parents willing to do whatever it takes to make the school the best it can be!

Posted: July 21, 2007