Wells Branch Elementary - Austin, Texas

Esmeralda Rodriguez

My son began at Wells Branch three years ago in Pre-K, and at that time, the experience was fantastic. The teachers, staff, and overall environment were supportive, and I felt confident in the school's ability to provide my child with the education and care he needed. Unfortunately, the experience has changed significantly since then.

In the following year, there was a noticeable lack of stability among the staff, including the office staff and the principal. This instability has continued to affect the school environment, and it seems to have worsened over time. This year, for example, my child’s classroom teacher resigned at the end of August, and the position has remained unfilled since then. As a result, my child has had multiple substitute teachers with no consistent leadership in the classroom. There has been zero communication with families about the ongoing situation.

As a parent of a child with special needs, I reached out to the school principal with my concerns, but it took a week to receive a response, which was merely an apology for the inconvenience. While I appreciate the acknowledgment, the lack of follow-up or any substantive action is deeply concerning.

More recently, I learned of a serious incident involving a Special Education employee. When I picked my child up from after-school care—provided by a third-party organization on school premises—the after-school program leader shared a troubling report. She had witnessed a school Special Education staff member speaking to my child in a demeaning and disrespectful manner, even physically forcing him as a form of punishment. According to the leader, the SPED employee instructed the after-school staff to "make him do things, not ask him," and to isolate him so he could "learn." This behavior is unacceptable and deeply concerning, especially in an environment that should prioritize the safety and dignity of every child.

I emailed the principal immediately about this alarming situation, and while I did receive a response stating that an investigation would take place, I have not heard anything further since then. The lack of transparency and follow-through on such a serious issue is simply not acceptable.

As a result of these ongoing concerns for my child's safety and well-being, I made the difficult decision to withdraw him from the school. It is heartbreaking that we have come to this point, but I cannot, in good conscience, continue to send my child to a school where I no longer feel his needs are being met or that his safety is guaranteed.

I am sharing this experience with the community because I believe it is important for others to be aware of the challenges our school is facing. As a mother and as a member of this community, I am deeply worried about the future of this school and the impact it is having on the children who attend.

Brianna Vargas

My daughter starts school soon and this is my first child so the school system is all new to me. First, I enrolled and everything went good. Not too long ago I received some information for her such has start date, bus route, and reduced lunch form....and none of the links work. I've tried reaching out I'm every way possible and nobody will return my messages, emails, or calls. They don't have anything on the actual website to help me either and I've researched it for days to find what I need. Nobody is helping me and I feel lost! I'm assuming there's no orientation and I still don't know who her teacher is. I don't know what parent or ISD apps I should download. I don't anything regarding my baby which makes me feel uneasy about even letting her attend here. School starts in 2 weeks and I don't know what to do when I have no information and no help.

jasmine a

Teachers are great, but the FRONT OFFICE STAFF is disrespectful and does not know how to communicate nor know what they are doing. The FRONT STAFF needs to be reevaluated and reconsidered.

Arisleyda Sanchez Cruz

Muy contenta con el resultado de este año escolar, mi hija avanzó mucho y estuvo muy feliz todo el curso. Su maestra Megan Sita súper buena y comprensiva. En general nos sentimos muy a gusto y hubo buena comunicación entre la escuela y la casa. Si no me tuviera que ir de la ciudad sin duda mi hija continuaría sus estudios ahí.

Dianna Gielstra

We love this school! As with any school to maximize the experience for children, then it requires active parent involvement (so if you come, please volunteer). Great teachers, supportive administration and staff, and a caring program. I always feel welcome. Dual language programs are offered. The school has an active garden program run by the PTA and community volunteers that welcomes parents in, and it is a great way to be involved. My children love the arts integration and the free after school enrichment. My children have explored interests in chess, tap dance, drums alive, and ukulele club. It's a quality education!

Jose Osuna

Mi nieto va a clases a esta escuela en pre-K (2022/2023) y realmente a pesar que estoy muy distante (vivo en Venezuela), hablo con él casi a diario y el se siente muy comodo allí. le encanta ir a clase con Miss Aguilera, siempre me habla de ella. Yo me siento agradecido por el trato que el ha recibido. Dios Bendiga a esta escuela y a su personal, En especial a Miss Aguilera.

Ronald Sotelo Montoya

Desde que llegamos, la atención fue muy Buena. El area administrativa tiene personal bilingue, explicaron muy bien el proceso de inscription para mis hijos.

Elizabeth Perdomo

That’s school was great before 3 years ago but now it’s mess with all the new staffs always call me when my son has some issues they can’t handle anymore the problem the best way for their handler its to asked me to pick up my son immediately.. I don’t like anymore .