History

Felix Tijerina Elementary School opened its arms and embraced the Magnolia Park community of southeast Houston in the fall of 1980. The school is located near the cross streets of Harrisburg and Wayside. It is named for restaurateur Felix Tijerina, who with money from business ventures founded the “Little School of 400” that taught Spanish speaking children English. The school takes pride in being known for its contribution in the area of teacher training. Tijerina is also known for achieving computer excellence with four consecutive Apple Computer Programming champions. In February of 1992 our school was recognized by the school board as being outstanding in our students’ progress. The school can also boast having an HISD Teacher of The Year winner (1990) and an HISD/H.A.A.B.E./T.A.B.E. Bilingual Teacher of the Year winner(1996). Most recently, the school was awarded the East District Outstanding Volunteer Program award.

Demographics

The demographics of Tijerina reveal an enrollment of 942 students of which 98% are Hispanic, 1% are Anglo, and 1% are other. Within the total school population, 62% of the students are limited English proficient and 7% of the students are in exceptional education classes. Additionally, the general school community is characterized by varied degrees of low-socioeconomic status as 80 % qualify for free lunch.

Characteristics

Tijerina is an open air concept school. It contains two courtyards and classrooms that open to the outdoors rather than to hallways. We have a brand new building to host our upper grades and Kindergarten. The playground provides basketball courts, playground equipment and a SPARKS park.  Tijerina also provides additional instruction in the areas of art, physical education, music, library, science, and computers. Children participate in programs conducted throughout the year including Christmas, Black History Month, and Cinco de Mayo. Overall, Tijerina Elementary is a well rounded institution that offers children the best in educational quality.

Staff

Presently, Tijerina Elementary School has 44 classroom teachers, three self-contained exceptional education classes, one resource teacher, six ancillary staff members, one full-time social worker, a nurse, and two administrators for a total of 58 professional staff members. Tijerina has a school-wide Title I program. Our school also provides supplemental programs in Y.W.C.A. After School Child Care.

Recognition

For seven years, Enron sponsored the visit of St. Nicholas to our school. Students receive gifts on St. Nicholas Day. Enron sponsored the Teacher Excellence Award which ten of our teachers have won. They also awarded scholarships to our professional staff for summer training in mathematics and reading. Enron  played an important part at Tijerina and won the Outstanding Business Partner award for 1996 for their efforts.