Elementary Level

Continuing the Tradition

• Founded in 1871
• Under the direction of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament
• Co-educational
• Enrollment of 266 students, three years of age to grade five

Reinforcing Religious Values

• Daily classroom prayer
• Weekly Mass
• Pray the Angels and grace before meals daily
• Opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent
• Stations of the Cross during Lent
• Rosary during October
• Advent wreath and prayer during Advent
• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program

Excelling in Academics

• Two methods of instruction:  Montessori and Traditional
  
• Enrichment instructors in the areas of art, music, Spanish, swimming, and technology
  
• Subject areas include: art, English, health, language arts, math, music, phonics, physical education, reading, religion, science, social studies, Spanish and technology
  
• Accelerated Reading in grades 1 to 5
• An attractive, fully-equipped library media resource center with 31 computers, access to academic databases, online encyclopedias, and nearly 16,000 library books
• Use of SMART Boards, computers, and digital imaging cameras and microscopes campuswide, integrating technology within the curriculum
  
• Participation in the Diocesan and Regional Science Fair, the Regional Spelling Bee and other academic competitions
• An array of stimulating learning materials fostering creative thinking and progress
  
• Attractive, well-equipped and well-maintained playground
  
• Students attend two community theater performances each year
  
• Noted guest speaker presentations given throughout the year
  
• Hamstead Players perform once each year
• Every class consists of a teacher and a teacher aide—average class size is 17

Supporting Extracurriculars

Clubs and Organizations

• Brownie Girl Scouts
• Chess Club
• Cub Scouts
• Daisy Girl Scouts
• Junior Girl Scouts
• Spelling Bee
• Student Council
  

• Basketball
• Baseball
• Track
• Volleyball
  

Providing After School Care

After school care provided on campus by the YMCA from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fostering Community Service

IWA teaches students generosity, tolerance, service to the community, and respect for all

• St. Jude Cancer Research Math-a-thon
• Gifts for maintenance personnel
• Gifts for needy families
• Thanksgiving food baskets for Catholic Charities
• Toys for students at a local public school

Encouraging Distinction

As a leading college preparatory school in South Texas, IWA starts as elementary level in preparing for rigorous academic expectations.

• Accredited by TCCED (Texas Catholic Conference Education Department)
• Certified teachers
• Thirty-one percent of faculty hold a Master's Degree
• Top finalists in the National Veteran's Day Poster and Essay Contest
• Nine consecutive years as 1st place winner of Daughters of the American Revolution city-wide essay contest
• Consecutive state winner of the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest
• 1st, 2nd or 3rd place winners of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Essay Contest

Admission Criteria

• Open to individuals of any race, national/ethnic origin, or gender
• Interview by the principal and/or Montessori Director with new parents and students
• Required registration materials including report cards, immunization records, and standardized test results
• A certified birth certificate and/or baptismal certificate
• Recommendations from previous school teachers.