Where Learning Comes to Life: Inside Hartsfield Elementary

As the only animal environmental science magnet school in HISD, Hartsfield Elementary offers a specialized learning experience on Houston’s south side. 

The New Education System (NES) campus has a large collection of animals and a high-tech STEM lab, keeping students interested and motivated to learn. 

A Different Kind of Classroom

It isn't every day you walk past a banana python named Tater or an alligator named Nyla on your way to lunch. These creatures are central to the school's mission as a magnet campus, serving as living teaching tools that help students connect with their lessons in unexpected ways.

"When the kids need extra pieces to write about, they look at the animals," says fifth-grade teacher Kenya Morris. "They absolutely love to do that."

Students like Tristin Winston and Monserrath Teran find that the specialized focus makes school more engaging. "I feel like this is a better school because we get to interact with animals," says Monserrath. 

Focusing on Student Progress

While the animals get a lot of attention, the primary focus remains on academic results. 

Kenya Morris, who has been teaching for 17 years, has seen her students achieve double-digit growth this year. She credits a lot of that success to a supportive environment where the administration is deeply involved. It is common to see Principal Travis Johnson out of his office and in the classroom, working directly with teachers and students.

Third-grade teacher Nikara Henry, recently named Teacher of the Year, is seeing similar breakthroughs. 

By using dedicated time for one-on-one instruction and reteaching when needed, her students are gaining a better grasp of difficult topics like fractions. For Henry, the reward is seeing her students take pride in their own progress and seeing that growth continue year after year.

Innovation in the STEM Lab

The STEM lab offers students a chance to work with 3D printers, drones, and robotics. Teacher Micheal Abounada calls the lab a place for imagination, but the work being done there has very practical goals. 

Students aren't just playing with gadgets; they are learning how to solve real problems, like creating 3D-printing holders for glasses.

The lab also serves as a great motivator. Students earn time with the drones and printers by staying on top of their core subjects. This system encourages them to work hard in all their classes, showing them that their efforts in the classroom can lead to exciting, real-world opportunities.

Campus Close-Up: Hartsfield Elementary 

Dive into the Campus Close-Up playlist to see how the students and staff at Hartsfield Elementary are bringing learning to life.