Dean Highland Elementary School in Waco, Texas on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dean Highland Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9903964,"projectId":9245426,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of reading materials for our students. These resources have already begun to make a powerful difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nHaving access to multileveled texts that are directly connected to the subjects we are studying has opened new doors for our learners. Students who previously struggled to access content can now engage with material that matches their reading level while still connecting to the topics we are exploring. This has given them the confidence to participate, ask questions, and truly understand the subject matter. At the same time, students who are reading at higher levels have been challenged with resources that stretch their thinking and deepen their understanding.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, every student in our classroom now has the opportunity to learn and grow at a pace that meets their needs. The impact has been clear—students are showing more interest in reading, more willingness to tackle complex ideas, and more excitement about what they are learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the importance of equitable access to learning. Your donation has made our classroom a more inclusive, engaging, and supportive place for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1746785752550,"projectUrl":"project/reading-materials-within-subject/9245426/","projectTitle":"Reading Materials Within Subject","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Graves","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903964_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739410895150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9903964"},{"teacherId":9903964,"projectId":9255535,"letterContent":"On behalf of our class, I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of supplies and resources. Your support has made a tremendous impact on our students and our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe materials you provided have done more than just fill our classroom shelves—they have transformed the way our students engage in learning. With the new supplies, students are more eager and excited to participate in lessons. Having the right tools has reduced classroom behaviors and created a more focused, positive atmosphere.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful changes has come from the addition of flexible seating. One student in particular has embraced this resource in every class. The difference in their participation has been remarkable—they are more involved, more confident, and more willing to contribute to discussions. This single change has truly altered their learning experience for the better. It helped so much in our classroom that I have spread the love and one of the flex seating options travels with him from class to class now. The other teachers are INCREDIBLY thankful for this. Having this for him has SIGNIFICANTLY reduced negative behaviors with that student.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the organizational materials have helped us create a smoother, more structured classroom environment. With everything in its place, students can access what they need more easily, which has encouraged independence and responsibility.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has directly shaped our classroom into a space where students feel supported, comfortable, and motivated to learn. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and investment in our students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1746785845846,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-needs/9255535/","projectTitle":"Classroom Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Graves","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903964_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739410895150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9903964"},{"teacherId":9903964,"projectId":9109794,"letterContent":"Since receiving the new resources, my students and I have been using them regularly, and the impact has been remarkable. One project that really brought the materials to life was a collaborative science investigation on plants and traits. With the plant lab kits, students were able to examine plant samples, pond water, and soil in ways they never had access to before. The room was buzzing with excitement as they made real-world connections and recorded their observations like true scientists. It was also incredible to see students create art that showed their level of understanding.\r\n\r\nI'll never forget the moment the boxes arrived. The students' eyes lit up as we unpacked each item — it felt like Christmas morning! Many of them immediately began making plans for how they could use the materials, and one student even asked if we could stay after school to get started right away.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom feels more dynamic, engaging, and inspiring. Right now, we're moving into a project-based learning unit where students will design their own sustainable mini-gardens. They'll apply what they've learned about ecosystems and conservation — and thanks to the new materials, they'll be better equipped to test their ideas and document their process in more meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nOur resources have also brought better depths to our math conversations. They are using the resources to build models and develop concepts they were really struggling with before the materials arrived. Students LOVE the cubes, dry erase dots and Legos!\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping bring our classroom to life. Your support means more than you know — not just to me, but to every curious, excited student who now has the tools to explore their world more deeply.","fullyFundedDate":1742850275243,"projectUrl":"project/tier-2-hands-on-learning/9109794/","projectTitle":"Tier 2 Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Graves","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903964_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739410895150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9903964"},{"teacherId":9903964,"projectId":9073594,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation toward our classroom materials list. Your thoughtful contribution has made a tremendous impact, and I cannot thank you enough for your support.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donation, we have been able to provide essential resources that are fostering a more engaging and enriching learning environment. Whether it's books that spark curiosity, art supplies that let creativity flow, or tools that make learning more interactive, your kindness has provided our students with opportunities they might not have had otherwise.\r\n\r\nThe impact on our students has been immediate. They are more enthusiastic about their lessons, showing increased participation and excitement for learning. It is inspiring to see them use the materials you helped provide, knowing that your generosity is shaping their educational experience in such a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your support. Your belief in the value of education and your willingness to invest in our future leaders is truly appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1739284890281,"projectUrl":"project/building-math-class-centers/9073594/","projectTitle":"Building Math / Class Centers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Graves","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903964_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739410895150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9903964"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17189","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":596,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":24,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":63,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":73.0,"schoolId":17189,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dean Highland Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dean Highland Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/waco-independent-school-district/dean-highland-elementary-school/17189"}

About this school

Dean Highland Elementary School is an urban public school in Waco, Texas that is part of Waco Independent School District. It serves 596 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.5:1. Its teachers have had 25 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 5

596 Students

44 Teachers

3300 Maple Ave

Waco, TX 76707 View local requests

http://deanhighland.wacoisd.org/cms/one.aspx

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Dean Highland Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

See how DonorsChoose works

Dean Highland Elementary School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

87%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Dean Highland Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.