River Oaks Elementary School

River Oaks Elementary School in Houston, Texas, provides an amazing education with an emphasis on gifted and talented learners through its Vanguard Magnet Program. River Oaks Elementary School is also an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, providing students with a globally-minded curriculum that fosters critical thinking and academic success in the future.

?River Oaks Elementary School is consistently ranked among the top elementary schools in Texas and the Houston Independent School District, as a result of reading and math testing data. River Oaks is a great school for families wanting a great elementary school education because of the high level of parent involvement through the Parent and Teacher Organization, the abundance of student programs, and the overall environment of support that fosters learning.

River Oaks Elementary had a little "Campus Closeup" video featuring fourth and fifth graders talking about their favorite school memories.

Q: Why is it difficult to get into River Oaks Elementary?

A: It is among HISD's popular schools and well over 570 families entered into the lottery process in 2025—so it is very competitive.

Q: When was River Oaks Elementary established?

A: River Oaks opened in 1929 and was one of the first in Texas to start the IB Primary Years Programme around 2002–2003.

Q: Does River Oaks have hands-on learning spaces?

A: Yes, River Oaks has everything from a nature center, hydroponics lab, urban garden, and many unique learning spaces.

Q: How can parent support the school?

A: By joining an active PTO that is open to all families, and their active engagement. PTO is an avenue for volunteering and finding out where parents fund its enrichment support.

Q: Who is the River Oaks team and mascot?

A: Principal William Dedrick is the leader of the school, and the school mascot is the Roadrunner.