World Class IB Education

As elementary school approached, I had the same worries all parents share. Will my child thrive? Will he feel supported and cared for? Will he develop a love for learning and find his own path? It’s hard to entrust someone else with the biggest part of your heart. But after my son started kindergarten at Pinkerton, all those worries faded. I’ve never seen him love anything as much as he loves going to school every morning. In the few short months we’ve been at this school, I envisioned the rest of my son’s elementary years unfolding, with his younger sister following closely behind. They would develop lifelong friendships, explore new interests, and through the world-class IB education Pinkerton provides, grow into critical thinkers who will make their world a better place. Pinkerton is the perfect place for my family.  — Jill Hill, Pinkerton Mom

Yes, we have Brazilian Cowpokes!

We are the Tornieri family. My name is Valter Tornieri and Eliana Tornieri is my lovely wife. We are Brazilians, and we've been living in the US (Coppell) for more than five years now. When we first moved here, we were afraid of how we would adapt to the local culture, and to be honest, if we would be "accepted" by the community here. 

My first time at Pinkerton was love at first sight back in 2019! It was during Kinder Round-up in the cafeteria. Our oldest son was about to start Kindergarten. We met all the Kinder teachers, the PTO, and other families. I felt an incredible energy! From that moment on, I understood that Pinkerton teachers and families were engaged in something bigger than only managing a school. It was about making a real difference in society, in the lives of these children who will be the Nation's future.  I saw all the flags on the ceiling, and I thought to myself, WOW, this is inclusion. One day I want to see the Brazilian flag here. Regardless my initial concern, we’ve ALWAYS felt included, embraced, respected, and loved. 

We do our best to be at school as much as we can as chaperones and volunteers, and Eliana is room parent and also a volunteer in the PTO. When we are there, we feel at home, like part of a big family, and we've made many good real friends for life. Our 3 kids are now very proud Pinkerton Cowpokes !

We are very grateful to choose Coppell, and to be part of the Pinkerton Family! Of course, when our kids leave the school, the Brazilian flag will still be there, waving and representing a happy family that lived great moments at Pinkerton. 

— Valter Tornieri and Eliana Tornieri, Pinkerton Parents

What did an IB primary years education mean to our family?

We chose to enter into the Pinkerton lottery after learning that Pinkerton is an IB (International Baccalaureate) certified school. When my oldest daughter got accepted and started at Pinkerton, we had the same questions that we kept getting asked by friends and family, "what exactly is IB in the elementary level"? After having gone through the entire IB primary years curriculum with my oldest and nearing the end with my youngest, I can say without a doubt that we chose correctly for our family. So, what did an IB primary years education mean to our family? The IB primary years program focuses on the whole child and integrates all the subjects as one learning unit. Subjects such as language arts, science, and math are not taught not as separate siloed subjects but instead integrated together like the real world.  IB also incorporates children's natural curiosity and encourages them to ask questions and inquiry deeply into a subject area that matters most to them  My daughter told me a story of how she got to write out a math problem since she prefers writing as part of her math unit. The final 5th grade graduation project gives the students a chance to come full circle with what they learned throughout their IB education and use it to educate others. For the 5th grade project, the students learn about global issues that also affect our own local community. They then create a project that has a sustainable impact in their own backyard. They work in teams and present to their school and community. This sets them up to be team-players, public speakers, and global leaders. The best part of Pinkerton are all the caring teachers and staff who know each and every student's name and make learning fun and exciting. There's a reason why Pinkerton parents are so passionate about their school. Join Pinkerton and learn why Pinkerton is the jewel in Coppell ISD!

--Pali Parekh, Pinkerton Mom

Pinkerton’s Unique Environment

Our oldest had her Kindergarten year at a different CISD elementary school and we had an absolute rockstar teacher that year! We moved into a new home and the thought of moving her to a new campus could bring on the waterworks even though I had heard incredible testimonies from families whose children were attending or had attended Pinkerton. Present day, we are on our 4th year at Pinkerton (with a 4th grader and 1st grader) and I can say with complete certainty that I would have tried to get a placement at Pinkerton for Kindergarten if I would have known the distinct difference in this campus and, more importantly, how much growth she was to make once we moved - even during Covid. Pinkerton offers our two daughters a unique environment that can not be found at any other campus in CISD elementary schools. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program offers challenging academic standards while simultaneously encouraging reflection/ growth with their personal development in relation to the world around them. I believe this attracts an equally unique staff that celebrates the vast diversity on our campus and understands the benefits of instructing them in these practices. This program also has drawn many families from around our district who have elected to enroll their children in a school that they are not zoned for and require them to drive instead of likely attending a school their children could walk to each day.

— Ashley Marek, Pinkerton Mom

Why we LOVE Pinkerton

I have two students at Pinkerton (5th grade and 3rd grade) and my family has loved the global perspective that the IB program has provided our children. It has been amazing to see their relationships develop and flourish during their time in the IB program. They have gained such a strong understanding of human nature and human dignity - with an emphasis on moral reasoning, ethical judgement and an increased awareness of those around them. I have also seen such growth in their collaborative learning; their projects allow them to display their strengths, while learning from others. This type of team learning will be so crucial in being a good friend, family member, employee and human in this world. I have seen such changes in my children as they become more aware of those around them - becoming more empathetic and compassionate in the process.  — Jessie Stansbury, Pinkerton Mom

Here for the Long Haul

I am a proud Pinkerton Alumni. I was born and raised in coppell and in 2016 my husband and I re-planted roots here and started our family in 2018. Not only did we plant our roots in Coppell, but we planted them a creek over from where I grew up and in the same school boundaries that I grew up in. Pinkerton will be the school my kids spend the most time in, the biggest impact on their little lives. 

I’ve got young toddlers, who will be in elementary age starting in 2023, 2025, and 2027. My husband and I bought and just renovated our forever home within the boundaries for Pinkerton. We are here for the long haul. 

— Ali Shakespy, Pinkerton Alumni and Mom to a soon to be Pinkerton Kindergartener.

Cannot wait to enroll our youngest this year to start her IB journey

Pinkerton has been our chosen home for the past 4 years and we cannot wait to enroll our youngest this year to start her IB journey. Pinkerton has been and will remain a school that celebrates different views and enriched cultures. We are thankful for the space that our kids have to learn about the power of international views and behavior while feeling proud of their own.

- El Guizawi Family 

We won the lottery 8 years ago, figuratively and literally

We won the lottery 8 years ago, figuratively and literally, when our family discovered Pinkerton. Our family is not zoned to the school, but we were lucky enough to secure a spot through Pinkerton’s lottery. We have a current 1st grader, 4th grader and 7th grader who is a Pinkerton graduate. What I love most about Pinkerton is the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, the small learning environment and the passionate teachers at the heart of the school.

At Pinkerton, students are taught the same TEKS and standards of all public schools in Texas, but through the IB lens that encourages students to be global citizens and build a better world through intercultural understanding. Subjects are not presented in an isolated fashion. Rather, the information taught in one area transcends to others, just like in the real world. In addition, the IB program includes a language component, so students attend Spanish class every week.

Cultures are celebrated at Pinkerton, and one of my favorite events is Arts & Culture night, coordinated by our fabulous Spanish teacher. Families share displays and food from their home countries, there is music and dancing from many cultures, and our amazing art teacher showcases a gallery of artwork created by our learners.

The small school environment at Pinkerton creates a real “village” that is inclusive and welcoming. Our school staff even knows each student by name! Because of the small school size, our learners have a greater opportunity to develop independence. Students are often seen working collaboratively and independently outside of the classroom walls. Whereas at other schools students would be told to “go back to class”, at Pinkerton, this is a normal part of the learning environment.

It is no surprise that our phenomenal teachers and staff are the heart and soul of Pinkerton. They are hard-working, dedicated, creative, and innovative. Many of them dedicate extra time to lead and partner with parents in extra-curricular activities such as Spanish club, running club, choir, and garden club. Pinkerton has produced a recognized, District Teacher of the Year for the last two school years. This is no coincidence; Pinkerton provides an environment where great teaching is fostered and thrives.

I am grateful I chose Pinkerton and I am grateful for all the wonderful teachers who have made a huge difference in the lives of my children.

--Vanessa Zertuche, Pinkerton mom and 2021-2023 PTO President

My children’s emotional, social and academic well-being has never wavered. Not even during COVID.

My children have learned how to approach their thinking globally, embrace and love diversity, and take responsibility for their own learning through the IB program.

My children’s emotional, social and academic well-being has never wavered. Not even during COVID.

Pinkerton has promoted diversity through multicultural nights and celebrating differences.

I have 4 children who have or are attending Pinkerton and I am excited for my younger two children to experience the same.

Hannah Benge

Explore Diversity and Celebrate it, not Fear it!

My name is Narda Holguín, proud wife of Carlos Ramirez and mother of Carlos & Emma Ramirez-Holguín. My husband and I have been in the education field for more than 20 years in the DFW area and can testify that Pinkerton Elementary is hands down one of the best elementary schools we have worked and/or been a part of. What makes Pinkerton special in many unique ways, I hope that I can highlight some of the qualities that make it an exceptional school. The International Baccalaureate program is a world-class renowned program that focuses on the whole child and pushes the child to have a global mindset. This is very important to us because a child should be able to understand that the world is big and that our actions CAN have a global impact. Being immigrants ourselves, we wanted to make sure that our children are at a place where they explore diversity and celebrate it, not fear it!  Pinkerton is also small in size, where we feel, that our children are actually seen. They do not walk the hallways in a sea of kid faces where rarely an adult knows who they are. Our wonderful counselor frequently checks in on all children making sure they have what they need to be successful through the day.  The Specials teachers are incredible and provide many great opportunities to showcase everyone's strengths. We also need to acknowledge that the families that are zoned or choose  Pinkerton are welcoming, and empathetic and have often helped members of the community through really tough situations. We are truly a family. As an educator at this school, I am fortunate to serve families that want more for their children. I get to teach my love of cultures and Spanish to children from all over the world! I love how my parents encourage me to try different things and how I am motivated to be better because I know I have their support. Our PTO is exceptional. They make sure every single stakeholder is taken care of. I have never worked at a school where I had seen this much involvement with so much heart.

Both my children have thrived in this school setting. They are confident, caring, kind, knowledgeable people that know how to sit and reflect on so many of their actions, both good and bad. I wish I could say that it was all great parenting, but it would not have been without my children’s classroom teachers who taught them to believe in their abilities, all of them, even when things were tough. I love our little IB Primary Years Program at Pinkerton Elementary and hope that more families benefit from this fantastic option in an already fantastic district! - Narda Holguín, Pinkerton Mom and Teacher

I am a Pinkerton Alumni, currently in 7th grade in CISD. I loved my time at Pinkerton for multiple reasons. My teachers being on the top of the list. They were caring, approachable and always had my best interest at heart. It was an honor to be chosen as a 6th grader to return to Pinkerton to speak to the 5th graders. It felt like going back home when you walk in and everyone is so happy to see you. 

~Dalton (13yrs)

I enjoy being at Pinkerton because of the interactive IB program. I love my teachers and I know they love me too. 

~Dawson (10yrs)

We love our Pinkerton family. We are extremely thankful to have Pinkerton as a choice school. Our boys attend through the lottery program. We have been blessed with so many friendships and have loved being part of the PTO, primarily because we enjoy serving our teacher. They  pour into our children on so many levels. Seeing our CISD Core Values firsthand thru the actions of our boys. Learning IB principles and applying them on a daily basis.

~The Holders

The greatest gift is CHOICE!

Once a Cowpoke, Always a Cowpoke

I'm the mother of 2 children who have been fortunate enough to matriculate through Pinkerton. Grant is a 7th grader now, and my daughter Abby is in 5th grade. Pinkerton's staff and IB curriculum have taught my children far more than just reading and writing. My children have personal awareness and understand accountability. The IB program has equipped them with skills that will serve them well for a lifetime by focusing on self-improvement and helping others around them. Coppell ISD as a whole does a great job teaching our children, as evidenced by the learners' academic performance and the schools exceeding TEA standards. While I'm proud that my children are "exceeding standards" academically, I'm even more proud of the ways my children have grown in character and resolve thanks to Pinkerton's IB program. Pinkerton's IB program has been a tremendous benefit to my children and the community.

— Sarah Hicks, Pinkerton Mom