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A-Rated Excellence: 7 Facts About Felix G. Botello Elementary And Its Personalized Learning Revolution

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Felix G. Botello Personalized Learning Elementary School in Dallas, Texas, continues to stand out as a beacon of academic achievement and innovative education as of December 20, 2025. This Dallas ISD campus is not just a school; it is a dynamic Personalized Learning Academy that has earned a coveted 'A-rated' distinction from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), reflecting its commitment to high standards and student success. The school's focus on tailoring the educational experience to meet the unique needs of every child has cemented its reputation as a premier institution in the Oak Cliff community.

The school’s success is built upon a foundation of dedicated leadership, an innovative curriculum, and the inspiring legacy of its namesake, a true American hero and community advocate. Botello Elementary serves students from Pre-Kindergarten (PK) through 5th grade, providing a robust and supportive environment where academic excellence and social-emotional growth are equally prioritized for its approximately 538 students.

The Inspiring Life of Felix G. Botello: War Hero and Community Champion

The spirit of service and dedication permeates the halls of the elementary school, a direct reflection of the man for whom it is named, Felix G. Botello. He was a distinguished war hero and a tireless community leader whose life story is a powerful lesson in resilience and advocacy.

  • War Service: Felix G. Botello served his country with honor during World War II, demonstrating immense bravery and sacrifice.
  • Tragic Turn: After returning from the war, Mr. Botello faced a profound personal challenge when he was tragically blinded.
  • Community Dedication: Despite his blindness, he dedicated the remainder of his life to helping others, particularly focusing on expanding educational opportunities within the Dallas community.
  • Educational Roots: Botello himself was a product of Dallas ISD schools, which fueled his passion for ensuring future generations received a quality education.
  • Legacy: His unwavering commitment to civil rights and justice, often championed alongside figures like Adelfa Callejo, left an indelible mark on the region.
  • Passing: Felix G. Botello passed away in 1990, and the 91,000-square-foot elementary school, located at 225 S Marsalis Avenue, was later named in his honor.

Academic Excellence and The Personalized Learning Model (2024–2025)

Felix G. Botello Elementary is celebrated for its commitment to the Personalized Learning Academy model, a cutting-edge educational approach that moves beyond the one-size-fits-all classroom. This model is a core reason for the school's high ratings and strong performance metrics within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD).

Key Performance Indicators and School Ratings

For the 2024–2025 school year, the school's accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) highlights its strengths and areas of focus. The campus is a high-performing institution within the Adamson Feeder Pattern.

  • Overall Accountability Rating: A (High Performance)
  • Student Achievement: The school received a 'C' rating in this domain, indicating a focus area for improving overall student mastery of grade-level content.
  • School Progress: Botello earned a 'B' rating, demonstrating strong growth in student academic performance from year to year.
  • Closing the Gaps: The school achieved an impressive 'A' rating in this domain, showcasing its effectiveness in supporting the academic success of all student groups and equity in education.

The dedication of the staff, including a principal with a prestigious designation, is key to these results. The average teacher at Botello has approximately 7.8 years of experience, and the average teacher salary is notably higher than the state average, reflecting DISD's investment in quality educators.

Leadership and Innovative Programs

The school's success is directly tied to its strong administrative team. As of the 2024–2025 academic year, Sandra Espinoza is recognized as the Principal of Felix G. Botello Elementary, having earned the prestigious Masters Principal designation from Dallas ISD for her exceptional leadership.

The core curriculum is enhanced by several high-impact programs:

  • Personalized Learning: This model utilizes data and technology to create customized learning paths, pace, and content for individual students, ensuring instruction is always relevant and challenging.
  • AVID Program: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is implemented to teach students organizational and study skills, preparing them for college readiness and success in a global society, even at the elementary level.
  • Extracurricular Clubs: Botello offers a diverse range of campus-based activities to foster well-rounded students, including the Typing/Computer Club, Crafts Club, French Club, Coloring Club, Board Games/Puzzles, Outdoor Club, Broadcasting Club, and Origami Club.

Community Strength and Recent Challenges in Oak Cliff

Felix G. Botello Elementary School is deeply integrated into the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas County, serving as a vital hub for families and community engagement. The school’s commitment extends beyond the classroom walls, often partnering with organizations like United to Learn to secure additional resources and support for its students.

The school community demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of a tragic and sensitive event that recently impacted the area. In an unfortunate occurrence near the campus on South Marsalis Avenue, a vehicle struck a group of children, resulting in the fatality of one student and injuries to three others. This devastating incident, reported in late 2024 and early 2025, highlighted the need for increased safety measures and community support around schools in the area.

In response, the greater Dallas community, including Dallas Fire-Rescue and local law enforcement, rallied to support the affected families and the school staff. The event underscored the strong bonds within the Botello Elementary family and the collective determination to overcome adversity while prioritizing student well-being and campus safety protocols moving forward.

Future Outlook: Continuing the Legacy of Excellence

As Felix G. Botello Personalized Learning Elementary School looks ahead, its trajectory remains focused on maintaining its A-rating and expanding the impact of its innovative Personalized Learning model. The school's administration, led by Principal Sandra Espinoza, is dedicated to continuous improvement in all areas, especially in boosting the Student Achievement metric.

The school's location near the intersection of Marsalis Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard places it at the center of a vibrant, growing community. By honoring the legacy of Felix G. Botello—a man who turned personal tragedy into a lifelong mission for education—the school inspires its students to become the next generation of resilient leaders and community advocates. The emphasis on the AVID program and a wide range of extracurriculars ensures that every student, from Pre-K to 5th grade, is equipped with the academic and social skills necessary for future success in middle school and beyond.

A-Rated Excellence: 7 Facts About Felix G. Botello Elementary and Its Personalized Learning Revolution
felix g botello elementary
felix g botello elementary

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