Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence is setting the standard in Garland ISD, earning a 98 on the 2025 Texas Education Agency accountability ratings. This outstanding score makes the campus the highest-rated in the district and one of the top 144 elementary schools in Texas, reflecting the dedication of its students, staff, and families. In fact, Walnut Glen is tied with 10 other schools for the third-highest ranking among elementary schools in Texas, with just two schools scoring higher statewide. The campus is ready to raise the score even higher.

Principal Leadership and School Culture
“This is my second year here, and when I arrived, Walnut Glen was already doing great things,” said Principal Roger Ceballos. “We were number one in the district with a 96. To rise to a 98 shows just how committed our students, staff, and families are to excellence.”

Ceballos emphasizes that success goes beyond academics. 

“I make sure every child is greeted by name with a fist bump in the morning, and we start the day with music,” he shared. “That simple routine makes kids feel valued and recognized. When students feel like they belong, they thrive.”

Family Engagement at the Heart of Success
Parental involvement is another hallmark of Walnut Glen. Monthly coffee chats with the principal, Friday lunches, and a nationally recognized PTA keep families at the heart of the campus culture. 

“We are fortunate to have parents who want to be part of their child’s journey,” Ceballos said. “Ninety-six percent of our families say they feel welcome here, and that’s because they truly are. We want them to feel like this is their school too.”

Student-Centered Learning and Growth Tracking
Inside classrooms, teachers lead with personalized instruction. Students track their own growth with binders, and intervention specialists provide support when needed. 

“Our teachers are masters at using data to know exactly where a child is and how to move them forward,” Ceballos explained. “When students can see their own progress, it is powerful. It motivates them to keep reaching higher.”

Celebrating Milestones and Building Community
Celebrations play a big role in making Walnut Glen a place where students and families feel connected. Academic milestones are recognized with the “goal bell,” monthly recognition assemblies honor students, and grandparents and families are invited to special events. 

“We celebrate the journey,” said Ceballos. “When a student masters a new skill, we celebrate it. When a class reaches a milestone together, we celebrate it. These moments build pride and remind students that hard work pays off.”

Community events extend the excitement beyond academics. Parents join lunches, participate in PTA-led programs, and attend family nights. Special guests, like the Harlem Wizards, have energized students with unforgettable experiences. 

“When kids see their parents celebrating with them, school feels like a second home. That’s when students feel safe, motivated, and eager to achieve,” said Ceballos.

Recognition Despite Modest Surroundings
Nestled in a more industrial area of Garland, Walnut Glen may not be the most obvious contender for the district’s top-performing school. Ceballos said that contrast makes the achievement even more meaningful. 

“Step inside, and you’ll see a diverse, high-achieving community where everyone is working together to create something special,” he said.

With a 98 TEA rating and a thriving school culture, Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence shows that success in Garland ISD is built on care, collaboration, and a shared belief in student potential. 

“When students are excited to learn, families are engaged, and teachers are invested, there is no limit to what we can accomplish,” Ceballos said.