Campus History

Campus History
Campus History

Burnett Elementary opened its doors at 11825 Teaneck Drive in Houston during the fall of 1975. The school, named in honor of John B. Burnett, is located in the South Belt area. Burnett Elementary is a modified, open-concept facility with each grade contained in its own large pod. Each pod has its own multi-purpose room, teacher workroom and student restrooms. The pods are arranged around a well-equipped media center, library and two large music rooms. The school also has a P.E. area with a color in-layed uniturf floor and built-in adjustable basketball goals, chinning bars and peg climbs. 


In the years around 2008, enrollment at the campus remained in the mid-900s. After Hurricane Ike hit in 2008, the enrollment decreased to around 600 students. During the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, enrollment decreased even further into the 400s. In 2016, the school was chosen as the winner of a nationwide contest with the best “lip-dub” video of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” Administrators were flown to LA to view the world premiere of Trolls with all of the cast. In 2017, Youtube vloggers, Princess T and Princess Pham came to Burnett to provide a “Winter Wonderland'' carnival for all of the families after the community was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Every student was provided several wrapped gifts that December so parents would not have to worry about gifts for Christmas. In September 2018, Burnett received a facelift around the school grounds by LyondellBassell. The company planted 100 trees along the perimeter of the school and 20 fruit trees were planted as an orchard. Volunteers redecorated the lounge with new furniture, appliances and a new coat of paint. Additionally, second grade students received a free bike to each student for reaching their reading goals. In November 2018, Burnett received a new playground, provided by Kaboom. In September 2019, Burnett was chosen as the nationwide recipient of a library makeover, provided by Heart of America and Scott Brothers Global and Kohl’s. Currently, Burnett Elementary is a Title I school that serves around 470 children in grades PK-4, including special programs for students with autism and other learning disabilities. 


Beavers are known for their hard work and eagerness to succeed. The Burnett Beavers guidelines for success are: be responsible, everyone deserves respect, listen and learn, exercise good behavior, value honesty and expect success.


List of Principals

-Doris Locke 1976-1980
-Stella Meehan 1980-1987
-Sally Sherrod 1987-1994
-Jeanette Bradley 1994-1995
-Cynthia Henderson 1995-2016
-Jae Lee 2016-current