School History
Since opening its doors in 1936, Roberts Elementary has consistently embodied the ideal school, offering outstanding teachers, enriching programs, and a safe, nurturing environment. Our mission has always been to empower students and to strengthen their academic and personal growth.
Our strong leadership has been a key part of Roberts’ success. Over the years, we’ve had ten dedicated principals, each contributing uniquely to our school community:
• 1936 – 1944: Miss Helene Wilson
• 1944 – 1971: Mrs. Carrie Lou Smith
• 1971 – 1973: Mrs. Alice O. Griffin
• 1973 – 1988: Mr. Max Callon
• 1988 – 1995: Ms. Charlotte Haynes
• 1995 – 2001: Mr. Gifford Lockley
• 2001 – 2006: Mr. Samuel Sarabia
• 2006 – 2009: Mrs. Linda Smith
• 2009 – 2015: Mrs. Rita Graves
• 2015 – 2025: Ms. Trealla Epps
• 2025 – Present: Mrs. Erica Zatzkin
Welcome to Roberts Elementary, a proud part of the Lamar High School feeder pattern in HISD’s Central Region. Our goal is to deliver a rigorous, relevant academic experience, inviting students to show mastery in diverse ways and connect their learning to real-world applications. At Roberts, we nurture a respectful, trusting atmosphere where every child feels valued.
Roberts has been a leader in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB/PYP) since becoming formally authorized in March 2005. As one of Houston’s oldest IB/PYP schools, we champion deep inquiry, critical thinking, global mindedness, and student-led action—skills our students carry into lifelong learning Roberts Elementary cultivates tomorrow’s leaders—inquiring, caring, and globally aware. We foster community, respect, tolerance, and a lifelong love of learning and we’re steadfast in supporting every student’s growth—intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
Roberts Elementary cultivates tomorrow’s leaders—inquiring, caring, and globally aware. We foster community, respect, tolerance, and a lifelong love of learning and we’re steadfast in supporting every student’s growth—intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
Roberts Elementary strives to develop leaders in a global society who are inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people with a sense of community, respect and tolerance for diversity, and a love of learning.