Princeton Alternative School

This was our 1st experience with a school of any sort because this was our son's 1st year in Kindergarten. I must admit I was nervous and skeptical of the Bham School System, but after seeing 1st hand, the dedication, professionalism and pure excellence that the entire Princeton Staff exudes, my husband and I are well past impressed. We want our son to stay the full 5 years there and hopefully his little sister will be able to attend this wonderful establishment and flourish just like all of the children that walk the halls of Princeton Elementary. Truly the best in the West and the Ivy League of Birmingham Public Schools and even better than some of the K-5 schools in other districts like Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills...Yes I said it...The stories I hear from people who work in said locations, make me really appreciate Princeton Elementary. We will do everything we can to support them and keep them running. Go Panthers !!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a 2000 graduate of Princeton and just finished college this year. The foundation of respect and hard work definitely began in my home but Princeton was an environment that mirrored my home. I was expected to be able to write and speak publicly, perservere through difficult tasks, and be a leader by my teachers. Excuses and failure was not an option. Well, I am and I have Princeton to thank! Now I am an engineering graduate enrolled in graduate school. If you are a Princeton student or you are looking to become one, you will work hard, study a lot, and be held accountable for everything you say and do. But, one day your dreams will be realized and your goals will be met. With that being said, I don't know why this school is being considered for closing or consolidation. Nothing has changed. I see they still have the best test scores, best and most dedicated teachers, and a wonderful principal. (I know because I volunteer/tutor/visit once a year.) Parents fight for your school! Birmingham, fight for this "Pearl of the World!" Although a lot of my teachers have retired but, I want to say "Thank you Princeton!"

I graduated from Princeton Elementary School in the early '70s when Mrs. Lucille Boyd was the principal. It was an impressive school then and I am thoroughly thrilled to know that the bar for excellence is still so very high after all these years. From reading the comments, it seems that the key ingredients for success remain the same: dedicated, professional staff and caring, involved parents. Backed by such reinforcements, it is no wonder that students succeed in a big way!

When the doors are open I'm most likely to compare it to the doors of the church ; ) .Ms. Ward is the most caring and concerned principal that I have ever meet and her love and concern for everyone spreads through out her staff . The education that is impressed upon the children, the respect level that must be maintained, the resourcefulness they are taught and the responsibility that is instilled goes from school to home and home to school. The mission to achieve these qualities and to help each child understand that thay are individuals that are challenged to achieve their maximum potential and be self-motivated is not just in words.The education, concern, love,guidance and discipline my children receive at home is what they receive at school. What we receive at Princeton is equal to the best private and public schools in Alabama. As parents it's our responsibility to raise our children and instill great qualities in them so our teachers can teach. Prov.20;11-Even a child is known by their doings,whether their work be pure, and whethet it be right. This is for life and this is what they receive daily from home, church and school. Yes, I love my Princeton family and you would too
—Submitted by a parent

Princeton is the Ivy league of elementary schools. The have excellent teachers and they really care about our children. I really hated when it was time for my child to move on. I just wish she could be educated at Princeton all through high school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent who was not brought up in the Birmingham school system, and was skeptical about Princeton when a friend who is a school teacher reffered us to Princeton. That was four years ago and Princeton has GREATLY EXCEEDED every expectation that I have for any elementary school. The parent participation is excellent. I love the way the Principal there knows everyone on a first name basis. Its not just a school but an extention of the family. The teachers there are the best and host parent teacher bootcamps, so that the parents can understand how to help their kids at home. I have never seen a school that had such good parent,teacher,and principal communication, and people wonder why Princeton Elementary is called " THE JEWEL OF THE WORLD, and the BEST IN THE WEST." When a school has a motto like Endless believing Leads to Endless Achieving, You cant help but to wonder why the rest of the Birmingham School System hasn't jumped on the band wagon???
—Submitted by a parent

Hey! I am a student at Princeton Elementary School. I have been at Princeton since kindergarten. I really enjoy the staff and this is an excellent school. Bye!

School leadership, high levels of parent involvement, and outstanding quality of teachers are the ingredients to what maes Princeton Elementary a perfect 10. I have two children who attended over the last 5 years and I can say that we witnessed first hand the recipe for success that I listed above.We will be moving to the Pacific Northwest this upcoming school year, where schools in the area are meeting 80-90% of objectives. I know that test scores alone don't paint the complete picture of what makes this school so special, it is worth noting that last year Princeton met 100% of AYP for grades 3-5 in Math and Reading. This school gave my kids have an excellent foundation and I know that they are prepared to succeed any where we go. Princeton is the jewel of public education not just in Birmingham but in Alabama. Go Panthers!
—Submitted by a parent

I am an ancient alum of Princeton (Class of 1980). The school was impressive then, and it continues its tradition of excellence.

I love Princeton. My son went to Princeton and Finished in the top10. Now I Have a First grader and he loves it!
—Submitted by a parent

My children has attended this school since kindergarten, I have been extremely pleased with the faculty and staff. I know that my children can leave this school and be able to compete with any other child from any school district in Alabama.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Princeton in the 70s when it was K-8 and it was a great school then as well as today. I believe in Cynthia Ward and her staff and love the time and attention devoted to the students. My oldest attended K thru 5th and is currently an honor student at Phillips Academy. My two youngest are in 1st and 2nd grade respectively and they love this school!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter gradutated from Princeton this year and I have to say that the best decision I have made regarding her education was getting her into Princeton. The teachers and the principle all want our childrent to succeed. I have never been happier and I hope we continue on the path that Princeton has laid out for us.
—Submitted by a parent

I am thrilled to death that my child is receiving the best education in Birmingham right here at this school. The teachers are wonderful! They really are dedicated to their professions. They love our children as if they were their own. They are always striving to improve the delivery of content through embedded professional development. The principal always tells the staff that good is mediocre and that they will strive to be the best. She is on the right track. I am really proud of the Panther Pride.
—Submitted by a parent

i love this school. my teachers are great and they expec alot. they help me through my struggles and they give me indiviual attention when i need it.
—Submitted by a student

I am a substitute teacher and I have filled in at several Birmingham City Schools and I am estatic to say that Princeton is the best yet! I enjoy the fact that the administration is an ever present figure in the school always willing and ready to help. Princeton is a small school with only two sections per grade level, but the quality of education that I have observed here is tremendous! I also enjoy the fact that dicipline problems are slim to none, and if there are any problems please believe that Mrs. Ward is on top of it.
—Submitted by a teacher

Looking for a way out of the drab B'ham City Schools? Princeton Alternative is your answer. The principal and her staff are wonderful! Princeton is a small school that lacks the funding it deserves; however, the teachers are so creative and resourceful the children do not suffer one bit. Princeton has the greatest parents! Whenever we find information that will be helpful for our children/students we share that information with the staff and other parents. We don't keep great tips to ourselves. My child who is kindergarten is reading on the first grade level with minimal problems, counting by 2's, 5's and 10's and is excited about learning and I know it is because of the uniting between the teacher and I. For those of you who cannot afford private school even on the strictest of budget and want a quality education for you child.....need I say anymore.
—Submitted by a parent