Calera Elementary School

My daughter just finished her second year at Calera Elementary and we have been very pleased with the school and especially her teachers Ms. Montgomery and Ms. Richie. The school tries very hard to place each student with the right teacher based on learning styles and needs. Yes it is a title 1 school but that did not have any effect on her education. I have never had any problems with the Principal or the staff either. The only suggestion I might make is to improve the car pool lines in the morning. But overall I am pleased with the education she has received at Calera.
—Submitted by a parent

Calera Elementary does not have an administrative team that is ethical, honest, or supportive. I have seen too much underhanded manipulation go on without anyone standing up to do what is right and what is best for the education of our children. I have lost my faith in this school...
—Submitted by a parent

I have heard lots of ugly things about this school and it's administration. I was VERY pleased with my child's Kindergarten teacher this year. He loved going to school everyday and learned so much. He is way above average in reading and math thanks to his teacher's dedication. All the teachers that I came in contact with love what they do. The school building itself needs lots of updates, but the teachers are wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

Calera Elementary is now serving K-3 with grades 4-6 in Calera Middle School. I have to agree with the comments about the principal. She is not at all friendly, very detatched and it seems as though the school is not her main priority. However, the teachers I have encountered have all been wonderful in my opinion. My child enjoys going to school there and has learned by leaps and bounds. This is all because of the teachers, despite their leadership. Also, there is no playground for recess. I have learned as a CES parent that there is really no recess. The kids here only get 10 minutes a week for freeplay, I guess there is no need for play equipment. I have minor complaints such as this about the school and its very impersonal 'form letters' from the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the comment about the principal. She is not friendly at all, neither is the vice-principal. I think it is very important for the principal and vice-principal to have good, fun loving attitudes, especially in elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very nervous about sending my daughter here after seeing the reviews and ratings on this website and also after seeing the location of the school. We had already decided to send her to private school but instead decided to give Calera a try knowing that we could pull her if needed. It is now November and my daughter is already reading small words, doing basic math problems, counting to 100, knows her entire alphabet (which I must say, she only knew 1/4 of the letters when she started) plus her vocabulary skills have grown by leaps and bounds. Her teacher is Mrs. LaCroix and I definately credit her! We have not had any issues thus far and after attending a field trip with her class last week, I have no doubt that we made the best decision for our daughter's education.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a Title I school. (Not Good) Linda Chesler is a horrible principal. She is very detached to the students and parents. She is not empathetic to the students or parents. My three children all hated this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Calera Elementary is an excellent learning environment for children. With a strong academic, community oriented, and great value system for children and their families. As good as any school system in our nation.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent and a law enforcement officer I can say that Calera Elementary School far exceeds the standards parents should expect for their children. The quality of instruction, compassion and professionalism is second to none. These teachers not only develop our children intellectually but also re-enforce strong community values in our children.
—Submitted by a parent