Clay Elementary School

My son attended Clay Elementary from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. He "graduated" last year and will be attending CCMS. We had a great experience with most all of the teachers, the office staff, and the other parents and children. All but one year, I felt that the teachers truly care for my child and that he was given the best education possible. We will certainly miss CES this upcoming school year!
—Submitted by a parent

This my son's first year at Clay Elementary. He is in the second grade in Mrs. Heather Youngkins. SHE IS AWESOME!!!! I will admit I was a little nervous coming to the school since my son was in a smaller private school setting his first few years of school however, she has lived up to ALL of the accolades that parents, teachers and administrators have given her and he is having a WONDERFUL time!!! GO Mrs. Youngkins Yaks!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child that is on his second year at this school and he loves it! We had some minor issues with a teacher but come to find out everyone was having that problem so it wasn't the children but more so the teacher. We are only a week into school, but he absolutely loves 1st grade! It also has the small town feel that so many people are looking for these days.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter that has went to Clay for 4 years and I have been room mother every year and this is a great school---academically and environmentally...
—Submitted by a parent

I really Love Clay Elementary. It has been a very positive influence over my son and has facilitated his learning process tremendously! There is a CLEAR Night and Day Difference between Clay Elementary and Chalkville Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Clay for 2 and a half years and he has loved it. He is constantly learning new things. I have been very pleased with the teachers. I have been disappointed with the amount of parent involvement. I have repeatedly tried to go to the school and get involved. I get the impression the principle does not encourage or invite parent involvement. Overall I love the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at Clay Elem. I love the school. The teachers show so much love & care towards all of the students. I have to say, though, the principal is horrible. She says that she cares about the kids, but shows no support in their activities unless it is something that is her idea or will make her look good. She is not supportive in any way towards the recreational aspect of the school. She also has a very poor attitude towards the parents unless the parent is willing to brown nose her. She has a serious struggle with power & is very rude. As far as the other administration, she needs to consider herself blessed. i absolutely love the vprin. She is wonerful, & my kids adore her!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the post about the principal. She runs the school very well, but as a parent you are clear on who is in charge. A more service oriented attitude towards parents would go a long way. The other area I recommend for improvement would be more cooperation with Clay Recreation. Clay Elementary receives scores/rankings based on offering activities like softball, football, cheerleading, basketball, and wrestling; however, the school does not offer these, Clay Rec. does and there is little the school does to support these activities. I think the principle is definitely putting what is most important first, our kids, but to be a really great school the above changes should be made.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great at Clay. They are very supportive. The RLC program is awesome. The principal has a power issues. She likes to flex her muscles at the cost of your child and the community.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Clay, but was very disappointed when my child's first grade teacher was not renewed last year. She was wonderful! I think is it a shame that the ones who do not care to be there get to stay and the ones who care, leave! Very dissapointed!
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest daughter attended grades 1-5 at Clay Elementary. Now my 2 younger ones attend here. We have been very blessed to have wonderful and caring teachers then and now. I would NEVER dream of having them go anywhere else. Lisa
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Clay and I wouldn't want them anywhere else! The administration, office staff and teachers are wonderful. They truly care about each kid. I know my kids are getting the best education available. I LOVE CLAY ELEMENTARY!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Clay Elementary has a wonderful, caring learning environment. The teachers work together to provide the best possible academic programs. I've often seen teachers working late and on weekends to prepare for their students. My children have had different teachers for each grade level. I found all of their teachers to be highly qualified, and very interested and concerned about each individual child. The Gifted program is excellent. The music teacher has wonderful programs. She has chiors for the third and fourth grades. She also teaches the students to play instruments. Violin classes are offered during school. Spanish and computer classes are offered after school. The school is active in the Scholars Bowl. They have a large percentage of Presidential 'Super Scholars.' Also, many classes participate in a Southeast Regional internet math competition with most of classes placing in the top three in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division coming from Clay School!
—Submitted by a parent

I love the schools. My son had learned a great deal and has advanced quite well. Clay has an awsome RLC program. My only fear is over crowding our great school.
—Submitted by Tracy, a parent

This school has been a completed disappointment to my family. I moved into this school system 2 years ago. This school is very discipline focused and learning is not the priority. Each child is given a gross amount of work to complete daily and there is not much time for one on one with the children. Discipline, order, and high sat scores are the focus of this school. Very disappointed since the adv. Test scores looked so good on this school. We have since determined that we will remove my child from this school and attend a private school. He is now learning again, not just sitting silently doing busy work.
—Submitted by a parent

Clay is a warm and friendly school that encourages parent involvement through a strong PTA. The teachers are innovative, creative, and well educated. They care about the kids a lot. Good community atmosphere. Middle school and High school are excellent, also. We love it!
—Submitted by a parent

Clay Elementary offers a safe and secure school atmosphere for my daughter who attends Clay from outside of her normal school zone. The RLC program is excellent! Also, Clay Elem. supports community activities and is an ideal for kids!
—Submitted by Donna Cornwell, a parent

Great school everyone seems to care! Great program! My child loves to go to school somtimes she even wants to go on saturday. Clay is such a tight knit comunity I hope it doesnt change!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school and best teachers ever! This school goes above and beyond for parents to keep us informed with constant communication concerning our children every single day.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is only going into second grade, but we both have enjoyed his two years at clay elementary. He has enjoyed school so far and I pray that this will continue. I dout it will.
—Submitted by a parent