Gwin Elementary School

My granddaughter moved from another well liked elementary school in the Hoover School System to Gwin. I can truly say that the teachers she has had the last two years at Gwin are excellent and she has been challenged and motivated to think on her own and do well. The leadership instills in the children how much they care about each other and this is very unusual and refreshing.

My children, 1st and 3rd grader can't wait to get back to school at Gwin after summer break. They have both gone there since Kindergarten and have always been challenged academically. They are also encouraged by the staff to show good character in their school and community. The teachers at Gwin are very knowledgable about what each student needs. The administration is always open to listening to suggestions and are great leaders in the school. The school just has an all around friendly and fun academic atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

We relocated from Georgia and have been extremely pleased with the transition. My boys really like their teachers and the faculty as well. It is a "neighborhood school" where our boys have been challenged and enjoy learning. We will be there for a while being that we have four boys, 3 years apart and we know we made the right decision with Gwin!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has gone to Gwin since 1st grade, after a transfer from a private school . Boy, do we wish he'd gone to Gwin for kindergarten, as well! Gwin has exceeded our expectations. Our son gets extra help and the feeling I get is that he has a real 'support system' at Gwin. Caring, responsive, positive - all things that I love about the Gwin 'community.' The principal and assistant principal are lovely women who really care about the students. The teachers, in a word, wonderful. Gwin is an excellent school with a challenging curriculum. I can't recommend Gwin Elementary School enough!
—Submitted by a parent

The school is just OK. There are a few programs that shine -- like the fantastic enrichment program. But the administration leaves a lot to be desired. While a handful of the teachers we've experienced have been good at communicating with parents, many of our inquiries (which were not unreasonable, either in number or subject matter) were left unanswered. The curriculum has been less than challenging, and we have had to do significant amounts of additional work at home to supplement what is lacking at Gwin. Our work at home is then frequently "undone" at school, where creative problem solving and alternative learning methods are discouraged. We've been most disappointed, and will soon be moving our child to another school.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are wonderful and always helpful and informative. The principal and vice-principal are always willing to help and always have the best interest of your child in mind. A great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Gwin has been a wonderful school for two of my sons. Both of them have learning problems and the teachers have been remarkable. The support staff is more than qualified to help students and the administration has been impressive. I have a third son starting kindergarten this year and we are looking forward to every aspect of school.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, Gwin has been a fairly good school. I don't have experience with other elementary schools. There are many areas where Gwin truly shines. We have wonderful, caring teachers and that would be what I fell is the strong point of our school. The communication from teachers is excellent. Emails on a regular basis if needed. There could be improvement in communication from admistration. They have started some new 'clubs' for the students and I believe that is going to become a strongpoint. Areas of improvement that I see would be a stronger academic curriculum. The children are often required to participate in 1 1/2 hours of reading during school hours. This seems excessive to me, however, I am not a trained educator. We have a wonderful science lab that is barely used. Overall, the experience has been good but would have liked a stronger academic program.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a five star school.

Gwin Elementary is truly a 'neighborhood' school. There is a very organized Parent Teacher Organization with many planned activities and learning opportunities presented to the children. I have two children at Gwin and they both continue to grow and learn in an atmosphere that they enjoy. The teachers and principals take a vested interest in each of the students and make every effort to match students and teachers with their personalities and learning-teaching styles. We have been pleased with the academic level that both of our children have reached and with the content of what the teachers bring to the classroom. The art and music programs have kept our daughters' interest and brought out their abilities in these areas. Again there is such as strong sense of community surrounding this school and supporting the faculty that it can only continue to improve.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent programs of all kinds. Caring environment, great PTO, great staff.
—Submitted by a former student