Elsie Collier Elementary School

My children went to Collier for 2 years and thankfully we moved. My 1st grade son was diagnosed with ADHD/ODD/OCD prior to attending the school & undergoing behavior management tx. From day 1 his teacher targed him because using the behavior mgmt techniques apparently took too much effort. I had 3 meetings with the teacher and principal & the entire time the teacher was literally rolling her eyes at me. The principal flat out told me that my son was lying to me over his feelings?? His teacher sent home detailed daily reports filled with petty issues such as picking at his shoes & moving too much in his chair. Yet he was making ALL D's and E's and neither were no concerned with his lack of progress. This teacher yelled at the students all the time (my other child said he could hear her from down the hall). All I can say is that his 2nd grade teacher was AMAZING and we had absolutely no problems that year & even made A/B honor roll! A teacher makes all the difference, and maybe if his 1st grade year had went as well as his 2nd then I could have given the school a higher rating.
—Submitted by a parent

Great program I like all the sports and activities for your child and an overwhelming parent participation.
—Submitted by a parent

For the most part I have been very pleased with the school. It is clean, the children seem happy and the teachers and principal seem to care about the children. I do think that some of the staff needs to work on their communication skills. I have sent letters and emails to some of the teachers and they do not respond. Very frustrating when you are trying to be a parent on top of things.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been extremely satisfied with Collier. My eldest child just finished Kindergarten this year and I will be sending my second off to Kindergarten next year. I have witnessed an amazing amount of parental involvement, which has always been welcome. The teachers that I have had the pleasure of meeting, have very positive attitudes and show great experience. The involvement of the PTA, in a word, is outstanding! The PTA is always there volunteering and raising much needed money for the school and it's teachers. I believe, that through fundraising efforts this year, that each classroom without a Smart Board, will have one for next year! The principal of the school seems strict, but fair. She seems a bit harsh and is not the "warm and fuzzy" type, but takes her job seriously and shows great concern about the welfare of the students. All in all, I was very pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

Staff is very helpful and concerned about all students. I have one son in ELL and the other in gifted and talented (PACE). They are both cared for and taught at their levels. They are learning a lot.
—Submitted by a parent

the school is a lovely place, the fish cake on friday is debbatable cause the children toss them and wish for fishsticks with their tatertots. the campus is clean and the buildings. Lots of postive reaction with the children,,,thanks for my A hon or roll student in the second an first grade. josie

What a wonderful school! In the 2008 - 2009 school year we had a principal change which made the school even better. Ms. Graf is a motivator and truly cares about the children. The focus of all at this school is the growth of your child at their own pace. Thank you for four wonderful years.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is very impressive as far as education goes. my kindergartener is reading already and is excelling in other areas as well. the only thing I would probably change is the office staff. would it hurt them to crack a smile or say hello. I feel like I'm about to be punishhed everytime I walk in there. No courtesy at all. Besides that, the teachers seem knowledgeable and friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent, and I just love this school, they have beyond their call to help me and my son, I thank god for Mrs.Poiroux, we will miss you.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have two children attending Collier. My oldest started Kindergarten here and is now in 3rd grade. The new principal this year is great! She has excited the students to read with the AR program and honor roll assembly. The PE staff is fabulous-my kids can't wait to run laps on Monday and frequently choose to do so on 'free toys day' to earn another foot bead! The teachers have been wonderful and approachable. They truly care about each student. Parent involvement is highly encouraged and the staff doesn't mind that I bring my baby with me when I volunteer. I read in the classroom, help with the many PTA activities, and attend lunch with my children routinely. My only issues with the school is no scheduled recess and the fundraiser incentives. All in all, excellent school and would highly recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

Collier is a fabulous place where children eagerly attend and learning happens! The facility is immaculate and intellectually stimulating. The principal and faculty are not only professional and focused; they are also innovative, energetic, and deeply concerned about the children. Kudos for the new PE program and teacher, Mrs. Hammons. She is an outstanding motivator!! The extra curricular activities are wonderful including, among others, a Reading Club for K-5 students meeting before school weekly!! Where else can you get that? The PTA is very hard working, open, and friendly. They have achieved impressive results consistently, year after year. A well organized PTA may be perceived as controlled by some. I personally see it as simply very effective. Parent involvement is very high and supports higher expectations from each individual - student, family member, faculty, and staff. I couldn't be more pleased with Collier! Collier receives an A+++.
—Submitted by a parent

Collier PTA does a tremendous amount of work to help make Collier an exemplary school! These ladies donate countless hours of time to help make Collier a place where children love to attend school. I kindly ask those of you who think any differently, to volunteer to serve with PTA. You'll be a great help and make friends you will cherish. Also, the principal has a tremendous amount of love and concern for Colliers' children! She works extremely long hours. She will be retiring soon, and it will be difficult if not impossible to replace her with someone who so effectively leads Collier. I have a son and daughter who attend Collier, and they start the day off happy to be going to school as well as end the day happy after spending the day in their classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

I encourage any parent who has a child at this school to attend breakfast and observe the assistant principal. She yells at children, stands over them and claps at them and says, 'HURRY! HURRY!' while they try to eat. I have forbidden my children to eat breakfast at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at this school. The teachers we have had are wonderful, particularly Mrs. Poiroux. There is a HUGE clique regarding PTA so I don't volunteer to help them. Academically, they push state testing and attendance (my child missed ONE day of school and I received a nasty letter! ONE DAY!) but...my childrens' teachers have been phenomenal so I will just grin and bear the rest of it.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm in agreement that collier is one of the best schools in the system, but like all other schools it has it's good teachers and poor ones. I agree with the other comments- not very good interaction with the kids or parents, too much control over pta and room moms. The parental involvement is great and the building and overall atmosphere is upbeat. My children will continue to attend unless we have another 'lazy' teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent involvement at Collier is wonderful. Every school event, cars are parked up and down the road because so many family members are attending. Its a lovely school. Currently, they are continuing to paint many adorable murals on hallway walls. I have one child who might be considered special needs. I have encountered some stubbornness from the principal and some teachers. I feel like a few teachers have been eager to jump on the medication band wagon- when my child's physician has told me it was not needed. The principal also has a propensity to defend her teachers instead of trying to work a problem. My children will continue at this school, overall the academic program is sound, and most of the teachers are wonderful. The principal functions well, but bears watching when problems arise.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have 1 child at Collier. He is going into 3rd grade. His K teacher was the best thing that ever happened to our whole family. She made learning fun and changed our view on reading and math for the better. His 1st grade teacher had a hard act to follow, but was helpful as well. His 2nd grade teacher has challenged him in new and exciting ways. The principal is outstanding and dedicated. P.T.A. members have a bit of a clique, but that is to be expected. The teachers and staff are out of this world. The school is beautiful and well kept. Collier is the best place for my child and I look forward to my kindergartner going in the fall.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are GREAT!They will bend over backwards to help the kids and work with parents. I like this school and my kids like this school! I have 2 kids in this school right now. my oldest (now in middle)went to this school he was a handful. I found my self in the office more then once with him.[The principal]she has no problem with discipline thats what we need these days! Wonderful School and Staff!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! I have 2 children, one has just completed elementary school here and the other is only beginning. I only hope that the 2nd child will have as positive an experience as the first. I am convinced that if parents stay involved in the education of their children, it can only make for a positive outcome. Every staff member, from the Principal to the bus drivers, has been extremely supportive of my children from the first day.
—Submitted by Cindy Edwards, a parent

I have a child in this school and one that has since moved up from here to the middle school. Overall, the teachers are fabulous; until you reach the 5th grade. The principal is mostly concerned about her image first and then the children second. She has too much control over the PTA (which by the way, the 'P' stands for parents, not principal!). My younger child received a much better education than the older one. But I am pleased with this school considering the condition of the public school system in this county. There is a very upbeat atmosphere at this school and my child is happy here.
—Submitted by a parent