Noah Webster Basic School

It is odd that I have made 3 postings to this site which were negative; in hopes the school officials would see that there is a problem. None of them ever make it to the viewing page.
—Submitted by a parent

I really like this school. My daughter came into Noah Webster slightly below grade level at the beginning of the year, and is now well over a grade level ahead in both math and reading. I have 3 other children that will also attend Noah Webster when it is time, and I look forward to see how well they progress and grow. The teachers are great, and even though there are alot of kids enrolled, the teachers and staff know our names and really care about our children and our family.
—Submitted by a parent

I have not had a child in Noah Webster for 3 years. I came back to this site to see if there were still the same complaints that I went to the school with as when my son left the school. I only did this because my new neighbor asked me about Noah Webster and I did not want to give misinformation. It appears not a lot has changed. You will find if you send your child to Noah Webster that there will come a time when the child you have been being told is excelling and you think is getting an above average education will learn the truth the same as you. Noah Webster is a below average school. It is for children that cannot make it other schools, are in need of special busing, in need of early hour or late hour daycare or some other thing, other than education. When my son had to transition into public school he was held back a year. He was at least a year behind in all the core subjects necessary to go forward in his education. The first year in public school was a constant round of tutors and help to get him caught up to the children a year behind where he was in Noah Webster. I would certainly think twice before sending someone I love and want the best for to Noah Webster.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had several children enrolled at NWBS through sixth grade. I have been very happy with the education my older kids have received, going on to Jr High enrolled in Honor's classes. But, I feel NWBS focuses on the more advanced students (higher learning levels) and puts their best teachers there, while putting less experienced/weaker teachers/staff over the middle to lower levels. Struggling students have difficulty catching up without strong teachers. NWBS is driven by higher test scores to advertise, not necessarily by students education and success. Family and friends have experienced multiple teacher changes within the same year, several years in a row. Children with behavioral issues are "asked not to return." Some of my children have been part of the Special Ed dept for minor speech therapy, both in the public school system as well as at NWBS. The Special Ed staff has been very helpful and supportive, but short on resources. As a parent I have often felt my involvement is only wanted for fundraising purposes and crowd control during fieldtrips. I don't feel welcome visiting the school. I am considering moving my younger children to the local public school.
—Submitted by a parent

My first introduction to NWBS was when a friend of mine had enrolled her son. I was so impressed by the school. Some of the factors that attracted me were the fact that parent involvement that was not only encouraged but required. After having two children in MPS I had become increasingly disappointed when we would attend school concerts or awards ceremonies and see only a handful of parents! It reminded me of the way schools used to be. A place where a student and his/her family became part of a larger school family! I quickly decided that if/when we had another child he/she would attend this fabulous school. My love for this school has only grown as I watched my son, Zach forge true and lasting friendships with not only his classmates, but also the staff members! No school is perfect but this school is truly exceptional. We have enjoyed attending the school functions like family movie night and Fright fest, yes it is busy but I would rather see it busy and see families involved in their children's school activities. The staff does a great job keeping things organized. My son loved attending this school.. best choice I have ever made! Michelle Wright Proud NWBS parent
—Submitted by a parent

NWBS encourages parents to get involved in their children's education and future. I have throughly researched and visited many schools in the Mesa and Gilbert area and have found that NWBS offers an outstanding educational program for my children. I have one child that moved to middle school with honors and continues to participate in honor classes. I believe as a parent that education starts at home...teaching good study habits, setting goals, organizational skills. Children mock their parents...parents are their children's mentor.
—Submitted by a parent

My wife and I picked up my son and daughter from school on September 21, 2012. Thankfully, I brought copies of directions and times found on your website. After arriving, we went into the administrative building and were greeted by office personnel. The staff was wonderful and courteous. A staff member provided me with the children s teachers email addresses (school). Another employee had me review my contact information. I was able to update my profile. The office staff went over the school map and explained where we needed to go. They provided us with a placard and explained how their monitors may ask for identification. We were completely impressed with how smooth and well-organized the process was. I was pleased when one of the designated monitors had asked for identification. Before our arrival, one of the pick-up monitors knew we were coming. A monitor had observed my children board their bus, quickly responded, and retrieved them. We would have been extremely concerned if the children were not at the pick-up site. The monitors went above and beyond. For the first time, I feel relieved knowing they are in safe and capable hands.
—Submitted by a parent

I am withdrawing my children from NWBS. I think the education they are receiving is just that...basic. My son is an above average student that excells in math. They have never recommended an advanced program for him. Instead they recommended a 504 program because he completes his work so much faster than the rest of his classmates he gets bored. The teacher has labeled him as a classclown. They have given him numerous right ups and told us they did'nt want my son back. He has never had any behavior issues since this particular teacher, or school. We will never go back to this school. In addition, I was on a waiting list for the school bus all year and was told by other students that the bus they would ride on is only half full. They never contacted me.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been very familiar with Noah Webster since 2004. When the school moved to new it's new location, the main priority became bodies in seats rather then the actual education of the children. The administration is so focused on keeping all seats filled that they have developed policy that restricts teachers abilities to write letter of references for the children as those are usually sought when seeking attendance at other schools. Teachers are moved to grade levels where they have no experience and are unable to maintain control of the extremely large class size. Mentions are made to the family activities, however since there are 1,100+ students at the school, the activities are a nightmare due to the large volume of families that attend. They are unable to retain good teachers due to their "policies" and the teachers remain basically get by just doing their job. With so many children supervision is impossible and so bullying, inappropriate behavior, etc. is rampant. If you have to choose between public school or this school, go to the public school.
—Submitted by a parent

The director and office staff are unprofessional, and rude. They do not care about parent concerns. If you raise a fuss at all you will be banned from school and escorted off by the police, no questions asked. It is a closed door policy. They preach highly of there education and how wonderful it is, but the children do not test into honors classes when going into junior high. There are people there who are NOT certified teachers working as teachers. If you try to bring this concern to the administration, you are just blown off and NOTHING gets done. They do whatever they want and get away with it.
—Submitted by a parent

When we found NW we though it would be a wonderful school They have the appearance of great school with lots of good clubs for kids. It doesn't take long to figure out that there is not even one good thing about this school. The teachers are rude and unprofessional, the so called clubs are like paying for your kids to have an extra recess after school, and they don't want parents around at all. When my children first started there I was shocked at the extremely easy work they brought home but thought it would become more challenging as the year progressed, it did not. When we tried to talk to the teachers about issues we had with the easiness of the work we were blown off and talked down to. In the past no teacher has ever had a problem with my children and they had been star students now all the sudden they have been labeled trouble causing students. They bring home packets of work graded by the teachers and it is often graded wrong. I feel the only reason this school has good test scores is because they give the kids work at 1 to 2 years below the right grade level. For the sake of your sanity and your kids future stay as far away from this school as possible.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children who have been attending NWBS since kindergarden and now one is in 2nd grade while the other is in 4th grade. My husband and I have always been amazed @ how much our kids are learning and progressing since they've been attending this school. We both have a lot of respect for this school's academic program as well as their staff. We also like the fact that they don't torelate bullying and each one of their students safety, excelling in class as well as respect for themselves, peers and their fellow students is the school's #1 priority. Both my husband and I have no intentions of removing our girls from this school till its time for them to go on to middle school and we've recommended it to friends. We also respect the fact that when we brought a concern to their principal it was taken care of right away and results are still showing which is very reassuring for us and our kids. I wish I could give NWBS 5 stars but I believe that no matter how great something is there's always room for improvement and that for me would be to see NWBS acquire more teachers and classes to decrease the size of students in each class. Thankyou to all the staff for all you do!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I've discovered, as a parent, ratings have been added by staff for quick "positive feedback" for this site. Be aware and look at the multiple comments made in short periods that repeat statements in the past years. Just read comments from the parents/staff that seem sincere & concerned. Or, become involved with what's truly going on with policies, procedures, & curricullum requirements. Worksheets do not teach our kids! Parents need to be involved! You can't stop by your child's classroom voluntarily. I tried to volunteer a few years ago and was reprimanded for leaving an assembly to use the bathroom without "permission" to leave the "allotted area" I was assigned to. Admin said it was due to "safety." I understand safety! But I'm the MOM! There's not a team effort with parents and staff. You can't expect to be involved at NW! You may be put on a"waiting list" for field trips. Expect a 10 minute rushed conference yearly. My last memory of NW was the principal arguing w/ a parent/police over picking up his daughter and not going through the "right gate" for pick up. I hope she is happy at another school. I'm sure many teachers/staff have good intentions, but please be aware!
—Submitted by a parent

Huge class sizes, (MOST are maxed at 35, the legal ratio limit) & in very small classrooms. Also, parent involvement is discouraged. There is lack of communcation from the principal when it comes to issues with your child. I would love for the board to do an assessment of turnover rates with teachers/staff and reasons for their termination or resignation. My child attended for many years. As I grew to love & know the staff, this number was very discouraging. Also be prepared for an overload of worksheets. There is not many projects, experiments, crafts, and fun learning experiences for kids. I've learned they have many new Smartboards the teachers rarely use and are crammed in just a few classrooms with no access or training. That's a disappointment. Just think about what kind of education you want for your child. For military style learning & tedious worksheets daily, this school is for you! If not, explore elsewhere. Most of the teachers are amazing, it's just too bad the how the overall decisions affect the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I like the curriculum and teachers. The only problem I have is the parent pick-up. The crazy idiotic way they have you go through the lines and bad rude behavior makes me want to change my childs school. I'ts moronic the way they have you do it.
—Submitted by a parent

Before you enroll your child at NW, please inquire about paper costs. My child has come home with pages and pages of worksheets. Although worksheets are sometimes beneficial, I would LOVE for someone to ask the administration HOW much they spend yearly on paper. AKA: the costs to parents. If you want your child to EXPERIMENT education, HANDS ON, don't enroll them at NW. Although they have wonderful teachers (high turnover) the administration & teachers keep a clear distance of ideas & what's best for the kids. I pulled my child out a few years ago, and am SO happy with the results. Just ASK QUESTIONS before your enroll your child. Or, best yet, just ask a child who has attended! How many kids are in his/her class? How many projects/experiments have they done? How many teachers/staff have they had? Just ask the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

IT"S the LAW to ask about your child's teacher qualifications. Charter schools get by easily, but imagine putting your child in a classroom with teachers with NO degree whatsoever? Many important qualifcations include classroom management, educational methods, and curriculum training. Before enrolling your child at Noah Webster, inquire about your child's teacher. Does your child's teacher have a "TEACHING CERTIFICATE?" Or even a college degree? Ask and inquire. As a parent, I've discovered educationally trained teachers TEACH my child and are not hired babysitters following a strict curriculum of worksheets.
—Submitted by a parent

Mmmm...its okay. Here are my likes: Some really good teachers; Safety of the students; a lot of educational and fun field trips; and family activities throughout the year. Here are my dislikes: I have had issues with the principal in addressing issues I have had. She has downplayed and even denied a situation. My kids grades suddenly went down and math became issues for both. come to find out, for one, the teacher was just giving answers so when they figured that out, more than half way through the year, they changed teachers and how they did the math. It seems that they are too focused on the aims testing to take the time for regular studies. Class sizes way too big. Bullying is a problem. When I first came to Noah Webster I was under the impression of an excellent curriculum and low class sizes, I don't know if they still make those promises but that is definitely not so.
—Submitted by a parent

Staff members who have children at Noah get on here and write glowing reviews. The fact is that teachers are not treated very well at times, put under a lot of stress, and good ones are even asked to leave before the end of the year. No wonder there is a high turnover rate. Does this affect students? You decide. It surely doesn't help moral any. Class sizes are very large (up to 35), and curriculum and policies are changed often. Though there are some great teachers, the administrative leadership is weak. Luckily there are other schools to choose from.
—Submitted by a teacher

My children have attended Noah Webster for several years and are excelling in all areas. The Saxon math curriculum is amazing and I am blown away at what math concepts they know already at their young age. I love the Social Studies Weekly newspapers and thinking maps that are part of the curriculum. The school has a great assortment of afterschool programs, family activities and fun field trips planned. My children are reading well above grade level. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent