Parkridge Elementary School

The teachers at Parkridge work diligently with their students on a daily basis. They love all their students! They want all students to be successful and reach their highest potential while holding them accountable. Teachers need parents' support and attention to their children's academics. Teachers have their hands tied when parents do not support the teacher when they are trying to hold the child accountable, and the parents do not agree with the teacher or choose to hold their own child accountable. It's crucial for parents and teachers to work collaboratively for the child's sake. The teachers are the best I've ever worked with and I'm fortunate to have my own children here as well.
—Submitted by a teacher

Attended community meeting with reference to rezoning areas for Parkridge due to overcrowding. Was so disappointed when many of the Parkridge parents had no regard for other Parkridge students who live a bit further away and suggested they get rezoned, like we don't matter. This section has been zoned for Parkridge a very long time. The entitlement attitude was shocking, even though we wound up not being rezoned, would rather not stay at Parkridge with the sense that some areas are substandard. We are transferring to Peoria Traditional School (a PUSD school) where we are welcome.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an incredible school and staff, we moved away and then returned because we really loved this school as did/do our kids. we were gone a little over 2 years, on our return, is was like we never left - the team here is terrific from the Principal to the Kitchen staff - they are a wonderful group of people.
—Submitted by a parent

MY KIDS LOVE IT ... WE'LL DRIVE 10MI TO KEEP THEM THEIR FROM ARE NEW HOME NEXT OASIS WHICH IS RATED AS A 8 SCHOOL
—Submitted by a parent

I was looking into this school because it is an excelling school, it is close to my home, and I would like my child to go to a school closer (we drive an hour each way to his current school.) but the front office staff is absolutely horrible!! They turned me away saying I was not in the district and that they only took their own children (meaning kids in the district) I thought it was completely rude and uncalled for! Then I called the district office just to find out I am in the district!!! The women in the front office could have been a lot more helpful, or even polite! Needless to say my child will remain at his other school. It may be far but ALL of the staff are polite, and respectful.. and those are the people I want around my children!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending Parkridge for 3 years, and I have been extremely impressed with the level of commitment from the teachers and staff. Communication with parents is just incredible. The principal and vice principal are awesome. The kids love the principal and he is a part of everything! It is great to see. My only complaint has been regarding the front office staff. They have never been attentive when parents come in, and are sometimes even rude. It is a shame because it makes this otherwise excellent school look bad to those who don't know the rest of the staff. As for the rest of you, nothing but kudos! We love Parkridge!
—Submitted by a parent

My children started Parkridge in November of last year. I have a 1st grader and 2nd grader. They both have excelled in their grade level. The principal is remarkable. He really and truly cares for the students and teachers. All the teachers care for each student. The teachers make sure that every, I mean every student is successful. Lots of Parent involvement. Anyone that says other wise just is not around the school enough to know what is going on. Every teacher is happy and excited to go to work. I love Parkridge.
—Submitted by a parent

my daughter is in 5th grade and has been going to Parkridge since 1st grade and it has been wonderful. The communication between her teachers and I have been awesome...Communication is key and this school delivers. The principal has a lot of involvement and is always visible.
—Submitted by a parent

Parkridge has very high expectations for their students. Everyone goes the extra mile to help every child meet their goals and be the best they can be. We are very happy to have our child attend Parkridge. The staff puts children first and it shows. We have been a part of the Parkridge family for seven years and we have NEVER been dissappointed!
—Submitted by a parent

Parkridge has not lived up to its rep. If you want your child to be average or mainstream this is the place for them.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is fantastic! We came from Zuni and wow are we impressed. It makes such a difference when you have friendly staff and a very welcoming principal. My daughter feels at home here :)
—Submitted by a parent

We love Parkridge! It has been such a blessing compared to our school last year. The administration is top notch! The teachers have high expectations of the kids, just like administration does of them.
—Submitted by a parent

My twins girls and my son have been going to this school since they started school. This is an excellent school and the teachers and principal go above and beyond for their students! Mr Svornick knows my children on a personal level and has always made them feel like they are an important part of the school. My children are advancing at an advanced rate and I believe that is due to the involvement and caring of all the staff. Mr Goody has gone way above expectations as far as what a teacher's responsibilities are! He really cares about his students and my girls were excited everyday to go to school and learn!! My son had a ruff start in school however Ms. Blanchard really worked with him and had the patience of a saint. He ended the year great. Thank you Parkridge!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Parkridge, and we are absolutely impressed with the quality of education our two kids are receiving. The Principal is very involved, and he has a genuine interest in each and every student. Our youngest had a hard time transitioning to Kindergarten, and everyone including the Principal went above and beyond to make sure our child was able to adjust to the daily routine of school. Also, the staff and teachers love their job and the school and it shows!
—Submitted by a parent

I feel there is very little room for diverstiy at this school. The students were refered to as sheep in one meeting I had with the principal, and if this is his view,then this is how the children were being treated. If you are raising a child who you expect to be hearded to be like everyone else, this is the school for you. If you are raising a child who you would like to be an individual, then this is not the school for you. I had a very bad experience, because they do not have the means, capability or even the desire to teach for a changing culture.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Parkridge since Kdg. We have always been extremely happy with her teachers and their commitment to helping her become a lifelong learner. This year she is in Mrs. Owsley's 4th grade class. Mrs. Owsley has created a positive, nurturing classroom environment. Our daughter loves to come to school each day and loves being a part of this class. Parkridge is a school that prides itself on putting children first. We have always found this to be true, especially in Mrs. Owsley's class. Each child knows that they are important and that she truly wants them to do their best every day. Our daughter loves the challenge she provides and the sense of community Mrs. Owsley builds in her classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

9/07, This is my sons 2nd year at Parkridge and my daughters 1st year, and I love this school. Compared to our 'home' school, Parkridge is a dream. Parental involvement is key, both on and off campus. A good education comes from home and school. We cannot rely solely on teachers to be our childrens only educators. We, as parents, are the primary educators and should work with our childrens teachers, as a team, to teach academics. Luckily, at Parkridge, we have a strong administration, especially Mr. Svorinic, who genuinely cares about our school and our students. Without a strong administration, we have nothing. Keep up the great work, Parkridge!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the first year our two boys have attended. I believe the curriculum is probably one of the best, unfortunately one of our kids was not prepared for the curriculum. Our experience so far has been somewhat positive and we hope it continues into the future. The principal seems to be genuinely interested in the students.
—Submitted by Vince Rodriguez, a parent

My son began attending Parkridge when the doors first opened. The principal is wonderful! He goes above and beyond when it comes to the children. We have mostly had good experiences with the teacher with the exception of one year when their was a personality clash (which can happen anywhere). The curriculum is strong and the district is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic programs and the teachers are good at this school. The area that really disappoints is the parental involvement. I blame the Booster Club. They make other parents feel unwelcome and that's why more parents do not get involved.
—Submitted by a parent