Elm Tree Elementary School

I totally agree with one of the parents saying the teachers are a Snob, and 'military like' environment. Sometimes i feel they are one sided. The gifted section need to improve in its selection process a LOT. It sucks if a child is gifted in one state and AR, doesn't recognise those certificates. NO focus on Sports activities.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here from NC. I have a 1st and 2nd grader and we wanted a great school like we had before we moved. After a month at Mary Mae Jones my daughter got a place at ETE. I am sooooo thankful she made it in!! The caliber of teaching, the love and support both my daughter and I have received is night and day from MMJ. I received a few emails from her teacher letting me know how she was fitting in and asking if I had concerns or needs. The standard of work is much higher than at MMJ, my 1st grader's work is very similar to my 2nd graders who is unfortunately is still at MMJ. We can't wait for him to move to ETE so he doesn't fall behind the standard that is so apparent her at Elm Tree. See my review of MMJ.
--Submitted by a parent

An awesome school to put your student in all the teachers are hardworking my daughter has been going to this schoold for the last 2 yrs and she loves it. i love all the teachers and the principal she is an awesome lady. love all the kids nows all of the students in her schoold by name.
--Submitted by a parent

We couldn't be more thrilled with Elm Tree Elementary!! We come from Florida where the schools are all about testing, here it is about giving my child an excellent education in all areas! I love all of the staff, they are very nice and the principal seems to actually care about my child and what we have to say. I don't think my child could be getting a better education.
--Submitted by a parent

I must disagree with the last review that this is a cold and negative environment -- in fact, it is quite the opposite. The teachers and other staff go out of their way to learn the names of all of the students and address them by name when they see them. The teachers will work with parents, kids and each other to resolve any issues that might arise during the school year. The academic environment is super and they really challenge the children to learn and make it fun to do so. My child has been out of school for less than a week of summer break and he is already asking to go back! We love how much he's learned since he's been there and look forward to our next one starting in a couple of years! Elm Tree is great!
--Submitted by a parent

This school was a huge disappointment. We really wanted a nurturing environment for our child, Instead, our child received a very cold and negative environment! Our child's teacher was too strict and our child was deathly afraid of her. In the mornings, if you dare walk your child in the classroom, the teacher won't even look at you. In fact she will snob you! This is what my child had to endure! We tried speaking with the people in charge at this school. They were all very defensive and did not want to listen to any concerns we had. In the end, we felt so serious about these issues, we pulled our child out of the school. The parents there really try hard to make it work but the 'military like' environment was really too much for us. Be prepared to wait 35-45 min. everyday, for car pickup! Very unorganized p/u.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending ETE. We have been here for the past 3 years. We love this school.. Not only do the teachers go out of their way to work with any challenge your child has academically or socially , but also physically. My child has Type 1 diabetes. The full time nurse, Mrs. King is exceptional! All of the teachers, staff, principal,etc. know her and what to look for. They are so accepting of the parents being involved and never once made me feel unwanted at the beginning of the year when I was up there so often. I feel so comfortable with her education and care, it is such a relief. The principal knows you by name and your children. Everyone is very friendly.
--Submitted by a parent

Having recently relocated, education was a big concern for my family. The level of education and student teacher interaction is unparalleled in my experience. The faculty involves the parents and students. When an issue was discovered in my childs educational pathway, the faculty responded immediately and called a meeting with us, with the Principal, V Principal, counselors, teacher....WOW! Reward and recognition programs are outstanding...and the community support and involvement is second to none. Thanks Elm Tree Staff
--Submitted by Devon and Ronny Cerniga, a parent

In response to the previous feedback & to the fairness of the school, I must say that my experience and that of my 3 children has been extremely positive. I have a child with autism that requires special help. Elm Tree's staff has always been very supportive and has done everything possible to be equipped for his care. Granted some teachers are more motivated than others to learn of a childs issues and how to deal with them, but in the 5 years that he has been at ETE, each year has shown dramatic improvement and promise for his future. I'm afraid that it is not fair to judge one school in another state to ETE for many reasons, including the funds that are available for those schools and the extracurricular support network. I do feel that there is alot more that can be done, and is in the future.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Elm Tree for 3 years now. I am a volunteer, I am also a substitute in this district with an opportunity to teach at other elementaries. I have found that since the zoning came into effect, the schools are all very well balanced, not only on a socio-economic basis but on a racial basis too. The curriculums are similar if not the same throughout, the teachers are great at all schools. SO why choose Elm Tree ? Results...ETE continuosly rates first in the district even after the zoning - I believe that 'year-round' (and its great principal) has moved Baker to its second place position. The teachers love the kids and they create a bond not only with them but with the parents too, with those parents that are willing to open their hearts and minds. Together we work to ensure our childrens success!
--Submitted by a parent