Woodbury Elementary School

I couldn't decide between 2 and 3 stars. I would give it 2.5 if I had a choice. We moved to Woodbury community in 2012 and found it to be very kid-friendly. Lots of parks and school is within walking distance. Kiddos spend a lot of time playing outside during afterschool and go on a lot of field trips during school breaks. Can't be more happy about it. Now, not so exciting things. Woodbury is overcrowded. For the size of Woodbury community, they should have 2 elementary school to accommodate kids. There is another elementary school - Stonegate, but it is just as crowded and houses are still being built there. My son started 2012-2013 school year at a very advanced level. He attended an exemplary school at a different state the year before and I was looking forward for him to continue on the same path. Unfortunately, from the very beginning I noticed that he is not as excited about reading or writing as he used to be. He went from writing stories every day at his old school to barely able to compose several sentences once a week, This is what you get when there are 32 kids per teacher! I love the teachers, but they just can't keep track of all their students.
—Submitted by a parent

The one thing I have to say negative about the materials/books is that the students are not given a hard bound math book to take home. It's very frustrating when you have to Google math questions to help your child get through their homework.
—Submitted by a parent

If you want your children to have an experience that only focuses on s single aspect of education, then you can find that type of school. Woodbury isn't one of them. The creed of Woodbury Elementary is complex and thoughtful, striving to nurture considerate multi-faceted humans that are aware of themselves, their environment, and others around them. Academics are only one element of a larger system of humanity. There are numerous opportunities and a wonderful supportive community of parents that volunteer their time and resources, in pursuit of that goal. If that sounds compelling to you, then come join us.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not focus on academics. They focus on having fun more. The award ceremony is based on the school values not on academic performance. Students attend the award ceremonies based on their birthday month. After our kids move to this school, they are very demotivated because the teachers don't care if the finish their homework. There are hardly any Hw to start with. Even the core curriculums are not being taught . Barely any science, language art, or social studies were taught at school. One to two pages of Math Hw per week. My kids used to be very advanced in their school work. Now, they not only lost their advancement, but their basic proficiency. I really worry for them.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was bullied a lot. When I told the principal about one kid saying that he could have chopped my son's head off, she did not say or do anything about it. As I found out later from other parents, the school does have a serious problem of bullies. I think the attitude of the principal has a lot to do with it. If your kid tends to be an easy target of bullies, this is definitely not the kind of school you want to send him to.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been here for 2 years and we are very happy so far. Parents are very involved with plenty of volunteers. Teachers at the school and the on campus CDC center are caring with good experience. Fun environment. Great school. The teachers make it the awesome school.
—Submitted by a parent

Woodbury is an excellent school with excellent staff and a principal who is caring and nurturing to the students and the community. My children love going to school each day. We love everything about this school, education is top-notch, extracurricular activities are great and parental involvement is everywhere. I am proud to be a Woodbury mom and would tell this to everyone I meet.
—Submitted by a parent

Woodbury is an exceptional school. I would recommend it to everyone that wants a school with high academics, character development, and outstanding teachers. The principal has a nice balance of compassion and leadership qualities. My daughter went to ECR/Woodbury for 7 years. Each year she was treated with respect and was challenged academically. They prepared her to be a good citizen, have high moral character, and be a successful problem solver. I love her Woodbury experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with well qualified, caring teachers and staff. Students are challenged academically and focus is on the "whole" child. All students are provided with tools to succeed in the classroom and to be a valuable contributor to society. Compassionate and involved principal supports the staff and student population. Very involved parent community. What a great place to learn!
—Submitted by a teacher

Woodbury has been the perfect school for my son. He is shy and timid in new situations. The school staff has gone out of their way to make him feel comfortable and support his academic learning. He has grown socially and academically in the last two years. I am so proud of him and thank the Woodbury team. Before school, I talk to many parents that have similiar stories. Teachers challenge students if they are advanced. Extra support is given to students who need it. The parent support is amazing. I wish I was a stay at home parent so that I could volunteer and join these terrific moms and dads. We are fortunate to have such great support.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, this is what Woodbury is--BELOW AVERAGE (except the facility). Every year I have to pray hard for my kid not to be in some teacher's class. There are 1 or 2 good teachers every grade, but the rest couldn't care less. Every Friday now there is this integrity pledge thing and kids are randomly drawn to win prizes. Is lottery the best way to reward kids? Interesting value system.
—Submitted by a parent

This school doesn't focus on academic learning and personality development of the kids. I would rate it as very poor. We moved to this school in mid session from another IUSD school, but was surprised to see that they are far far behind. I expected some basic level in all IUSD school, but probably they are the worst. Here teacher is least bothered what the student is doing individually. They make kid a star for one week in a year. For me that is not enough, because that doesn't improve child's personality. It has to be continuous effort. My daughter was already reading fluently when she entered kindergarten. In previous school she was given more challenging tasks. But, after coming here she doesn't feel like doing something more. She has been demotivated.
—Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed in the behavior of my son's teacher. She plays favorites with the students. She routinely puts down many of the kids in the class as she is teaching. She makes inappropriate comments and gestures about certain children. She puts her index finger up to her own neck and mimics blowing off her own head. This is in reference to how she feels about having to teach certain children. I've been told that there is nothing that can be done since the teacher is tenured. Not what I expected at all, especially given the school's stated value system.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff are so caring and loving to the students and parents!
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful location, tremendous teachers, nice families!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The faculty is extremely caring!!!
—Submitted by a parent

They encourage my kids to want to be better people!
—Submitted by a parent

great school with a wonderful staff! thank you for all you do for the children!

The teachers are great, the kids are great, I love the year-round schedule, and the values taught help my child learn how to be a well-rounded, respectful individual.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers+ great values + great parent involvement = great students! Everyone wins at this school.
—Submitted by a parent