Northwood Elementary School

I went to Northwood Elementary School from 1995-1997. The teachers are great and sincerely care about how well you perform. They develop relationships with parents and their students. I still keep in touch with them from time to time.

The faculty and staff are dedicated to making Northwood Elementary the best school. Dr. Payne's leadership is strong and he is very personable. Our children have had excellent teachers and there's a real sense of community here. It's nice to see so many parents volunteering their time. Northwood Elementary is an exceptional school and we are so fortunate that our children have had a tremendous learning experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Upper-grade teachers distance themselves from parents: either they don't ask for parent volunteers, or they're not using them (except to file papers). Principal suffers from "excessive analysis:" he can provide a case study for every student and situation, leaving you feel like your child is just a number. They do not put children first, and there is no child/teacher/parent partnership with the school. There is no learning community here. My older children attended other Irvine elementary schools and this one leaves me cold.
--Submitted by a parent

Nice school, caring staff. My child has received support when & where needed. I would agree with the previous comment about the favoritism towards the kids of the excessive gift-giving parents. There are some overly involved parents that make it difficult for others to volunteer. And yes, it takes a "non-groupie" parent to know this. Overall, we enjoy Northwood and have had a successful experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, with a very good principal. My kid has has a very good learning experience. There are some issues with a few parents who glorify kindergarten teachers to such a point that it looks and feels crazy. Also kids of parents, who regularly gift teachers or throw night out parties, get more recognition then deserving kids. Though not visible, you have to be a non-groupie parent to know this. Otherwise, the school is good. The standard of education is good. The above favoritism might be there in other schools as well, and might be a common thing elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent

Our family has relocated a bit, and we have experience with 4 elementary schools. Northwood stands out as a fantastic school that lives it's values and offers outstanding academic instruction. Dr. Payne sets a great tone of accountability and respect with parents, teachers and students. Parents are involved and welcomming. Teachers and RSP staff work hard to develop the best in each student - even when talents are harder to access. Kudos to Northwood for being an outstanding place for children to succeed academically and personally.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter in this school and have come to know the PTA, the Principle, and many of the teachers. This school is awesome. They really work harder than most to keep this school great. Its a national Blue Ribbon School, and a California Distinguished School
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attended 1st through 3rd grade at Northwood. Both of them had excellent teachers, especially Mrs. Fritsch (2nd) and Mrs. Peters (3rd). Now my children are in the Academically Advance Program (4-6 grd). I felt the teachers prepared them very well for this program. Dr. Payne, the principal, is a great addition to the school. He and the teachers working as a team have turn this school into an excellent school.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers care about each child's success. They have gone out of their way to help students learn and succeed, including extra help in before school or after school sessions. Strong sense of family and caring within the community of students and parents. Dr. Payne, the principal, is open-minded, involved, and results oriented. School is a Blue Ribbon Award winner.
--Submitted by a parent

My 2 children attend this school. I am very pleased with the k thru 3 teachers. I have seen some of the 4 thru 6 teachers and they seem really strict. Dr. Payne is an excellent principle. Alot of parent involvment which is a plus.
--Submitted by a parent