Palmer Elementary School

My kids love Palmer! We have been at the school for 3 years and will continue thru 5th grade. My kids have thrived there. We are a multi-racial family and I love the diversity of the school. Hard to find in DPS. (My kids attended another DPS school in 1st grade and our family had to deal with some racism.) I have found that the teachers are very approachable and interested in every child in their class. There are many different extracurricular activities from sports to Shakespeare and learning languages. I have a friend who kids were a top performing school in DPS ((but where they did not feel welcome) who moved her kids to Palmer this year and they are loving it.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Palmer and my son is in the Advanced Kindergarten class. The school wasn't our first choice but we have been generally impressed. He is learning well and his class is learning together. Teachers are generally friendly and accessible and the principal is straightforward. She could be friendlier but you can't argue with the school's performance levels and improvement it has made. We are hoping to choice into the school next year and that should indicate our happiness.
—Submitted by a parent

Very happy with Palmer. It's in a nice, middle-class, safe neighborhood. I have two kids attending, one is an accelerated learner and the other has delays, but both have had the help they need and are doing extremely well. I think the PTA could use more parental support, but overall they do very well with the help that turns out. There are a plethora of after-school activities and in-school productions that kids can be as active as they want or as much as parents can withstand. The principal/staff has made changes that have improved the state tests over the past three years without changes to the school's demographics. The principal will not typically approach me, but is always open to talk when I've asked. The front office friendliness has improved over the the last year too. Overall, I have had a refreshingly positive experience. My kids are happy too and genuinely like going to school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started at Palmer this year for 1st grade. On the second day of school I approached his teacher about my sons learning difference hoping it would give her early insight and together we could find a way to keep him engaged and teach him how to read and write. I was sent to speak with the special ed teacher about it. Everyone was so nice and assured me they would do everything they could. Days turned into weeks and into months. He has made very little progress. They have swept us aside unable to explain what, when or how. My son shows signs of Dyslexia and is on a long waiting list to be properly diagnosed. Do yourself a favor. If your child does not fit into the box that is our Public school system. Run away before its too late and seek the appropriate alternative or your child will get " left behind".
—Submitted by a parent

Palmer is an execellent school by any definition of the word. To know this, one need only to walk down the main hall, cheerfully decorated with student art work, or listen in on a classroom and hear the sounds of happy children going about their learning. I have been impressed with the wide variety of enrichment activities ranging from learning Japanese and Persian dancing to playing lacrosse. I love the school-wide wikispace where I can see what both of my students are learning. The principal's monthly newsletter highlights special school activities and recognizes students' work. She has been at all of the extra functions this year such as Math and Literacy Nights, the Easter Brunch, and open house. There are plenty of opportunities for parents to become involved like joining the PTA, volunteering in the classroom, and helping out with special activities such as RIF and the Shakespeare Festival.
—Submitted by a parent

The diversity of cultures of attending families is great. Palmer tries very hard to be a quality school but often falls short. The PTA puts forth great efforts although it is unorganized, as are most of the school functions. The school does not supply sufficient notice to parents for functions; field trips etc. and are disappointed if the outcome is not a success. The only time notice is given is if financial assistance/support is needed. The principal only focuses and pays notice to those that she is familiar with. I participated in a meeting held in the auditorium where the principal walked in, never introduced herself before speaking and sat in an awkward manor to which she had her back to parents. The office staff is unfriendly and unwelcoming. I m sorry to say that I've been disappointed with our experiences at Palmer but do hope it get better.
—Submitted by a parent

Most of the teachers are awesome at Palmer. The administrator has something to be desired. She hardly interacts with the parents and won't address you unless you say 'hello' first while you are standing directly in front of her. There aren't a lot of extracurricular activities. This school could be improved for sure!
—Submitted by a parent

There are definitely great teachers at Palmer... Ms Katie, Ms Mazooji, Mrs Fultz, Mr Hudson... + more. The principal needs to be more involved with the parents. It would benefit the school if she would address parents in a positive way. The feel of the school isn't as positive as it could be, hopefully some type of change will come and the school can blossom into an awesome neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a parent

There are definitely great teachers at Palmer... Ms Katie, Ms Mazooji, Mrs Fultz, Mr Hudson... + more. The principal needs to be more involved with the parents. It would benefit the school if she would address parents in a positive way. The feel of the school isn't as positive as it could be, hopefully some type of change will come and the school can blossom into an awesome neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a parent

Palmer is a Grest School, because all the staff is very kind and proffessional.
—Submitted by a parent

The ECE class of Ms. Katie is superb!!!
—Submitted by a parent

palmer is a school of choice for my kids each year i choice palmer becuase i like the staff the teacher they are so kind so helpful so nice ..
—Submitted by a parent

Palmer has a great group of teachers and administrators that have created a welcoming community in which the kids and parents benefit from the unique learning environment. Parents and kids are encouraged to participate in school based activities that are designed to help connect each student to the community while simultaneously instill a since of pride in self. In an era that seems to be intensely focused on improving education, I find that the search for quality education often comes at the expense of community. Palmer's commitment to education and community is both refreshing and responsible.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids enjoy attending this amazing school they are doing well socially and academically. Palmer is awesome! We have been busy with all the activities but it is worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has done an excellent job of working with my grandson who needs some extra help. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending Palmer. We are lucky to have Palmer as our neighborhood school. It truly is a part of the neighborhood, involved in community activities and teaching the students to care for the community around them and the community of the school. Palmer Pride is instilled in each child, pride in themselves and their learning. The diversity of the school is a wonderful learning background. The staff are dedicated to all the students. They teach all day and have time for after school enrichment programs as well as Family art, reading and math nights. I have one child in special ed. The teachers, therapists and para professionals are amazing, fantastic, and wonderful. The program is intergrated and my child is very much a part of the whole school, participates in all activities and seems to know everyone. I can't say enough positive things about Palmer, my daughters love the school and their teachers. I try to be as involved as I can. The whole staff is always willing to welcome you into the classroom, answer questions or just say HI. Do we have Palmer Pride? YES WE DO!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has some special needs, and the teachers and therapists (speech and OT) have worked very hard with him to help him reach his potential. They have been very caring and thorough. We are very pleased with the staff's dedication at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Palmer is amazing! The blend of children from different backgrounds paired with the incredible teaching staff makes it the best school in my mind. The schoola acts as a community within a community, parents are alsways involved and the atmoshpere is one of learing and love.
—Submitted by a parent

We 'choice in' to Palmer because it is a perfect match for our daughter academically, socially, and emotionally. The faculty and staff work diligently to build a community in which children can strive to do their best and are expected to do so. She loves Palmer, and so do we!
—Submitted by a parent

An old-fashioned neighborhood school like i remember from my childhood. Great families, wonderful teachers, a nice community.
—Submitted by a parent