Devinny Elementary School

We made the hard decision to leave this school last year and could not be happier. I have been a memeber of the Devinny Community my whole life, and had a hard time letting go of that as well as there high test scores and raitings, But at his new school my child is happy for the first time in years. We did have 2 good teachers at Devinny, but had 3 very bad ones as well, the principle was awful, and the bullying in my childs clase was out of control. I was just told by his new teacher that she completly disagreed with the lable/peg that Devinny had given him. So many hard choices with Parenting but I'm so glad I made this one, and I would encourage other parents to look at ther otions if there gut feeling that this school is failing there child. I also now have a suspition that those high test grades are influenced by the gifted and talented program as well.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at DeVinny for two years and have not been happy with either of the prinipals at all. We had major teacher issues last year and the teacher was replaced halfway through the school year and things got better. My childs teacher this year is amazing! I think there is a great PTO that has lots of fun events. The drop-off/ pick-up is ridiculous! I have never seen such a poorly planned event that happens everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

The Last couple years at this school have been awful. The new principle is Bad, and the Bullying has gotten out of control in the upper grades. It's very disapointing to have to leave the school and community after many years but we are.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had great teachers. We've had to spend time dealing with my son's behavior problems. The school handled it well, teachers, counselor, and principals, all included me in discussions and decisions. I'm around the school volunteering and working on PTA programs. I'm very happy with all I see.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had a mixed experience includeing a few years with some really good teachers, and a few that were horrible, We found no support from the principle in the bad years, an in fact he made things worse. My daughter is currently struggling in the 4th grade. We are strongly considering switching her at years end mostly because of the principle who only cares about his poorly designed parking lot. Rather than trying to come up with solutions he punishes kids unfairly for being kids.
—Submitted by a parent

that is horrible now i dont want to get in the gifted program and i am only 10 years old !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not cool:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

This school is overall a good school, but with that said there are a few problems. The school has a poorly designed parking lot that does not allow parents to drop off there kids on time. Many parents have to wait in line to drop off their kid only to have the bell ring making their child late. Complaints to the office falls on deaf ears, their response is " not our problem", really? So the child has to sit in detention because the school officals can't monitor the flow of traffic. It is a unfair policy that is inforced on a as needed basis. If you drive the right type of car or dress a certain way you are in with the teachers and principle. If you are working parent watch out!! This school needs to develop an across the board policy concerning being late. My child was told by her teacher if her parent signed her in she would not be counted tardy. My wife did the next day, and what do you know. My child was marked tardy and was called out in front of the whole class by her teacher, and made remarks about her mother which were uncalled. Since when do teachers make comments about parents to the kids in class. Unprofessional!!! Hope you are rich!!! You will fit in just fine.
—Submitted by a parent

Great new principal this year, and the school has gone up in standards because of him. The school is running a very efficient and child centered program, where all are encouraged to do their personal best. Love the science fair program, all the extra curriculars, which are before school because of the 9.15 am start. Tonnes available to do, and great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughters have both gone through the gifted program at Devinny and have received the best education I can imagine - far better than my friends with children in private school. Parents go above and beyond to help out, taking on projects and expanding them to add enrichment to students. Although it is a large elementary school, it has an intimate, nurturing feel. My daughters are well prepared for middle school, and one is now headed towards IB based largely on her good elementary education at Devinny.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with great parent involvement. I have an middle school child who attended this school and was totally prepared for the challenges. I also have a 6th grader who is enthusiastic about learning, loves her teachers and classmates and I am sure will also do well in middle school and high school all because of the preparation she has had a Devinny. As parents who both have post-graduate degrees, we value what our children have learned and expect them to excel in college as well!
—Submitted by a parent

Devinny is the most awesome teaching facility ever!!
—Submitted by a student

My son has attended Devinny since Kindergarten and will be in Fifth Grade this year. The caring and supportive attitudes of his teachers have been a blessing, especially those in the Special Ed Dept. The tireless efforts of his reading teacher were extremely instrumental in helping my son achieve his goals the last two years. We have enjoyed Destination Imagination for the last three years and Choir last year. Parent involvement is outstanding throughout the school. I am grateful that my child attends such a wonderful school.
—Submitted by Mary, a parent