Andover Elementary School

My child has been in the school for the past three years. Fortunately, we have had an excellent experience. We have found the teachers to be caring and thoughtful while trying to teach the students. The first question I always ask myself is what can I do to help my child or the school? Did I feed my child breakfast? Did I insure they are ready for the day? Teachers should not have to pick up the slack for parents who are forgetful. I do it myself, but by trying to help them, I hope they realize I am an involved parent. It is a community that raises children. We must all realize our impact upon the town.
--Submitted by a parent

The students get the extra help when needed.

My daughter has been attending this school for five years now, and overall I am satisfied. Her teachers thus far have been supportive and caring, but I do agree that students who fall outside the norm are left wanting more. The principal may as well not be there, but the vice principal seems qualified and knowledgeable (I'm actually not entirely sure what the principal does at this school). Support services are mediocre.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children in this school. My oldest is in fourth grade and i have only had one teacher that i can say was wonderful, the others have left much to be desired! if you are concerned with your childs work all you will hear is 'they are average', then they get to rham and you find out they need special education classes! many members of the staff have so many personal issues that in reality they should not be working with children. Don't ever expected a return phone call from the principal, it won't happen. I never would have bought a house in this town if i knew the school system was like this! if you value your childs education.... Do your research and find another school system! if you are stuck with this school make sure you fight for your child's rights!
--Submitted by a parent

I had two children go through AES, and it was a disappointment. Luckily, RHAM is much better. The teachers are OK, some really good. But the administration is abysmal. Changing the principal made it worse, he even managed to scare off volunteers. AES is too small to provide appropriate classes for the kids, as all levels are agglomerated. Good students are not encouraged, bad ones are frustrated.
--Submitted by a parent

I find AES to be a good school with some exceptional teachers.It is the administration that leaves a lot to be desired.There is less parent involvement than when my children started but again it is the administration.I personally am not afraid to speak up and more people should.Dump a few teachers and the Principal and Vice Principal and we could be on our way to being the best little school in CT.
--Submitted by a parent

Many of the teachers within the school are excellent, including the nurse and other professionals. However, there is a large culture of bullying prelevant in the school and on the buses that is so common it seems to be accepted as normal. Perhaps it is a sign of changes in schools in general, but its very sad to see.
--Submitted by a parent

Andover Elementary will always have a place in our hearts. But... The teachers really try, but big brother in the office limits their creativity and loving environment our kids need at this age level. The parents are basically pushed aside. Parents are afraid to voice their concerns. What is going on here?? Over the past few years, AES has become a less inviting place, even parents have becomeless friendly and more yuppy. I miss the old days.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended AES first grade through sixth grade. My husband and I were very excited at first because prior to our moving to Andover the school had won 'Best Litlle School In CT.' We unfortunately couldn't of found that farther from the truth. My son had no teachers that were outstanding, we had many problems with the first administration and the current one is not much better. I think that moving from a larger town with more funding to a smaller district is a big leap and parents should seriously consider this when making such a decission. It is a relief taht our son is moving up to RHAM we will not miss AES at all.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in his fifth year in Andover Elementary, and my daughter in her fourth, including two years of pre-K. We have been quite impressed. Except for one bad year for my son, every teacher the kids have had has been outstanding: dynamic, caring, bright, stimulating, everything you can ask for in an elemenetary teacher. The administration that took over in '04-'05 has been decisive, able, and deeply engaged. The facilities are reasonable, and well-maintainted. Everyone, including the paraprofessionals, the custodial and food-service crews, the nurse, the teachers of less academic specials, has earned a place in our hearts. There are of course things I would change were I suddenly in charge, but we have been very impressed with the way things are now. DISCLAIMER: I am a member of the Andover Board of Education, and might seem biased because of it, but I'm doing my best to speak only as a parent.
--Submitted by Scott Sauyet, a parent