Lewin G. Joel Jr School

My daughter attended this school (K through 1st Grade) and it was a major disaster. She was bullied by a boy and the corrective action was a joke. This school would rather blame the innocent victim then deal with the bully handing out the punishment. They had my daughter in remedial everything and she came home crying almost every day. She now attends a private school which is one of the best in the state and she is a straight A student. I would also like to mention that when we got her reading tested near the end of 1st grade at Sylvan, her test scores showed major deficits in all the major reading categories. She was clearly not properly taught how to read. Math was no better as I had to retrain her myself after she scored a 5 on a math test. She now gets A's in math and reading at a much better school. Unfortunately, I was not able to correct her reading on my own since I am not knowledgeable in how to teach reading so I had to spend 4K with Sylvan to fix. Since leaving this school, my daughter is now thriving.
--Submitted by a parent

I have three children in the Clinton Public School System and also happen to be a lifeling resident of Clinton. I received a great education in Clinton, which is why I chose to raise my family here. Two of my children are currently attending Joel School and my oldest went to Joel. Based on what we have experienced so far, I can say that I am very pleased with the education my kids are receiving at Joel. The staff and teachers I have met genuinely care about the students, and the current principal and new assistance principal have impressive credentials and an open door policy. The Friends of Joel (parent/teacher volunteer group) raises tens of thousands of dollars each year for this school and with that money, they provide amazing cultural events for the children each month. I have volunteered as a parent in this school, in various classrooms, for the last six years, which has afforded me the opportunity to see the balanced and positive learning environment that is being provided for students. A flyer came home from the school looking for parent volunteers to read to the students, which I think is wonderful, for both the parents and the children, as well as for the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the school!!! i got e great time, i am always there like a volunteer , Teachers are great the staff at the office wonderful the lunch food has a lot a variety and great programs after school!!!! Just simple good!!! Thanks so much!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I don't know who previous reviewer's children had for teachers, but our experience was so bad that we pulled our kids and put them in private school. Does the administration still get their "ABBB" letters at the start of every First grade year? How's the bullying epidemic, any better? Are they still upending the classroom with bizarre social experiments? Does the administration still discourage parental involvement at all turns, making them feel as unwelcome on campus as possible? Are gifted or above average kids still routinely ignored? I am not shocked to see this once fine school sink to a '5'. However, I am surprised that Great Schools isn't showing the test scores for all the grades, because I'd advise parents who are considering a move here to check those out before you get saddled down with a mortgage. If you care about your kids at all, look elsewhere, unless you don't mind paying $ for private school tuition, & driving 20 minutes each way to get your kids to school. If you couldn't care less whether your kids are fully educated or not, or you want your kids to learn how to street fight, send them to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so pleased that my son has had the opportunity to have one on one attention with his teacher, who has taken the extra time to reach out to myself as a parent. I am very impressed with the involvement every staff member has in the daily lives of each student, and I feel secure knowing that my son is recieving an excellant foundation for his lifelong education.
--Submitted by a parent

My children absolutely love their school and their teachers, I am constantly impressed by the curriculum they have in place at Joel School. My children are at a grade 3 level and they are only in 1st grade. The teachers and staff are excellent to work with.
--Submitted by a parent

Joel is a wonderful, caring community that has really gotten on track for academics. The writing that these children are doing in K-3 is amazing! The gym is outfitted with some of the best equipment you'll find anywhere, thanks to the Friends of Joel parent group. The staff is warm and caring - I can't say enough about that!! Just a wonderful place!
--Submitted by a parent

The schools in this area are far more advanced than the other counties in this state. My son, in the 1st grade, is taking spelling tests that include words that his cousin, in another school in Middlesex county in the 6th grade, is spelling. Now I'm impressed!
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in first grade and loves his school. Parents are very involved, although the administration doesn't always seem too welcoming. The art, music, and physical education programs are all phenomenal, and there is lots of cultural programming offered throughout the year. Overall we've been very happy with the school thus far.
--Submitted by a parent

Our youngest is now attending school at Joel. We have had 3 others go thru already. They have done a 180*turn. This school has now had adminstration that in place for a couple of years now, this definatly helps with leadership for all from the teachers, children, & parents. The teachers feel a sense of this which is past along to the children they are proud of their school. It makes a wonderful learning place. Our daughter enjoys her school. Hopefully, the school board & Supertindent will take notice for the Higher grades, Leadership is Key.
--Submitted by a parent