Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School

My son went to CKMS for K. His teacher was assigned days before school started. We weren't notified of the change in his teacher until we came to the welcoming lunch. His teacher was inflexible and punative during the school year. My son picked up many bad habits from other kids. His skills were advanced compared to his classmates, when asked if I could send additional work for him to do after he finished what they were doing in class, it was not allowed. When my son started crying one day in class he was sent to the office and written up for "insubordination"! I couldn't believe it. When I called the principal, Mr. Basse, to notify him that I'd be taking my child out of the school, I explained my dissatisfaction and he hung up on me. The teacher then called a child study team meeting to ensure his next teacher would be aware of all of my son's "problems". If I could give this school a 0 instead of 1 star I would. If you have a choice where your child goes to Elementary school, do not choose CKMS!
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the last post. My son also went to another school last year and now is at CK. No more vocabulary words, no homework of any value, and the staff treats the kids like they are a bother. If I had another option, my child would not attend this school. I can not believe the lack of education he is getting. I find teachers saying they arn't allowed or haven't yet gotten the cirriculum finalized for teaching the second grade. Are you kidding. When might be a good time to get that done. How many kids are getting a poor education and that is OK because the teachers just haven't gotten it together yet?
--Submitted by a parent

I find it incredible that the only comments here are good ones! I'm appaulled at the curriculum this school has offered my son since he began going to CKMS. He went to a different school in Groton last year and since the move to this school both the behavior and his education have plummeted! The teacher actually told me she isn't allowed to give them spelling tests or teach them cursive or multiplication tables. I am anything but satisfied with this school and academic rating!
--Submitted by a teacher

My son started Kindergarten here in 2008... Now that we must move our only regret for leaving Groton is this school! The staff is extreemly helpful and understanding. They focus on the child and his learning experience. They have excellent programs. We had to apply for the lottery to get him in as it was out of our district, The school in our district was a turnstyle for military kids, not too much focus on the specific educational needs for your child. CKMS will teach your child healthy choices and they have wellness walks and give your child a great sense of self esteem in the process making being healthy fun. This school has set the bar for what we will expect for our sons education. I hope we can find something just as wonderful in our new location.
--Submitted by a parent

I am take admition for my daughter and i make right dicition because she learing very well she is improve her self becuse her teacher and school
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Kolnaski since it opened. You could not find a better administration and a more dedicated group of teachers. My daughter is hearing impaired and has some other educational needs. She has received a tremendous amount of help and all kinds of services to accommodate her needs. She is now reading at grade level. I love this school!
--Submitted by a parent