Crystal Springs Elementary School

The school is 26 years old this year. Some things are not the same as 26 years ago. However, the teachers are still the hardest working group of people anywhere. If excellent instruction is what you are after as a parent, then you should not be disappointed. The faculty is constantly being trained on the latest techniques. They bring experience and expertise into the classroom. Some reviewers on here seem to be focusing on the wrong things. In a large school there have to be rules. Rules will almost always upset some people. Crystal Springs has produced many doctors, engineers, lawyers, and other professionals. So, educational opportunities are definitely here. It is what the student and parents decide to make of it.
—Submitted by a teacher

I'm a substitute teacher and former student of Crystal Springs. I can't believe how much things have changed-and not for the better. I've had several discipline problems and the other teachers seem to be getting tired of having to deal with the same problems day after day. The actual instruction isn't bad though. The teachers are devoted and most are well-qualified. There does seem to be a disconnect between the teachers and the principal though. Crystal Springs isn't the great school that it was but it is still way better than most of the other schools I've worked at.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have worked here as a substitute teacher, and I would NOT send my children to this school. While it is far from being the worst school in the area, if you have high expectations when it comes to your children's school, you would be greatly disappointed with Crystal Springs. It is just a negative, restricting, environment where all the teachers (and administration too) harp and lecture about all the things the students are not allowed to do. God forbid a child has a small toy in his or her backpack, because at Crystal Springs they are toy nazis! Let's not have any fun at school! That's the vibe I got there. It was very sad. It's no wonder the kids don't like school, at Crystal Springs the make it seem and feel like a horrible place to be. School should be a caring, nurturing environment for learning and exploration, not a prison with books. Just my two cents.
—Submitted by a teacher

Hard working faculty. Many extracurricular activities. Huge school servicing over 1200 students. The teachers are what has made the school great for over the past 24 years.
—Submitted by a parent

This year my child is a 5th grader and has been going to Crystal Springs since 2nd grade cannot wait for it to be over! Ever since the new principle took over in 2009 alot has changed. One of the big issues is the principle or asst never call you back. Why does it take 2 months and several e-mails, voicemails, and hand written messages to get a response. Every news letter says..."Loving your children" or "Keeping your kids safe" then why can't you call a parent back when her child is jumped on a bus by a bully or held back after class by a teacher because she needed to get something out of the students backpack and I'm outside waiting and all the staff says "Huh I dunno where she is?" Wow thats a job well done! Can't wait 1 year
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Crystal Springs for 3 years now and the new principal, Ms. Jamie Johnson is great! She is genuinely concerned about the success of your children and really does listen to the parent.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child has attended this school since kindergarten and is now in the 2nd grade. I have never been so disappointed with the parent/teacher communication as I have been this year. I have spoken with the Asst. Principal and no response at all after a week. Had to reach back out to her for a status on the concern(s) we as parents had about our strained Parent/Teacher relationship. Teacher totally unresponsive and this is why higher adminsitration was contacted. All of our child's other teachers were fine until now. Very disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

GREAT SCHOOL!!! Excellent Staff. Standards and support are great. Both are children came through Crystal Springs and I thank the good Lord for allowing for such a great opportunity and good environment for our kids during the elementary years. We need more schools with a commitment to the students, education and overall involvement. Wise and good parents have a strong voice in this school. Parents are encouraged and welcomed to attend - unannounced- anytime of any day. This school really take SECURITY serious! I appreciate the principal Ms. Davis for that. Good Job! Keep our children safe!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son who is enrolled in the TMH Kindergarten class. So far it has been a great school year as far as his academic skills are concerned. He is in good hands with a wonder, highly qualified, caring, and very professional teacher Mrs.S. Johnson. Since he has been in her classroom, he has shown some great improvement with his cognitive skills and communcation skills. Kudos to this teacher because she is a blessing to me and my son! However, I strongly encourage the Target team to stay on top and be prompt with providing additional asisstance to students like my son who needs his speech therepy to be back in session. Remember that our children are our future and we as parents of these students desire all the help that we possibly can get so that our child would not be left behind!
—Submitted by a parent

my son has gone to this school and he made strait A's since he has been here and now he is in 5th grade. He has been in the talent show doing his karate also.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to this school for Kinder. and that was it. The princapals didnt care about my concerns, and did nothing. I will never send my children to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son entered public school for the first time 2006/07. His fourth grade teachers Mrs. Browning and Mrs. Hall are awesome. They were patient with him transitioning from private school. He is now certified as a gifted student thanks to the attention and thorough observations of the Counselor and his teachers. And it has made a vast difference. Props go out to the teachers and counselors especially. The office personnel as well as the extended day staff is also wonderful. The Principal is lucky to have such a wonderful group of people working in her school.
—Submitted by Linda Wright, a parent

A well-rounded school with a stable faculty. Children have fun here while they learn. Homework assignments are consistent throughout the year and there are extracurricular activities. A strong PTA accounts for many improvements such as upgraded playground. This school is located in a fine and developing and prosperous community.
—Submitted by a parent

Great multi-cultural school
—Submitted by Angela Raymond, a parent

We love our school. My daughter has struggled this year and the teachers have stepped in and helped in every way they can. I am very impressed by this school and the love they show for their kids education.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a good school. The teachers are dedicated to their profesion. They don`t have a good art or music program or any other extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is now in 5th grade here. He started in kindergarten. All of his teachers he has had through the years have been nice and helpful when problems arose. There are a lot of parents involved in helping at the school ecspecially in the lower grades. I am planning on sending my youngest one to this school when he comes of age.
—Submitted by a parent

Crystal Springs Elementary school is just beginning to develop as a standards-based school. There is a bright future ahead for the students of this school.
—Submitted by a teacher

Crystal springs is anvery nice school all four of my chidren attened this school last year and i was very pleased.My 41/2yr old went there for pre k and her teachers mrs kidd and mrs beacton ,i have to say were the best teachers anyone could have asked for they taught my daughter with love and kindness and she will never forget them i sad to hear that the pre k department is now closed they such excellent teachers.All of my children enjoyed this school last year.Mrs.(3Rd) hansen/dixon,(5th) bryant, (1st)tinc are four of the best teachers in the school.The only draw back is this scool did'nt have a music dept.And full time nurse.I do recommend this school to anybodyyour kids will learn at this school.Excellent choice for a elementary school.Katrina blunt
—Submitted by katrina blunt, a parent

Crystal Springs is a great school. My older children had a wonderful foundation to start JR High with (and believe me when i tell you they needed it, if only jr high could be as good) the teachers are wonderful, caring, and qualified!
—Submitted by a parent