Idyllwilde Elementary School

I moved here from the State of New Jersey and compared to the school district that I come from I think Idyllwilde is an excellent school. My child has a learning disability and the staff were proactive in setting up goals for her to succeed. We didn't get this in New Jersey. I feel like the staff and teachers and trying to help her succeed in her education where in New Jersey she was being set up for failure. My other child that attends this school is also excelling and is above average for her class. She is in kindergarten and some of the things she is learning, my other child did not learn in kindergarten in New Jersey.
--Submitted by a parent

my two boys one in kinder and the other in 3rd grade both seem to be happy my oldest has been recognized as a gifted student not sure if idllwilde has recognized it yet he says sometimes the work is too easy but only because hes super smart my kindergarten is doing well and now is able to read 4 letter words very impressed and he wants to learn too vert pleased so far just a shame that its far away from our house:(
--Submitted by a parent

We moved from the Heathrow school district and were assigned to Idyllwilde. My husband and I met with Mrs. Darnell and were very confortable and impressed with her and the school. I have one child in gifted and one slightly behind in her reading level. (She quickly caught up with the SFA program.) Heathrow never even caught the reading issue in my younger daughter. I love Idyllwilde. It is safe, clean, the real world, with real world diversity. They do not put up with bullying, or mean girls. The teachers we have gotten so far are a dream come true. I volunteer once a week and am always welcomed and needed. Heathrow was for the most part stepford moms in tennis skirts. They had so many moms helping that you were lucky if you could get in once a month and were given busy work to do. Overall, don't go by what you hear or the part of town a school is in. Idyllwilde is great!
--Submitted by a parent

My experience with the school was really negative. My child's teacher was simply lazy. The classroom showed the teacher's lack of interest in her student's learning, it was very difficult to communicate with his teacher and administration. The school is unsafe, my kid was bullied and the administration did nothing about it.
--Submitted by a parent

I am not happy with this school. My daughter has been given a new reading teacher every 3 months which has destroyed the continuity of instruction. Also, I have not been happy with the quality of instruction in other areas. I was a teacher myself for more than 30 years. If I had to give this school a grade it would be a D or C- at the most.
--Submitted by a parent

Idyllwilde is more than a school - it is a community of caring teachers, dedicated staff, engaged parents, and professional administration. Transferring our children from private school, I have been very pleased with the academic rigor and emphasis on quality character that is on par with what we had been paying thousands of dollars a year for. I could not be happier with the education our children have received at Idyllwilde!
--Submitted by a parent

I am so impressed with this school. the principal works 110% to see that each child is served. Teachers work extremely hard to provide for every one of their students. I see a difficult job well-done. Our family is very pleased!!
--Submitted by a parent

I am at Idyllwilde Elementary School for the first time. I have to say that I am very impressed with the principal. I see her car here at all hours and i know she is busy doing everything she can possibly do to provide a safe, positive environment for the children. I don't know any school that rewards children for so many good things...academics and behavior, as well. I am working hard, but it is worth it because i feel appreciated here. the principal, mrs. Darnell really cares!!!
--Submitted by a teacher

My son moved from a private school to Idyllwilde and i was really worried about his achievement. I met with Mrs. Darnell and ms DiCandido at the beginning of the year. they showed true concern and made a smooth transition for my son. he is so happy there! He has been rewarded for success in school, for good behavior, for reading AR books, and many other things. He participates in the TV station, safety patrol and track events. He loves his teacher and really has blossomed in this school. We are delighted!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a new teacher and work at Idyllwilde. The school has a very diverse population and really represents the real world. The administration and staff work to ensure success for every child. I am very impressed with the number of programs and rewards for the children. Mrs. Darnell and Ms DeCandido really care about both the staff and the chldren and it is evident at every staff meeting and program we have. I am glad to be working here.
--Submitted by a teacher