Dolvin Elementary School

I've had students at Dolvin for the past 7 years (2 more to go). It was a pretty good school under the previous principal, but now with Mrs. Zoll the school is great. Her default answer is "yes, we can do that!". I tend to volunteer at the class room level (room parent, science helper) and there are plenty of opportunities to be involved. Fundraising is optional, but it DOES provide a lot of extras. I don't mind participating since I feel my sons are getting a great education without paying private school tuition. I do think there are a few legacy teachers who have lost their passion but I think that's true at any (private or public) school. I look forward to next year under the Charter system when the school will have even more flexibility.
—Submitted by a parent

At least one of my children have been at this school for the past 8 years so I feel that I have very good feel for the dynamics of this school. Dolvin is an excellent school that focuses on academics as well as character development. Sure, they do fundraising but what school doesn't? It is not an every week or every month occurance. There is typically one fundrasier in the fall by the PTA and one in the winter/spring by the Foundation. All of the funds help the children! Dolvin has more technology than any school in the area. It is also an example in the community for environmental education. We are often recognized for this. Not to mention our schools dedication to giving back (Kids Care). Mrs. Zoll is wonderful and our test scores are very high. For a school with quite a bit of diversity, I feel that this school does its best to meet the needs of as much of the student body as possible.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very happy with Dolvin. My daughter loves going to school and has always loved her teachers. Some are better than others. Fundraising events seem normal to me. I have never felt any pressure to contribute or participate. Dolvin has high tech equipment that other schools don't have because of this fundraising. I wouldn't count that as a negative.
—Submitted by a parent

My two son attends Dolvin. New principal Mrs. Zoll is awesome. I have been happy with teachers. Dolvin is very good at teaching
—Submitted by a parent

I have had a real bad experience with this school in the very first year, in kindergarten. The teacher doesn't know how to handle the kids,and also There is always one or the other fundrausinf in the school.We r moving out of the area to avoid this school.
—Submitted by a parent

It is all about money here. I bet I get requests for money or fundraising 3 times a week. My son is having huge problems and my daughter does not seem to like it either. Not sure what to do.... move I guess
—Submitted by a parent

This will be my son's 2nd year at dolvin and find it just ok. First of all, the school is too focused on fund raising and there all fund raisers going on all the time which seems to take away from the academics. Also, parking is a huge problem. Overall, i have been happy with his teachers but think there is room for improvement in a lot of areas!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Dolvin; too Crowded, massive throw at you teaching, no individual attention unless you are a problem, Mrs. Shelton, principal is aloof (this is her warmest point), & she still has yet to acknowledge myself or my daughter after a year. Dolvin is very good at teaching the principles of herding and using punishment if you talk. No wonder with 1000 kids it's the only way. Going elsewhere next year.
—Submitted by a parent

The only thing I liked about this school was the safety. The curriculum is fair considering this school being public. My son had some focusing problems and his teacher was helpful but singled him out in class for it. He would be very upset by that. The teacher and her aid were unkind to the children. First I didn't believe my son but after witnessing it myself and speaking with other parents I knew it was true. They put the kids in time outs all the time and did so by dragging them by thier arms there. They both seemed very bothered by the children (guess what? get a new job). The adiministration is averge so is the principal. I have been to the school many of times but I have never met Ms. Shelton. My son hates going to this school. Thanks to his teacher at Dolvin.
—Submitted by a parent

For a first time parent of a Kindergarten student...I was impressed...my child thrived and loved her teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Dolvin for 5 years. In general, compared with all other schools in this part of Atlanta (Roswell, Jonhs Creek. Alpharetta), Dolvin is an average school (in certain areas below). This school has a relatively high rate of teacher turnover, which is not a good sign. Among more established teachers there are some real jewels who know their stuff. Curriculum is average, on the light side in my opinion. The real draw back to this school is the poor quality of the administration. The principle is virtually inaccessible, basically surrounded by favorite parents. Some parents say she runs a tight ship! Running a tight ship does not mean NOT to be responsive to parents. All in all, compared with other schools in the area and having no other choice can not go wrong, but have to stay on top of things.
—Submitted by a parent

The leadership is below average. Good quality teachers leave because of poor leadership from the administration.
—Submitted by a parent

People living in this area believe this to be one of the best schools around here, unfortunately when compared to schools out of this area and out of the state, the school is only mediocre. We moved to the area 2 years ago and my son is still ahead of his peers and bored with the curriculum. I have spoken to administrators but the bottom line is not much can be done. While I do think the school may have a lot to offer, it is hard to get much accomplished because the school is so large (there are nine 1st grade classes of about 20 students each) and the administrators do not have that much time to address individual situations.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school and the principal is one of the reasons. She and her staff know all the kids by name. Parental involvement is high, but appropriately controlled. The kids love it.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to Dolvin for 6 years and had a fantastic experience. The Principal is fabulous and could be CEO of a fortune 500 company.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter attends Dolvin and we are impressed with the vigorous attention to acedemics within the school. Dolvin exceeds expectations in all areas and provides students with an amazing learning environment. They are the first school within the cluster to have a science lab, not to mention three computer labs, lap tops for student use and an impressive Commons area for 4th and 5th graders. It is evident that the faculty and staff have the student's best interest at heart. Parental involvement is amazing as well. The Dolvin Foundation, which is made up of parents, teachers, and community members, contributes endlessly to the school. Overall, we are extremly impressed with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

The kids in this school are great. They come from all over the country and provide a rich diversity ideal for learning. Too bad it is squandered on a most incompetent Principle. Good teachers leave because of bad management, bad policy and misdirected priorities. Fulton County's seniority system is churning kids out with rated 49th out 50 in USA. This principle is a prime example.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from Cherokee county to Fulton county and searched high and low for a great school (as we knew that the schools were better in this county because of parent involvement). We selcted Dolvin with the help of our realtor who was a former Georgia Public School teaher. The principal goes out of her way to help parents. The teachers are approachable and professional. The fact that it has a foundation shows the neighborhood involvement...the school has benefited greatly from this foundation. Our neighborhood loves this school, especially those who were recently re-districted from New Prospect...they say Dolvin excels over New Prospect.
—Submitted by Helene, a parent

The school is very average in management & student achievement. The principal appears unwilling to address parent concerns appropriately. The feedback from our class parents and their children's experiences this year in general was extremely so-so and certainly nothing to rave about.
—Submitted by a parent