Avondale Elementary School

As a parent of a kindergartner, I was amazed at the lack of education provided in the first few weeks of school. She was given class work and homework that she learned in preschool, let alone Pre-K. I understand teachers have to teach the class and not just one student. However, if thats an introduction to the elementary program, it tells me the bar is being lowered for all the remaining classes as well. Test scores don't lie. I spoke with her teacher and principal regarding the curriculum, I was referred to a website which gave me the basics on the school board's website. Her teacher seemed to be bothered by my interest in my child's work. The principal sensed my frustration and said she would ensure my child will do well. She had her tested the next day and placed her in the gifted program. I immediately withdrew her to a neighboring charter school. The curriculum is like night and day. She went from learning how to 'trace the letters of her name'..again, to writing assignments that involve answering questions of reading comprehension.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is thriving in the IB program. My son is attending the school in the second grade and doing great. This is his first year attending a public school and I have to say he is being challenged. Ms Malone has been supportive and informative. At any school, as a parent you have tobe involved. I and others are very involved and that's the only way to have a successful community school. I give kudos to all the teachers, staff and support help at Avondale. Let's give our kids the best education they can receive.
—Submitted by a parent

Why did the principal not want parent participation and involvement!? The parents tried to no avail. This resulted in a mass exodus and the begining of The Museum School (Charter School) = tremendous success and bettter for the children and parents. Most principals care enough and appreciate parent participation. Most students thrive and do well with parents who care enought to want to be involved.

This school is an awesome example of fine leadership and high quality education. Principal Malone and the faculty work hard to pursue excellence under the designation of the International Baccalaureate program. My son has thrived and although he is only in k5 he is reading well beyond his grade level.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not what it portrays itself to be. The IB program was presented as a higher achievers program along with the traditional elementary curriculum. My son transferred from a Magnet School to this school. The entire school year thus far we have been disappointed. Classrooms have been combined; my son's first semester grades were lost, and we have to give him additional work at home so he won't regress. The teachers do their best with what they have been given, but this school is not an optimal learning environment for higher achievers. The principal will lure you in with the philosophy of the school, but that is all it is, nothing tangible follows.
—Submitted by a parent

My child just started at this school and so far so good. The teachers seem very dedicated and enthusiastic.
—Submitted by a parent

This is small school, which is s great thing and the teachers are conscientious. Would like to see the PTA get stronger. The school has much potential.
—Submitted by T. Greer, a parent

Avondale ES is an improving school. My kids are doing fine there. I would like to see more diversity--why are the immediate residents sending their children to learn elsewhere?
—Submitted by S. Brown, a parent