Northwood Elementary School

I am an eighth grader who went to Northwood in the first and second grades. From what I remember, the halls and classrooms were clean and beautifully painted with murals. I have nothing but fond memories for the school, especially the amazing art teacher who was there when I attended Northwood.
—Submitted by a student

From our first relationship with Northwood we found that great emphasis was placed on the parents being involved with their child and their child's classes. I believe this is a very important key to any school's success. My son graduated after attending K - 5th grades. I appreciate how the teachers kept him challenenged during his years at Northwood. He was a TAG student from 2nd grade on and thanks to his TAG and 'regular' teachers continues to excel in Middle School. My daughter is currently in 4th grade and Northwood and has really begun to blossum in her academic studies as well. She has always been gifted in art and music, but now is beginning to demonstrate her academic skills as well. Great job Northwood!!
—Submitted by a parent

I just have to disagree with all the glowing reports! The facilities are very nice, and hopefully things are better under the leadership of the new principal, but I hated that school when my children went there. There was a stop sign in the front foyer to keep parents from accompanying their child to their class! I was a room parent every year I had kids there, and I still found it the most parent-unfriendly school I have ever been associated with. I will say, though, that the teachers were mostly excellent. My daughter was in the TAG program, which was a good thing for her. I found the tight rules for the few parties allowed to be stifling, and there were precious few field trips. Those things may have been Ann Kingrea policies, and maybe they have changed for the better now.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School, great teachers, beautiful and calm learning enviroment. Structured and hard working educators.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is such a great school! The students are involved in band, chorus and other activities. Parents are also very welcome to help in the classroom and around the school.
—Submitted by a teacher

Wow! A private school education at a public school. Elementary school can't get better than Northwood. I've had a child attend there for K-5th and now have a 3rd grader enjoying the benefits of a well-run school. The principal, Dr. Ann Kingrea, has a tremendous reputation that is well-earned. I think she knows every child and most parents by name and shines with a permanent positive attitude. She ONLY hires the best qualified AND most caring teachers! The curriculum is well structured and includes the teaching of good values. An amazing amount of effort is put into publicly & frequently rewarding good behavior (she calls them 'Good Choices') Just watch a class in the library, walking in the halls, or in a classroom ... These kids are happy, well-behaved, & learning. Kids are frequently evaluated in each subject/skill and individual needs are identified/addressed. Academic excellence is promoted and achieved.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall Northwood is a great school with many dedicated and hard working teachers. There are a lot of positive learning activities and the school provides a safe and clean learning environment. The TAG program has been a bonus for my children, however I do have concerns that the lack of focus on science and social studies causes these students to struggle a bit when they get to middle school. And the Diversified instruction is fine if your child is in the average range but if you have a gifted child, he or she will be terribly bored and unchallenged by the course work. Several years ago, Northwood grouped their children into different Language Arts groups based on ability and children in the higher groups could move faster according to their ability. They changed that & lumped them altogether with the low/middle level children which doesn't challenge the bright kids at all.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a 4th grader and a 2nd grader at Northwood, a wonderfully diverse school where students are well prepared for the real world. Gradewide policies make all students live up to the same expectations. The school has been using SRA as an addition to the reading curriculum starting in Kindergarten providing every student with small group leveled direct instruction. My children has such strong phonics skills as the school reading scores show. The fifth graders produce Explorervision, a closed circuit TV show every morning. There is an afterschool jumprope club starting in 4th grade. I have found the teachers to be real partners in my childrens education ensuring my children reach their full potential. We e-mail frequently. The PTA is very active providing many activities. The principal actually called me at home before my first child started and we talked for over an hour.
—Submitted by a parent

Northwood is a wonderful school, with great teaches and staff, that take interests in their students learning. My daughter has learned a lot since starting at Northwood in her fourth grade year. She always have great things to say about her teaches. Northwood keep up the good work.
—Submitted by Shirley Goines, a parent