Canterbury Elementary School

My son finished kindergarten this Spring and I could not been happier with the school. When he got out of preschool, he barely knew alphabets and few words. My wife was disappointed because he didn't learn a lot in preschool and I thought we wasted our money sending him there. But after 3 months in kindergarten, he started reading books that was impossible for him before. We were amazed by the transformation that took place. I am not much involved with the school nor know a lot about teachers and staff. But I'm very happy with my son's progress.
--Submitted by a parent

We had a couple not so great experiences but they were very limited overall. I have a child with special needs and the staff are all very willing to work with you and keep the communication open. They even implemented other interventions for him above and beyond his IEP that have really been the key to his success. Assistant Principal is great, and 1st grade teacher beyond fabulous, K could have been better. The district has been making things a little more "localized" to the school and this has really helped as far as getting him what he needs (when things come from "above" it was harder to get help). We are moving soon and they have been SO helpful in preparing information to take with us to our new school. Our whole family will miss this school. It is true that they only want you to be involved to a point though. I prefer volunteering in the classroom to doing fundraising etc, this year opportunities were better than last year.
--Submitted by a parent

i love canterbury aj.massa

Excellent School - very good early intervention for problems. Excellent teachers. OK communication with parents. They Like parent involvment to a point. They set the level of involvement.
--Submitted by Lisa and Phil, a parent

this school seems very good. discipline is pretty strong in this school without distracting from the talents of the students. The school offers both a multi age program and a spanish-english program to help fit the different needs of the population in the area. The principal is involved with the students, and will take the time to listen to a parent about cocerns. There have been a lot of problems with bullies at this school, but the administration is trying to resolve them. This school does offer some extracurricular activitis, most notably art. There is also an extended time program for working parents that is housed at Canterbury, but run by the city park district. All in all I like this school. One complaint is that students are bused from two other towns to attend here.
--Submitted by a parent

My son just finished up Kindergarten here and it was the best thing that could have happened to him!! He has grown so much and has learned so much in this past year. With all of the programs available to him, he has had a taste of many things. I have not had to supplement any more than you normally would if you are an involved parent. The staff is so caring and devoted to each child. Thank you Dr. Grote, Mrs. Broderdorf, Mrs. Jenkins and everyone else who make this school a wonderful place to be!
--Submitted by Brandy Ann, a parent

I have not been happy with the quality of education here. I have had to supplement all three of my children with extra work and learning since the teaching has fallen short. The children are simply not challenged here. I have expressed my concerns numerous times and it has fallen on deaf ears. The principal is wonderful, but that is not enough when your children could be learning so much more. Maybe that's why we have so many home schooled children in our neighborhood.
--Submitted by a parent

Canterbury is a FABULOUS place for children! The Dr. Grote and her staff are providing a wonderful and caring environment within which children are not simply taught, they are nurtured. My daughter's 2nd grade teacher was outstanding, and worked with me via email and in person to ensure that communication was open regarding things my child needed help with and to praise the things that she was excelling in as well. Canterbury School is friendly and caring. This is especially important to me because my daughter needs to know she's in a stable, comforting environment, without a great deal of turmoil and change. I am PROUD to have my daughter at Canterbury School, where 'All Children are Honored'.
--Submitted by a parent