Central Park Elementary School

My daughter has been in this school since Pre-K now going to 7th grade. She has consistently maintained all A's during these years. Since taking ISAT tests from 3rd grade on, her scores have always been in the top 10% "nationwide" compared to other students in the whole U.S. She loves this school so much that she's had perfect attendance for the last 3 years in a row. Mrs. Amraen is one of the best Principal's I have ever met. Her dedication to this school and its students is superb. My wife and I have learned to work in partnership with our daughter's teachers and so far it's been very beneficial to her. I would recommend Central Park to any parent who is willing to do his part in his child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at this school which started out reviving a great education, but as my older child hit middle school her grades were still the same but her test scores seemed to go down. I noticed that the younger more inexperienced teachers are far more interested in being friends with their students than actually teaching them. My fifth grader never came home with a homework assignment all year. During ISTAT'S her teacher even made them correct their mistakes . I reported this and nothing has been done. I will be removing my children as soon as possible!
—Submitted by a parent

Because they always something for the children to do after school or even during school and i think it's a good place for our children to be.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been part of this school for a few years know and they love it. they have helped with my children development . I am proud to say I have my baby entering this years kindergarten class and she cant wait. Mrs Amran by far has to be the best principle ever.
—Submitted by a parent

One of my daugthers told me that there are some problems at this school. She said some of the teachers like more of the eigth graders than the 7th graders. That they treat the 8th graders more better then the 7th graders. And talking about the teachers said the 7th grade don't give them respect. But the teachers don't give them respect as the 8th graders. So i rate this school a two. Even the poor gyms, the school is sooo tiny, i hope they'll be more space provided in the future....
—Submitted by a parent

This school, I admit that it's a bad school. Well I teach my students in 7th and 8th how to behave, and teach them as well as I can so I'd give this school 3 stars.
—Submitted by a teacher

its disappointing to know that they are serving poor lunches and that there are 3 gyms and none of them are for lunchrooms,no half days,and no field trips.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel very blessed to be a part of Central Park School. The motto is 'a place to belong' and it fits perfectly. We have an open friendly environment where truly everyone is welcome. We have put an end to cliques in the parent group. Our teachers are loving and nurturing, and our principal is truly amazing. 800 students and she knows everyone's name! We do spend a lot of time on the ISATS there is no option, and quite frankly our children need to be up to par in math, english and science. I don't see the dilemma. We are growing in extra-curricular activities, and our children are in a positive environment. If we could just get more parents to reinforce at home what are teachers and staff work so hard to achieve in the classroom, what a wonderful world it would be!
—Submitted by a teacher

I have 3 children enrolled in Central Park. i love the school for its parent-friendly atmosphere. The principal Ms. Amraen knows most parents and students on site because she is so involved personally with the families of all students. My children have maintained Honor Roll status and Central Park rewards these students greatly. Some teachers offer more of a challenge than others, but that is any school district. I love Ms. Jenkot in Pre-K, she and Mrs. Kmeic are so patient with kids and they always come up with the coolest crafts and activities.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not thrilled with this school, however I really don't have much choice (can't afford private school). I really don't feel like my son is getting a great education and it scares me that they are not preparing him for high school. I hate that they teach for the ISATs-my son learns nothing during the month of Feb./March because of it. There should be less focus on teaching just for that test. I don't think my son retains much of what is taught and I'm not sure he is being challenged enough-that comes when he gets home and works with me. It's the only way I feel like he is learning anything (when I go over it again with him). I wish things would improve at CP but maybe it's just not in the budget? As for extracurricular activities-I wish there were more but again maybe that's the funding.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very poor in every catagory. They waste 2 months of learning prep for the isats. My son was jumping threw new work so fast he didn't have time to retain any of what he learned. The school still did poor on the test. I took my son out of the school.
—Submitted by Tammi, a parent

I am pleased with the extras they offer, such as band and basketball, BUT I am dissappointed in the lack of challenging course work. My child hAs attended this school for 2 years and as sad as I am to admit it, he received a more challenging education from his previous school in Chicago that had overcrowding, lack of books and various other problems that plague inner city schools. I am now in the process of finding a new schools because I am concerned for his high school career. He is an honor student but has become lazy because the work or lack there of is not requiring much of him. For the past few weeks he has had no homework or crossword puzzles! This is disturbing to me.
—Submitted by a parent

My son and daughter have been going to Central Park for the last 2 years and I am a bit disappointed in the quality of their education. My daughter is in the 8th grade and never has homework. I questioned one of the teachers about this. She replied that some of the students would not do it therefore they would have to fail them. If her students failed she stated, this would look negatively on her teaching ability. Hence, this is why they don't give homework. That's not the answer I was looking for. Also my daughter is an exceptional student and was always in excelerated classes at her other schools. Central Park has a very poor excelerated program and no money to fund it. Don't get me wrong the teachers seem wonderful. I just feel that a lot of the kids are shortchanged. Tony
—Submitted by Anthony, a parent

Central park school is a very parent friendly school. The staff is warm and welcoming. Teachers care about the students and their academic progress. Teachers compensate and make modifications so that every child in their class can learn.
—Submitted by a teacher

I feel central park is an ok school but they really don't know what to do for a special needs child. They try to put a square peg in a round hole with these kids and it's the school who needs to conform not the kids. They have no school nurse and no cpr/first aid certified people i learned this at a board meeting due to one parents complaints. Their parent group is run by a group of people who feel it is a status symbol and this is a popularity contest as opposed to doing what is best for the kids. The president is so busy delegating and taking credit for other peoples work and ideas that i don't even go anymore because it is just a waste of time what happened to the people who were running the last couple of years, they did better than this bunch.
—Submitted by a parent

Central park school is one of great quality. My children have been in the school system over 9 years....The teachers are loving and compassionate people who bring their knowledge to the children with enthusiasm. The teachers and staff recognize all children not just children from their own classrooms which is a rarity in most schools today. All my children love school (well as much as children can love school.) And i attribute that to the teachers and principal of central park school. I have been involved not just as a parent of the 'average' child but also one with learning disabilities and without the support and guidance of my school and teachers i don't kjnow where she my be today. They were and still are a great asset to the success my child has achieved. When looking for a school choose central park in midlothian!
—Submitted by DENISE F, a parent