Estelle Kampmeyer Elementary School

I have a third grader and a first grader at EK. We came to EK after leaving a private school. We love it. They do an excellent job with gifted kids, providing in-class differentiation in both reading and math. For a modest fee, the school has after-school enrichment programs in most subjects, including art, geography, math, and cooking. (All enrichment classes are taught by EK teachers.) The school has an excellent special needs program, including reading interventions for kids who are falling behind. All of the teachers have been helpful and responsive. Love it! I actually think EK is doing a better job than the private school that I was paying too much for.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter started at EK as a kindergartner and will be going into the 2nd grade this fall. So far, our experience at EK has been very good. The teachers have been outstanding! However, I am disappointed that there isn't more emphasis on physical education, music, and art. The children have PE and music only once a week, and the art program relies on parent volunteers and is only offered to each grade level once a month. The state of IL needs to shoot some tax dollars down to Southern Illinois to fund an art program that happens at least once per week for these kids... or the principal needs to collaborate with one of the local colleges to bring some art students in to volunteer on a weekly basis. Other than that issue, we are very happy with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Interesting back and forth between the reviewers. Frankly in the time we have been at EK, I have not seen an enthusiastic outpouring of support from parents, students OR faculty. EK sits in a middle-to-higher income neighborhood, so socio-economically I would expect the students to do well on state exams. Unfortunately, test scores alone won't tell you how happy your child will be there or how receptive teachers are to parental involvement in the classes or at school. We've known a number of families who moved their children to private schools or moved into other school boundaries and were very happy. Like many schools in this area, EK is increasing class sizes and cutting programs like lunch-time fitness, librarians, gifted programs. Compared to other schools in this area, EK could do more with the less they are given (and in fairness some of the teachers do). I acknowledge that these reviews are painting an entire staff, but there is truth "beyond the hyperbole" in every negative review below. If I were moving here again, I might factor the other elementary schools into consideration.
--Submitted by a parent

The previous review was full of hyperbole and misinformation. I have a first and third grader at EK. First, the principal and the teachers at EK are wonderful. Any concerns we have had have been addressed immediately. Second, EK has the highest scores in the district on the 2010 state exams (see test scores and stats) and has the highest rating of 9 by Great Schools. Finally, I am sorry the previous reviewer had a bad experience, but they do not reflect the positive experience that the vast majority of parents and students have at EK. It is a wonderful school with much parental involvement with outstanding teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

We are a military family and are not pleased with this school. We heard so many wonderful things about EK, and that is why we chose to live where we do. Unfortunately, all the wonderful things we heard are from the past, and do not accurately represent the current state of the school. Classroom size for our child's grade level averages between 28 and 30. The teachers and prinicpal do not seem to genuinely care for the students as much as they hope others will perceive. Cases of bullying appear to be swept under the carpet, the children seem to be academically behind other local area schools, budget cuts have forced out the librarian, the entire lunch program is faulty with its logistics, PE, music, and computer classes only occur once a week. To make matters worse, the principal doesn't seem to care for the military families that attend his school. His attitude comes across (in my opinion) that we are a burden he has to deal with since we "come and go." If you are a military family PCSing to Scott, please consider living near Moye or look into some of the private school options such as St. Clare.
--Submitted by a parent

We're a military family and have been very happy with this school. The principal is very involved and works very well with parents. The PTA is very involved and supportive. Parents are always welcome at school and participation is encouraged. It is also not one of the 'open concept' schools in the district, where there are no walls between the classrooms. We have been very pleased.
--Submitted by a parent

Great Principal and Kinder Staff (aweful before and after program staff), don't know about the other grades yet, but the atmosphere of the school is very family oriented. The before/after school program is horrid though. The lady in charge of the program is hateful and impatient with the kids and is rude to the parents. Her attitude rubs off on her other 2 staff members. There are many parents I know who feel this way. Other than the before/after program, I love this school!!!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to O'Fallon because of the schools, and we could not be happier with EK. The principal is very involved and the first grade teacher is wondereful!
--Submitted by a parent

EK has been our home since my daughter was in Kindergarten. She is now in 5th grade and my second daughter is in 2nd. ALL of the teachers and staff have been wonderful. They take time to talk to me before or after school. My children are learning not only their regulated cirriculum, but they are learning about character and responsibility. EK is an amazing school and I for one am most happy to be a part of it.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter joined EK in first grade and I feel very disappointed with her teacher and with the school. I have always had a close relationship with my daughters teachers both in pre-school and Elementary, but at EK her first grade teacher makes no effort to interact or discuss matters with the parents. I'm also upset with the children having no morning recess and no morning snack. Kids need regular snacks to refuel their bodies and minds. I wouldn't recommend my daughters teacher and I would only rank the school as just satisfactory.
--Submitted by a parent