Laverna Evans Elementary School

If you're looking to move to the area, beware. The O'Fallon school District 90 has doubled the registration fees for 2014 to 180.00 for K-5 and 200.00 for 6-8 without having any sports/extracurriculars, technology, art, band, etc (cut this year due to budget). There is a "self funded" program for sports... 300.00 for baseball, 360.00 for basketball, 275.00 for cheerleading, etc. The new band program is 125.00 per semester for fifth grade band and 150.00 per semester for sixth through eighth grade band. So, my 12 year old that plays ball and participates in band requires 1160.00 to start school. Not including fees for pt gear, lunches, trips, etc. Just to start. But, I have 3 kids... over 3000.00 to start school. And, the education/instruction has not been what I thought it would be. Definitely not worth the dollars required. They have cut staffing, increased class sizes and now want more money. Not a good combination. There are a few really great teachers, but a lot appear to be "disgruntled employees" (maybe rightfully so).
—Submitted by a parent

Not a great experience for my children! There were a couple of great teachers (Mrs Hartgrove and Ms. Brown); however, overall I am very dissatisfied with the education that my children are receiving. I would not recommend this school to any newcomer to the community...PLEASE weigh your options first.
—Submitted by a parent

Mrs. Dipple is an outstanding teacher who we were fortunate to have as our sons second grade teacher. The focus was on academics. Homework was required. She was not there to be my child's friend. She was a teacher. The principal also had reasonable high expectations that challenged the kids. I appreciated regular book reports and the books being available in a special section at the public library. Reading counts was a program that made my son's awkward school experience bearable as he was so excited to get a gold medal! At the end of the year the classes competed against each other in different subjects which my son loved. My son was diagnosed with a life changing medical condition at this school and the nurse helped us out immensely and the staff were extremely helpful and caring. We have since moved to Marie Schaefer and I wish I could speak as highly of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely disappointed in this school and their staff. There a few good teachers who seem sincerely interested in their students. However, they are out numbered by the others who seem to only be there to collect a pay check. Very unimpressed with the principal of this school as well. Don't send your children here.
—Submitted by a parent

If you have children with special needs, this is not the school for them. This an open school. This means that the classrooms do not have walls. Though you will hear from the principal that this is a quiet school. Not to children who are already using all they have to concentrate in a regular classroom with walls.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my child's 3rd year at Laverna Evans. We absolutely loved Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Baxter. She was the perfect teacher to introduce my child to school. She encouraged learning and discipline and did it with a gentle heart. 1st Grade was a bit difficult with Mrs. Gunn. She could use some training in talking to parents...specifically to not only focus on the child's negatives but positives as well. The principal, Mr. Keller, is very genuine, nice and soft spoken.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just entered Kindergarten and has shown a noticable increase in wanting to read, write, and count. I have been very content with interactions from faculty. They have a sincere approach to education. My son looks forward to going to school everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

I lived in Ofallon school dist. for sometime. I was always very proud and happy of this school. the teachers were great and the time i did have a problem it was taken care of quickly with respect to me. I now live in g.c. dist. and am moving back to ofallon just for the school and my children.
—Submitted by a parent