I moved to Hobart for the education I knew my children would receive. Joan Martin Elementary sees each child and their own individual potential. I am INCREDIBLY thankful for the High Ability program that has been instituted in the past 2 years. It's time ALL schools paid as much attention to the high achieving students as much as they do to the "at risk" students. KUDOS to the School City of Hobart and Joan Martin Elementary for preparing my children to be the BEST they can be!
—Submitted by a parent

Thank you Joan Martin Elementary School!!! I have had such a wonderful expierence with both of my childrens education. There are so many wonderful programs in place for these children. What a fantastic opportunity for both Parent and Child at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Joan Martin has been a complete nightmare for me and my son. He has been attending Joan Martin for the last 3 years and he was also labeled and forced into a behavior program the last 2 years for behaviors such as "talking" or "placing his hand on the wall while walking in the hallway" at the age of 5. When I was called for a meeting with the school and voiced my opinion on the subject I felt as tho they made it very difficult on my child because I had spoken up. The treat parents as if they are not on the same educational level as they themselves as teachers are. This highly infuriates me because I myself am a nurse manager and will not be told that my child is a deviant when they cannot manage children or even ask parents for some construction criticism when dealing with their children that they know and love. Joan Martin I believe is a group of women whom think they are above and beyond everyone else. I have some choice words for these women...give us all a break!
—Submitted by a parent

I love all of the staff and how involed they are with the children. I love their high abilty program. I love all of the after school programs they offer. I love how well they keep me informed on not only what is going on in the school but the community as well. I love everything about this school!!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the February 22nd parent. I went to the school numerous times and ever since the old principal retired, the new principal has no clue how to be consistent, handle serious matters, or mediate between teacher and parent, when necessary. My husband and I moved here becaue we were told many great things about Joan Martin. However, since the new 'leader' we are devastated to see this school go down so quickly. I understand that she is new, but she is spineless and indecisive. It seems like there are no consequences for students that break the policy. We are currently looking for an alternative school and possibly moving to a different district. Sadly, my once happy and excited child has expressed a huge loss of interest in school and complains about the behavior of the adults and children in that school. What a shame!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with Jan 16th parent regarding overall performance of School and Principal not being a positive influence for children. Principal or Asst. Prin. doesn't seem to have adequate experience when it comes down to a lot of situations. They even try to let children handle problems that they come to know of without letting the parents know, then when parents bring it to their attention, they act like we're stepping on their toes. Parents when you have a problem feel free to call administration to settle matters. This may help. They need to know what's going on there at Joan Martin. Joan Martin wake up and smell the coffee and quit being so lazy when it comes to our children. They need the school support and there parents when problems arise there at the school. These are our children at home and at school.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here after hearing good things about this school. After 4 years with my daughter attending, we are again moving to find a school who's focus is educating the children. My 3rd grade daughter is doing work that is far superior to other schools, ie. 8-0=? 2+4=? in third grade???? I had problems with the administration and I honestly cannot think of one thing I liked about this school
—Submitted by a parent

We are not happy with the way this school handles their students. My son attended for 3 years and every year got worse. Since his first problem in kindergarten, he was labled as a problem child and if he even asked a question without raising his hand he was sent to the office or had recess taken away. Now I know my son is no angel, but he is a well behaved child and I felt that the school only made it harder for him excel. We were very unhappy and moved to another district in La Porte county where my son has done much better and the behavior issues are no more. Get it together Joan Martin!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is only my child's 1st year and I will say that I have been impressed with the school. The principal, assistants, and teacher have all been extremely helpful for me and my child who has made a transition from an altogether different school system and state. I definitely think the school is quite regimented and 'no-nonsense' but I am very happy with that and understand the rationale behind it. In terms of the education I feel my child's teacher(Mrs Muller) is always available and very interested in my child's wellbeing. Remember, parents the teacher is only a director in your child-in terms of direction, its the parent's responsibility to get your child where they need to be. At least that's my humble opinion. KUDOS!
—Submitted by a parent

I have experienced many years of Joan Martin Elementary, due to having numerous friends as well as my own children inthis facility. I am not satisfied with the overall performance of this school. I do not feel that the principal is a positive influence or advocate for the students. I feel that the disciplinary guidelines are not child friendly or age appropriate.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent who has to disagree with the previous opinions that have been left by irrational adults who seem to be unhappy only because the teachers and staff are not giving them exactly what they want. Lets remember that the education is about the children, and not us, or our expectations. I have been impressed and satisfied with the quality of education provided for my children at Joan Martin Elementary. I feel that the staff and environment of the school is friendly, caring, and professional. That is what a school should be.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is now in the 4th grade. He has gone to this school since kindergarden. The principal is like many other parents have said is only there to aid the teachers. We are supposed to have a motto of 'No child left behind.' However there is no extra help or tutoring offered unless your child does poorly on the standardized testing. This year they have olso got a new security policy. You as a parent or any kind of volenteer must pass a criminal backaround search. Good idea! Yet I called ahead had my child brought to the office for an dr. appt. then went inside with no ID no questions and was able to remove my child from school. I could have been anyone off the street!
—Submitted by a parent

Joan martin is in need of a complete change of personnel. They tend to bully children instead of helping them in difficult situations. After 5 years of agony, I finally removed my son from joan matin and put him in private school. He very happy.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Joan Martin for 3 years. Out of 3 instructors, I would rate only one as a true teacher. The others have been terrible-inconsistent in discipline, no standardization of curriculum, mean-spirited and little or no classroom control. The principal always backs the teachers even with faced with an admission of wrong-doing by the teacher (which is frequent). The extra-curricular activities ie clubs are not advertised to all the students-whether this is the fault of sloppy handling of the announcements by the teachers is anyone's guess. One of the only bright spots at Joan Martin is the assistant principal-fair, consistant and really likes children!
—Submitted by a parent

I have several children in Joan Martin School. I do not like the fact that teaching styles and criteria differ greatly from teacher to teacher in the same grade. I also do not like the emphasis on discipline, (not being able to talk during lunch) and not on education.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Joan Martin for 3 years and I have nothing but praise for the principal and the whole staff. They all go above and beyond! Students develop their minds while learning how to respect others with the lifetime guidelines.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a first grade student last year I had several dealings with the teacher and principal. Unfortunately, they weren't in my childs best interests. The principal, was there to only stand up and protect the teacher and the teacher had only herself in mind. I am looking into private schools for my son. I had a wonderful little boy who loved school in kindergarten and now hates school and doesn't want to go back.
—Submitted by a parent