Central Elementary School

Our daughter is in second grade and is excelling because of the balanced academic and secure social environment at Central Elementary. This balance is not easily achieved but is expertly fostered through our Principal s knowledge, care and approachability. We are grateful for the leadership and staff of this school. I was reminded of their professionalism and care once again today as my daughter s teacher phoned me within 15 minutes of my contacting her. I called to discuss a special need related to an upcoming class assignment. The teacher handled the matter with empathy and offered a solution that met the requirements of the assignment while still maintaining my daughter s self esteem. This rare combination of grace and responsibility is just one example of the many gifted teachers at Central. We look forward to more years at Central and can say with confidence this is the best educational choice for our children.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been very disappointed at the quality of the materials the school uses and the size of the classes. Almost every assignment has required multiple choice or very short answer responses. We have seen no evidence of assignments that encourage the development of higher order thinking, hands on activities, or any of the tools that are vital to student success. Furthermore, the reading program seems to be designed to remove all the joy that is usually associated with reading. I am not sure how much of the school's shortcomings are due to the district's choice of materials (its choice of reading and math programs) versus the teacher's decision to eschew small group learning and a seemingly dated approach to education. While I am sympathetic that the classes are far too large, the lack of individualized attention is very disappointing.
--Submitted by a parent

My Son has been a student at Central Elementary since Kindergarten, he is in first grade this year. Since his first day of school at Elementary I have seen nothing but commitment from the teachers to have their students excel. I am very honored to have my son's teachers unders such wonderful guideance from Principle Mrs. Crutz. She is very passionate about children. You can tell that she enjoys being around students and their families and that is seen all through out the school. It is a very friendly, and cheerful learning atmoshpere. My son loves going to school each day. Also, they recieve very health luches. The school is very secure. The principle is on top of everything. Awesome school!!!!!!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to Valpo from South Suburban Chicago in May '05. The school where our children were attending was, to put it midly, horrible. We contacted Dr. Thorn (Principal - Central Elementary) prior to moving and he provided much valued guidance. This past year has been one of transition for our children and overall, I have to say that Central Teachers and Staff have been very good. The academic program is much more involved that our previous school, however, this is a good thing.
--Submitted by an administrator

We moved here to Valpo from another school district and are amazed at the wonderful teachers and staff at Central. My son is special needs and they are doing everything they can to help him succeed in the General Education Classroom. The principal at Central is so caring and knows just about every student by name. The teachers are amazing! My youngest was scared on his first day and his teacher took him to see his brother in another class and grade. You can't ask for a better school or staff than Central! We love it here, it is an outstanding school!
--Submitted by a parent