Pickering Elementary School

The staff have been wonderful, the administration personnel are fantastic. The discipline in the school is top notch. The people there are great, but they have some pretty tough working conditions. The school is in a horrible location, right next to busy railroad tracks which is distracting and causes concerns for safety. The building is old and dilapidated, the technology is mediocre. Large amount of children in small classrooms. Average 26 kids per class in the lower grades with one teacher. I really wish the students and staff of PES had a facility they could be proud of. The bus system is a NIGHTMARE. They are overcrowded, older and younger kids all ride together and there is little to no discipline. Due to my work schedule my children have no choice but to ride the bus. They get off the bus, wet with sweat after an hour long ride with no AC, then they tell me horror stories about kids fighting, making out, stealing from others, swearing. They have been dropped off at the wrong house before. Mr. Ducote was sincerely apologetic for the bus issues, but they are out of his control. I almost quit my job last year to be able to take them to school myself, it got that bad.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids have gone to this school for the 2yrs we've been stationed here at Polk & while there have always been issues,yesterday was my breaking point.My child was paddled even tho we have a signed no paddle in our file! The teacher admitted she did not even check in our file to see if it was "allowed" or not,nor did she apologize. We pulled all 3 of our kids from that school immediately & they will NOT be going back! I think it is horrible that CP is still used & that a place we send our kids the majority of their childhood,they cannot feel safe. I am beyond sickened & saddened and we will take appropriate action to ensure this ends! You are better off homeschooling your kids if you have to be stationed here. Do not put them in the schools here,the education is severly lacking & obviously the care is just as bad!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been trying to find out what happened to this school! Well I figured it out - New principal. Then, I found out Mrs. Atkins left. I thought that our family would give the new principals time to adjust. Then, I discovered that this man (the principal) has been there for like 20 years and used to make Mrs. Atkins do everything so she left. HORRIBLE! They should have left Mr. Ducote at the school with Mrs. Atkins. Even though the teachers are great, we hope things change soon or else we'll be going to a different school.
--Submitted by a parent

If you're a military family looking for a good school near Fort Polk, this is the one! We moved our kids from on post to Pickering and we just love it here! Test scores are good, teachers are great, staff is good and very supportive of military.
--Submitted by a parent

Hello, First of all PES is a wonderful school. There have been so many impovements since last year. The first place it starts is with our principal Mr. Ducote. He is a wonderful man. Mr Ducote is so involved with the students and staff. Mr. Ducote will always try to help with any problem you have. The teachers are also wonderful with the students.Overall this is a GREAT school.

My family loves PES! It really is a great school. It starts at the top: Mr. Decote and Mrs. Atkins are very kind people who are really there for the kids. The teachers seem to enjoy what they are doing as well. The secretaries are friendly to everyone. It just seems like everyone really cares. I highly recommend you check out PES if you are moving to Vernon Parish.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome. I have heard some people say negative things about PES, but I have never had any problems with any of the staff. I want to say that the secretaries that work there are the ones that face every complain head on and they are always willing to help no matter what the problem is. HOORAY for the Secretaries.
--Submitted by a parent

I love PES. Everyone their is awesome. My kids have been their for 3 years now. I have known the principal for about 25 years. He is really great with kids and is very helpfull with the parents also. The staff is terrific. They are very family oriented. They try to keep you informed about everything that is going on in the school. They work very hard with every child to make sure that they succeed.I highly reccomend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow! What a great school. My children have been going to this school since January. The staff really cares. I feel safe every morning when I drop off my children. There are always smiling, friendly faces there to greet them, to include the principal and assistant principal. At many schools it is rare to see children greeted by the administrators with a smile and/or hug. There is wonderful parent contact as well. I can't believe this school on has 3 stars. The academics are great, admin is great, teachers are fantastic, I don't get it. Go visit Pickering Elementary before you put your child in any othe school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school. We moved here a few months ago. The principals and counselors met with us to get help we needed for our childs' educational needs. Very friendly staff. It's rare that we've been able to talk to the principal, assistant principal, and counselor at one time. All were friendly, knowledgeable, and caring. My child likes the school and she has wonderful teachers! Please do your homework about this school. It is marvelous!
--Submitted by a parent