William S. James Elementary School

I have a son that went through the pre-k program and is now in kindergarten here and I have to say I am very pleased with the school. While it is a bit older and smaller then most of the other elementary schools in the area the faculty is great. While some additional funding would be great to update some of the more outdated aspects, I have seen well thought out improvements over the last 2 years with the funding they do have. I don't know about the previous principle but all my interactions with the current one (Mr. Schmalzer) have been excellent. I am quite impressed how he greets most all the children by name as they enter the school in the morning. Overall I am very happy with the school and hope to see more improvements over the next few years as my younger son will soon be starting school there as well.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a kindergartener and a 3rd grader new to this school and they love it. The teachers are great, the parent involvement is incredible as well compared to the last school they were attending. I am so pleased with the change in schools.
--Submitted by a parent

Things are looking up for the better at William S. James. The principle they have had for the last 5 years did not do the school justice but the teachers are very helpful and the community does come together.Could use some fresh ideas and challenge the kids a little more who excel.Reading specialists are excellent (especially Jennifer poynton).Involvement from parents are the key,no matter what school your child attends.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves her school. The teacher's are supportive, the Principal and AP run the school well. Sure it doesn't have as much to offer as a private school, but compared to city and other county schools, it's quite good.
--Submitted by a parent

William S. James is a fine school that two of my daughters have attended. I believe part of the dissatisfaction results from parents today refusing to make their children be accountable for their actions, and refusing to get involved in their children's upbringing. Teachers today are required to do too much for too little in return. The administration does what it can w/money issues galore, but overall I am happy with this school. I won't blame the principal and teachers for doing what they can with an underfunded school system. You want private school, pay for it - see if the quality of education is as good as you think. You'd be surprised.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel this school is horrible! My daughter just started after attending school in NY. Wow, what a change. She gets good grades, but is not challenged! I asked for them to give her advanced work at the beginning of the year and it never happened! I even asked several more times, but they put it off, then the end of the year came. I feel I have to teach her at home just so she can be ahead! I too wish I could afford private school! Also, the staff is very unproffessional! Maybe I have high standards, but this is my daughter and the children of the future I am talking about! We only have 2 more years and I can't wait to leave!
--Submitted by a parent

I have one child in fourth grade and one that went through this school and is now in middle school. This school has changed dramatically, and not for the better. Academics and school spirit is way down. They need MATH programs. These children are far behind their peers in area schools. The 'fun' has gone from this school and now feels more like an 'institution'. Not a fun place to learn. The principal and assistant principal need to loosen up a little and put some fun activities back into the elementary school.
--Submitted by a parent

The school has gone bad over the past year or so. The new principal knows nothing of leading an elementary school. Very poorly run.
--Submitted by a parent

Wm. S. James is a great school. I have 2 children that attend this school and both of them are A-B students. I have always had great communication with the teachers, and there is a lot of parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent