Cecilton Elementary School

While I like the school, there are several areas which I'd like to address: 1. There's not much help for children who excel. The teachers try, but emphasis seems to be making sure all pass rather than individual advancement. 2.Two times a week for 15-20 minutes each is bad and is often withhold for disciplinary purposes. To categorize integrated arts as recess is also wrong. 3. The PTO is very 'clique-ish'. If you aren't part of a local group of friends, it's difficult to get in. 4. I agree with everything about the parking, but accept it as what it is. 5. The teacher ratio reported apparently includes all staff, which really skews the numbers. There are 20-25 kids per teacher, with the possibility of a helper. Overall not a bad school, but not above average, either.
--Submitted by Carl Samans, a parent

My son started there last year and loves it. It's been a great experience so far. Mrs. Mink, the principal, is a great leader and I hope she stays on. The staff really seem to pull together to get things done. The teachers know how to interact with the children and work hard to make learning fun. Parking is tight but the school seems to manage that well. The school could do more to let parents know when special awards days and in house opportunities to visit our children at school are planned. Even though the cost is minimal, it should be free to join the PTO. I have not joined for that reason alone.
--Submitted by a parent

Cecilton Elemetary is a great school they not only offer help to students who are struggling but students who excel. The art and music programs offer a great opportunity for creativity. I agree about the parking issue but it always works out. However, I disagree with parent PTO volunteers. There are rarley more than five parents at the PTO meetings and never enough voulenteer for events.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm more than pleased with Cecilton Elementary School. The teachers are very cooperative and communication from teacher to parent is fantastic. The teachers seem very in-tune with their students, and do what they can to make adjustments when they're needed. It's been my experience, that they are dedicated to teaching about diversity and tolerance. My daughter loves every day of school, and looks forward to it. I must agree, the parking lot could definitely use some expansion, but I wouldn't want to see the playgrounds be sacrificed for it, luckily, there's a lot of street parking. My daughter isn't old enough for any of the extracurricular activities yet, so I can't give much opinion there. There are lots of parent volunteers, but I think they'd have more if you were able to volunteer in your own child's class, even just occasionally. This is truely a GREAT SCHOOL!
--Submitted by a parent

A great quality school with emphasis on reading programs, citizenship & character. Teacher to child ratio is low and students receive individual attention. There is also emphasis on safety, discipline and rewards. There is an active PTO program and more parent volunteers then needed. The PTO provides funding for numerous programs and activities throughout the school year. The only bad thing I can say about this school is that it needs a bigger parking lot for the number of parents that come for special programs and events.
--Submitted by a parent