Northfield Elementary School

Dr. Straw is an outstanding leader! Her vision, as principal, is clear and always student motivated. She sets the bar extremely high, and leads an excellent staff to what is best for all students.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my sons go to this school. They absolutely have not spoke English? they were speak Russian. There were no teachers who speak Russian and children had many trouble in communication and understanding. But every day my sons brought some materials and letters from teachers that helped as to teach them at home additional. The principal invited as to school 6 times during firs year and explain as what we have to do for improving in studying process. As a result, both my sons have 95%-100% in English and Math tests. I like this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Dr. Straw, the Principal, has been a breath of fresh air. Any principal can have a vision and manage a school filled with every day learners; but, it takes a special principal to think broad enough and out side the box to include in the vision an idea for different learners, gifted and talented or in need of additional help. Dr. Straw is that principal. Under her leadership the teachers are taking the challenge to do more for all the students. The teachers remain highly committed and dedicated. The parent involvement is very high at this school. All around this school is tops.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter will be leaving Northfield at the end of the year, because we are moving to Texas, but we have had a wonderful experience there for Kindergarten and 1st grade. I have nothing to compare it to, but all of our experiences have been very good. Dr. Straw does have a business mind set, but this is because she only wants the best for her students and expects the best for her teachers. Any interactions my daughter or I have had with Dr. Straw and any of the staff at Northfield has always been the best and very pleasurable. When my daughter needed a little extra help paying attention in class the teacher have been more than accommodating and have worked with me on techniques that I can use at home to help her. The PTA and parents at Northfield have also been very good and has made our experience at Northfield feel like a family. I can't say enough good things about the school and highly reccomend it to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Northfield is an OK school, it used to be great. Dr. Straw, the principal tends to rule with an Iron fist, and has taken most of the fun activities out of the school. If your child gets in trouble, she will hold it against her for the rest of your child's career at Northfield. Most of the children feel that their recess is too short, and they are not allowed to play the games they want. It is bad enough that with the construction, the playground was reduced to only half the blacktop, but to then limit the recess time and only allow certain games is not fair to the little growing bodies that need to let loose at recess. I would love to have written a rose colored review of Northfield, but the truth is my kids have been miserable there.
—Submitted by a parent

Love everything about this school, especially the teachers. Very active parents. Nice community.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had children at this school for many years and have loved every minute of it. I can't say anything about the principal, only because we don't interact, but I'm familiar with the teachers and aids who are very experienced and fabulous. In addition, the parents are very active in the school community.
—Submitted by a parent

My sons have been at this school for 5 years now and I have been impressed with the high quality of academic programs. When we moved from another state they really had to work hard to catch up with the rest of the class and the level of work they were doing. They've both been involved with the band/orchestra which starts in 3rd grade. The art program is great! One of my sons especially enjoyed the clay murals that were put on the outside of the school. My other son particularly loves the PE program and all the variety of activities that they do every week. There are several after-school activities to choose from. We've done chess and FitKids. The parents are very involved at this school. I have been surprised at the number of parents who support the teachers, programs, etc. This is an exceptional school!
—Submitted by Amy Swensen, a parent

Can't say enough about this school. The third grade teachers are so energetic and great.
—Submitted by a parent