Mount Airy Elementary School

My daughters transferred here last year and WOW what a wonderful difference! Increased self esteem, much more options academically for advanced students as well as special needs. Such a relief to know my children are receiving the best education possible!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter just finished at this school. I think the teachers try hard but they do not seem to be empowered to handle issues with children that may arise. I don't believe they allow children to be children although there are a few teachers that try to make it fun for the kids. My child loves school - straight A student - and while she will miss a couple of teachers she said that she is happy to be leaving the school. The leadership has not improved here and while Love & Logic is pushed for parents perhaps they should be pushing on the teachers instead.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers we've had (k-5) have been *great* and especially dedicated. The additional assistance we've received from the special education group has been thorough & outstanding. The new e-mail based newsletters have promise for working parents. The leadership seems to discourage much individuality or spirit amongst the students. Some of rules instituted after 9/11 seem way overdone (i.E., Closing a road that leads to the school during school hours). We need more recess time & a more robust anti-bullying campaign well beyond signs that read 'no bully zone' the county policy of required volunteer training discourages parental involvement in general. We need another music teacher who serves fewer schools.
--Submitted by a parent

I will have to agree with the other comments. This school is in need of help to reorganize and help boost morale. The Principal and a few selected parents keep evryone out of the loop. Parents should be encouraged to help at the school and their child's education. The Pricipal discourages this, but will let the same 'selected' parents help the school every which way. I am saddened that my three children may not have the fun years at this school, like I did when I was in grade school. We need more holiday celebrations and school spirit.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has a great student body with some wonderful teachers. But the teachers are very limited by the administration of the school. The principal, Dr. Peircy wants very little involvement from parents and has shown a unwillingness to work with parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had children in this school since 1996 and will for the next 2 years. Since the changing of principals, there has been a severe decline of morale with students and parents. The current principal has discouraged any type of holiday spirit, taken a lot of involement of the parents out of the classroom and the severe overcrowding has created a lot of problems. The new school will help and Thank God they are not going to let her be the principal at both schools like she was going to try to do. The new VP is great, wish she could be the principal.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have attended this school for six years. I have seen a steady decline in the school culture, which I attribute to the principal's style and severe overcrowding. The principal has closed the door to parent involvement, and acts as if she believes that the less the parents know the better. The vice principal is no better. I am not alone with these concerns.
--Submitted by a parent