Centerville Elementary

They have an excellent staff, starting with the principal, that serves the needs of the individual student. They could use some additional funds to enhance their programs and possibly allow them some money to disseminate to the nation.
--Submitted by a parent

A school is only as good as the people who run it. Personally, I am glad to see Mr. Foley go. He never once attended my child's IEP meetings, but his name was always on the attendance sheet. The comment a previous poster made about the 'snottiness' of the PTO hit the nail on the head! You see Centerville is not just the name of the school, it's also the name of the neighborhood, and if you don't live in that neighborhood, forget it. You wont be accepted. My child has been going to Centerville for three years, and never once has he/she been invited to go over anyone's house. I have volunteered my time in the library, and as room parent, but when I asked to volunteer in the classroom, the teacher looked at me like I had two heads! I don't think we will be returning next year.
--Submitted by a parent

What a fabulous school; Centerville has an active parent group that funds many enrichment programs and field trips. The principal (who just retired) was great, a nice combination of child centered leadership coupled with strong discipline. The achievement of students is very high and as a whole the teachers are very caring and competent. The facility is kept up first rate by a very capable custodian. Our three children have thrived and succeed at Centerville.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two students at this school. I must disagree strongly with people who say this is a 'snotty' PTO. I think that they are very welcoming and are always trying to get parents involved. As far as the teachers go, I have only had positive experiences. I wish I could say the same for the cafeteria staff, and one person in particular that is extremely unpleasant and shouldn't be working with children..Overall, I am very happy with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I've read the previous reviews. I have 2 children still at this school. One already went through it and is now in high school. The school is great for the kids. They have a lot of enrichment programs and for the most part the teachers a good. There are a few teachers who really should not be teaching in a classroom. As for the PTO....and cliques....that is all true. The parent cliques here are very tight and it is difficult for an 'outsider' or a new person to get into a group of parents. They make you feel uncomfortable and are rather snotty. The school is great but the parents are far from wonderful. As for a community feel for this school, I would have to say that it is only a 'community' for a chosen few.
--Submitted by a parent

This is great school! If I have to choose again this will be the school that I want! It is new school, great teachers and parents. There is room for everybody if willing to help. The PTO is great and anyone that wants to help is welcomed to help.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree that the are definite cliques that have to do with the parents. I know of a few families that moved because if you didn't live in a certain nghbrhd, your kids weren't included in anything. The academics are great, but forget it if your child is behind. I was told 2 weeks before school got out that my daughter would need a reading tutor for an hour 5 days a week($50 an hour), though no mention was ever made before then to give her xtra reading help at school or even mention she was behind. She was also supposed to be screened for speech therapy at the beg. of the yr. but wasn't until the end of the year. The school we moved to screened her and put her in a reading group the 1st week of school. Would not Recommend Centerville.
--Submitted by a parent

Centerville gets the highest marks for educational environment and facility. The PTO is very active and provides funding for interesting field trips and other activities. The school seems to discourage parent volunteers and limits the areas in which they may assist (library, PTO). I would like to see more offered in the way of languages and after school sports.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school! The teachers, staff and principal are all wonderful. I have 2 children in Centerville, one honor student and one special needs, both have received exceptional teaching. I love the diverse methods, and enthusiasm of the teaching staff. My children even make conections with everyday life and their school work (how exciting)! There is a very active PTO and tons of parent involvment in the classrooms. There are several enrichment programs and school wide events though out the year. There is a brand new building with nice big classrooms, big library, gym, music, and art rooms. I can't say enough about Centerville and all the wonderful people there who truely love what they do. Thank you!
--Submitted by K Baker, a parent