Abbot School

Abbot is an extraordinary, close-knit community of teachers and parents. Also, the adjacent woods and natural habitat maintained by students on the school grounds, makes it a wonderful place to grow and learn. My daughter entered Abbot in 2011-12 for Young 5's and had a great experience. She was in a class of nine and the hands on instruction she received from the teacher and small group dynamic really boosted her self confidance. The 1/2 day young 5's program was a good pace and good introduction to the school environement including rotation among speciality classes (art, gym, music and library) and participation in special school programs. She was well prepared to begin full day Kindergarten this year and was excited to begin the school year. We know many families at Abbot from other activities in which we are involved in the Ann Arbor community, and the PTO is really a dedicated group of parents involved throughout the year. Abbot is really an AAPS gem.
—Submitted by a parent

Abbot has been a great experience for our family so far. The new principal (hired in 2010/2011 year) has implemented positive behavior intervention and support program quite well. She is respected and loved by the students and staff. She is pragmatic and friendly. The front office staff have improved relations with visitors, making it a friendlier welcome than when we first started there. All of our teachers have been great and I am looking forward to sending my younger to kindergarten next year. Only wish is for full day Kindergarten. The school is a good mix of families, a real cross section of the ann arbor community. Big focus on the fundamentals, with the PTO doing a great job of adding meaningful enrichment activities through planning and funding support. Parents who are committed to being involved in PTO leadership are encouraged to join Abbot! The school is a close community.
—Submitted by a parent

I started off on a bad foot with this school. But now My child is in 5th grade we found a teacher who we respect . This school has positives and negatives . I've experienced both. When we first came to the school, Their "receptionist" I swore was going to go rounds til my son was in 4th grade.I called in School Advocacy even to help resolve issues I now had with the school. She has since stopped. 3rd grade was by far one of the roughest .4th grade great improvements, great teacher..She was caring, patient with both me and my son. Friendly and worked very hard.5th AWESOME teacher and social worker. So while this school is not perfect over all it has many bonuses and pluses ;as well as any other school some bad times in its past. Some days they tried their best with my family other times I wanted to pack it up and be done with them. My over recommendation is positive for the school. New principle, Hired new teachers, student aides I've dealt with I have liked so far. I think they are doing the best they can with what they have available to them. Some days they do better then others. No ones perfect.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter's kindergarten teacher is great. My daughter loves school and is learning well despite the large classroom size.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has had a great experience at Abbot. He likes going to school and his teacher is very devoted. I am an educator myself, and I have high expectations for schools. I have been pleased with our experience at Abbot.
—Submitted by a parent

Great curriculum, teacher go the extra mile. Great communication, guidance and structure. You could not ask for any better. The plays, parties, events..... awesome.
—Submitted by a parent

Abbot is one of Ann Arbor's finest. The same families stay from K to 5th grade. The teachers are loving, parents are great. Over all great atmosphere for successful kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful staff, great education, teachers that care....could not ask for any better!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Many families have left the school, including mine, due to lack of leadership and some teachers who have lost their love of teaching. Test scores,classroom management and communication with parents are poor. Sad for an Ann Arbor school.
—Submitted by a parent