Eberwhite School

Overall it's been an OK year for my kids. However it seems like things are really disorganized. The teachers seem more frazzled and are less patient. Even the building looks dirty and tired. Does anyone ever mow the grass, trim bushes or pull weeds?
--Submitted by a parent

We have been meaning to write this for quite some time, as we love Eberwhite School! The teachers work hard, the kids are happy, and both the current and past principal are and have been outstanding! This staff is receptive and works well with parents. The past principal worked hard at improving the site to make it welcoming to all families. Her dedication set the tone for the new principal, who is continuing on with a high level of service to the school. Eberwhite is a great place!
--Submitted by a parent

In our experience, Eberwhite is a mixed bag. The EDO kindergarten teacher is top-notch, really excellent. The wooden playground and the surrounding forest are great. However, the 2nd and 3rd grade teachers seem like they're just 'putting their time in.' The principal is not accountable to parents. Her decision-making is arbitrary. At school functions, her main focus is "inclusion/tolerance," especially since Eberwhite is a magnet school for developmentally disabled children across the district. This is appropriate, but academic excellence for the average, above average, or gifted student does not seem to be a priority for her. Overall, the curriculum does not seem very challenging. Many parents supplement with up to 1-2 hours of homeschooling/day so that their kids learn something. Several neighborhood families have recently sent their kids to private school. Eberwhite is not a bad school, but it is not a great school either.
--Submitted by a parent

There are many things to like about Eberwhite. One is that the kids can walk to school. There is a crossing guard that helps them across the main road if they need it. You meet a lot of parents and kids that way and there is a real sense of community. Also, there are "Eberwhite Woods" surrounding the school. The kids take "Woods Walks" and learn about nature "in their own backyard." And this year some parents started a garden on school property and distributed the harvest to the classrooms. Another thing to like is that after school many kids stay and play on the all wood playground, even in winter. This also adds to the community feeling. Finally, the hallways and bathrooms were refurbished this year, making the school more cheery and modern. The only things that could improve are probably the math curriculum (a little weak) and foreign language learning (none offered), but overall it is a very nice school in a great neighborhood.
--Submitted by a parent

Great experience transferring into the second grade from another school. We were very pleased with the over all classroom experience. My child has developed well this year and we hope will have an equal or better time next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I think that Eberwhite is a bit overrated. I think the surrounding neighborhood is a great place to live but I think that the school isn't everything it has been talked up to be. Academically I think that the test scores are low compared to other schools in the district. My child was bored last year and learned very little. I think that the teachers could be more involved, more enthusiastic, more encouraging and a bit more sensitive to everybody's needs, not just the children that bring attention to themselves by acting out in a negative way. There were quite a few school functions where I did not see one teacher in attendance from Eberwhite. I think if they brought in younger more enthusiastic teachers, Eberwhite would greatly prosper!!!
--Submitted by a parent

While I could go into detail about the quality of the staff, faculty, and curriculum at Eberwhite and what they have done for our two children, here is my most frank appraisal of Eberwhite. After 20 years in our current home in the Eberwhite district, my wife and I were ready to buy our dream home. We waited, however, until our youngest was in 4th grade and we received a guarantee that she could finish her elementary schooling at Eberwhite. It would not be our dream home if our daughter had to finish some place else.
--Submitted by Gordon Shewach, a parent

I have two children at Eberwhite (2nd and 4th grade)and could not be happier with the quality of the education, teaching staff, parent involvement, and extracurricular activities. The teachers my children have had are tremendous. They welcome and encourage parent feedback and assistance.
--Submitted by Teresa Kruse, a parent

My daughter just completed kindergarten (2003-2004) and she had a fabulous year. She loves school and learning and a lot of the credit goes to Mrs. Anderson, her teacher. She is amazing!
--Submitted by a parent

A team approach to meeting the needs of individual students. Respect among staff, students and parents.
--Submitted by a teacher