Pierce Elementary School

My son is enjoying his second year at Pierce and I feel the principal and staff are amazing. There is a sense of community and academics that I have never seen before. The foodservice team, librarians, special education professionals, counselers and everyone at the school are always helpful, kind and responsive. Tons of parent involvement means the kids have great role models all around them, all the time from the staff and the great parents.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal is arrogant and non-responsive, a careerist interested in social gatherings rather than academics.The assistant principal is a non-presence. Parents should note the rate at which top teachers are leaving.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Pierce for three years. In that time, I've been extremely happy at the quality of learning she has received. She has been challenged in areas where she excels--beyond her grade level. She feels at home in her school, and looks forward to going every day. That says a lot about the involvement by the faculty in making Pierce a safe, fun, and interesting place to learn. Personally, I enjoy volunteering as a way to meet other parents. One substitute teacher commented that she'd never been to a school with so much parent involvement!
--Submitted by a parent

Our children attend Pierce and we cannot say enough about the Pierce community. The principal is great. The teachers are dedicated and caring. The families are very supportive of the school. One small example: Our daughter is reading the Harry Potter series. She finished one of the books and we didn't own the next one. The next morning, my child's teacher realized that my daughter had finished the book but couldn't get the next one from the school library as all the copies were checked out. The teacher, without being asked by my child or me, emailed other teachers in the building and found a copy of the book for my daughter that same day. My daughter was thrilled. The principal and the staff at Pierce always seem willing to go above and beyond for their students.
--Submitted by a parent

Our first impression of Pierce was extremely favorable. During an open house, we were greeted by the principal who then remembered us by name three months later. He later took the time to meet with us one-on-one, answer questions and give us a personal tour of the school. And, now that we are a Pierce family, we love the school. The kids do, too. All the teachers have been exceptional. Any concerns we've had have been properly addressed and feedback is well-received. Even more impressive, parents are a valued partner. I would recommend this school to any parent.
--Submitted by a parent

We just started in elementary schools and have been thrilled with our experience at Pierce. The leadership of the principal and assistant principal has been dynamic, friendly and forward-thinking. In the face of difficult financial times, the school continues to maintain the highest quality. Pierce has an "old time" traditional feel in the best sense while embracing change that makes sense and is research-backed. We are lucky that our children can thrive at Pierce.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is new to Pierce this year and although she started mid-year, she has adjusted very well. The staff at Pierce is amazing and the parent-teacher involvement is exceptional. We could not be happier with our choice of school systems - which was are number one reason for the move. If you have a choice in elementary schools, Pierce is the one.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is in her 2nd week at Pierce, transferred from a highly regarded school in California. So far this school has been the best part of our move. Starting with the principal: we were in contact by email before we moved and he was helpful and welcoming. Gave us a personal tour. Knew how to talk to a child, allay her fears, get her excited. He observed a conversation between our child and some other girls who immediately welcomed her, saying 'come to our class, we have the best teacher in the school;the principal picked up on that- guess what class our daughter was placed in? The class is at the same point in the material as they were in CA. but so far she seems to be thriving in the more relaxed atmosphere. There are plenty of eyes to watch the campus for strangers.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree that the teachers are great at Pierce but don't understand how they can say the principal is not. He is young, energetic and has made many improvements since he began in Sept. 2005. As far as security goes, I cannot imagine how it could be improved. Doors are all locked and the recess door even has a code for teachers. Visitors are asked to sign in and if they don't they are approached. The principal and assistant principal are seen out front every morning greeting students and every evening saying their goodbyes to assure the safety of our kids. Finally, I happen to have a child that might be classified as 'difficult' and I feel that this school has very supportive and my child is learning and has grown in so many ways. They are great with modifying lessons and adjusting behavior plans. I also suggest visiting... The assistant principal took me on a great tour and answered all my questions, I went with my gut.. Pierce and I couldn't be happier.
--Submitted by a parent

Please check out the other 7 elementaries in this district before sending your child here. The teachers and parents are great, but you can only do so much vs. principal. The school sells anyone with the beautiful grounds, new playground, computers, etc., but the security is very poor-inside and out. Easy access to your children by strangers all day long. We have been here for 3 years and are switching. Overall, parents are very active...not your most diverse schools -mostly married, caucasian families. The school has some great programs, but not very flexible with students that do not automatically go with flow. If you have a hyper, difficult child or a different learner, this is not a good learning environment. I suggest visiting, go with your gut not test scores:)
--Submitted by a parent