George Defer Elementary School

We absolutely love Defer, and both Mr Wardie and (now) Mrs Sullivan are great principals. We have two girls here, in 1st and 4th grades, and one more coming in a few years. Our PTA is incredible, too, giving a lot of support to the kids as well as the teachers. My only complaint is that there are just a few too many parents who need to take a more active role in their children's education, both in school and out.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had my kids at both Defer and Richard. I was shocked to see that Defer's principal got only 4 star rating where Richard's got 5. In my mind there is no comparison. I'd give Wardie a 5 and Barett a 2. I wish the kids could stay at Defer! Much more organized, communication with parents and teachers is much better. We got Richard's school directory in late November, just an example.
--Submitted by a parent

We have 3 children here and one who has moved on to Pierce. After searching through 3 schools we decided to move here,specifically for the school system. We have found an excellent school for our children, great teachers, unbelievable parental involvement! The teachers and principal are very accessible and there are plenty of activities to keep the kids interested. We have had great luck with teachers, field trips are top notch! This community has the feel of a small town within a big city.
--Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school. Excellent teachers who are available to parents to discuss our children. I have one child at Defer, and one who has just moved to Middle School, and they did not have one teacher that I wouldn't want again. The principal is great, extremely involved with the kids and the parents, and highly visible. Both of my children have received an excellent education at Defer. Parents involvement is second to none.
--Submitted by a parent

What a wonderful school! Defer is a special place with extra special teachers, parents and administrators. I have two children in Defer and they look forward to going to school everyday. My soon to be second grader is reading at a fourth grade level and all other areas are at or above where he should be! My soon to be first grader is so prepared even though he only had half day kindergarten. My wife and I are heavily involved with the school because we see a special environment for our kids and for our family. We are looking for a new home and have one pre-requisite which is to stay in the defer district!
--Submitted by Geoff Finger, a parent

Excellent curicullum.Music , art and physical education and other activities beyond expectation. Parents involvment high. Highly reccomend
--Submitted by a parent

Defer Elementary is a public school in the Grosse Pointe District. Being a public school and not private, Defer still manages to provide an excellent and safe atmosphere to learn in. The teachers that I have encountered in the 4 years my daughter has attended have been very good, and the leadership of the principal has been excellent. The principal actually interacts with the teachers, parents and the children. When I grew up I can not remember a single principal that steered students away from trouble by actually being accessible to them other than when it was time to punish. Parental involvement is abundant. The Arts, Music, and Phys ed are all part of the curriculum along with computer training. My daughter still loves to go to school which makes me smile every time she says she can't wait to go back to school.
--Submitted by Randy Pantelis, a parent

I am supremely diappointed in this school; they have done nothing to provide challenge for my child, he's bored silly (and its showing), and the cultural programs (art, music, gym) have been cut once every four days. WHile we have experienced one or two outstanding teachers in our five years here, most are medicore at best; usually out the door before the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Praise God. I am a parent and a teacher who wants to let the world know that I have finally found a school and a neighborhood I can call my own. Defer staff & students welcomed my son & I with open arms. Emphasis is placed on student innovation & creativity as well as high standards of achievement in academic and extracurricular activities. They have a wonderful playground and 4 playing fields right behind the school, not to mention before & after school latch key on site. I have moved 5 times in the past 3 years trying to secure a decent environment to raise my son in. I know I have found it.
--Submitted by Joy Bass, a parent