Burroughs Elementary School

I am SO in love with this school! I switched my child to Burroughs this fall. My child is very advanced academically, and the teachers do a nice job tailoring lesson plans to the different abilities in the classroom. I love that the school recycles EVERYTHING they can, and they compost too! I thought the staff members were very friendly and approachable, and I love how active the students are during the day. No sitting down and being lectured all day - it is very interactive. There is lots of parent involvement also. I really think Burroughs is truly a GREAT school (I wish I attended as a child!)
—Submitted by a parent

Burroughs has been a wonderful school for our twin boys for the past five years. Tim Cadotte, the principal, provides top-notch leadership and really cares about educating the kids. The teachers are outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in 1st grade and I have to say I am really impressed. There is a traditional academic base, but with a lot of emphasis on creativity. There is a willingness to work with parents, in fact parents are expected to get involved. This is a very fun and open school, and what a gorgeous building! The only downside is that classes are very large in the lower grades, but my child's teacher has no problems with it. After a few years of the recent changes that may change. My child loves going to school!
—Submitted by a parent

Highly focused on academics, but I've never seen a stressful atmosphere as described. Great teachers, great principal, and a lot of parent involvement make this school wonderful. We couldn't imagine sending out children anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

Burroughs school has an outwardly "open" environment, but once you are inside, it is entirely different. Stressful atmosphere for my child; boots must be lined up perfectly in the hallways, children must walk silently in the hallways, and an overwhelming focus on academics. If your child is different, especially academically or emotionally, this is not the right school.
—Submitted by a parent

Huge academic focus. Strong principal leadersip. Very strong parental involvement - some teachers may lament 'too strong'. The specialty programs are first rate. This is a private school education at a public school price.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers make learning fun and who else has their music teaching playing the accordion in the lobby every morning when they come to school. Rock and roll at the end of the year!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a grand parent who is very involved with my grand children. I have been very impressed with every aspect of our grandson's experience at Burroughs. He was having some problems at a private school and has advanced in several subjects. We are very impressed with his growth and development through his experience at burroughs.

This school is phenominal. We have been delighted and amazed by the quality of teachers, the facility, the curriculum, and the overall feeling of community and involvement of parents. We can't imagine a better place for our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I must take issue with the previous submission. I have had children in the school since 1995 to the present, and one of the things my wife and I have always appreciated is the safe, all inclusive environment created for all kids regardless of race, religion, economic status, or where the children live. Our experience with the teachers has been simply extraordinary in every situation. All kids are treated with care and respect, and those that need more personalized attention will receive it. I can attest to this because my child has benefitted from this. My personal opinion is that it is a gift that will pay dividends for a lifetime for the kids that are able to attend Burroughs.
—Submitted by a parent

Burroughs is a great school for upper middle class white kids. Unfortunately, the school and community are not very tolerant or supportive of different races, religions, or sexual preferences (see previous posting.) From an academic standpoint, there is a huge focus on reading and math. Anything to increase those scores! Socially, I wam looking for a more open- minded environment in the next school we choose. ces/ religions/ sexual prefernces.
—Submitted by a parent

Why does principal Tim Cadotte want to expose our young children to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) curriculam that Hale school is considering and possibly implementing? Is this a necessary program and worth tax payer dollars? I would rather see money spent on better programs.
—Submitted by a parent

I went there in the 80's and my daughter goes there now. There's no better school as far as I'm concerned. GREAT Principal in Tim Cadotte!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school! Oftentimes I walk my 3rd grader to her class, and we are immediately greeted by music played the music teacher on various instruments on different days. All through the school teachers are stationed in specific spots in hallways to greet the students. The kids get a very positive experience 1st thing in the morning. I always come away from there with a smile on my face. I have had interaction with the pricipal for many years now, and I can say he is an intelligent, very caring individual, whose primary concern is the well being of all the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a Burroughs parent of children both of which have educational issues. They don't fit what some people may consider the 'average'. I have found the administration, teachers and support staff overwhelmingly adaptable. The many accommodations that have created have been above and beyond what any family could expect. Burroughs holds high expectations for the peace, safety and nurturing environment. All of the teachers are of the highest professional quality. I am grateful we have a school in our neighborhood that feels like a family for our third child. Thank you Burroughs staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Burroughs has not disappointed me. Ii is a wonderful school with great leadership and teachers. My daughter has Mr. Sam larsen in 2nd grade- she calls him magical. He truly upholds his class to high academic standards. I hope we have teachers of his quality all thorugh her school years. Unfortunately, due to overall reduced funding to schools in the City of Minneapolis class sizes and extra-curricular activities have taken a hit.
—Submitted by a parent

Burroughs is a very good school with great parent involvement. Many parents in the area have the option to send their kids to private schools, yet choose to send them to Burroughs. If the class sizes were kept under better control, I would give an even higher rating.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is entering the fifth grade this fall. So far our experience at Burroughs has been good. Our teachers have been good to outstanding. The facility is beautiful, and the parent community is strong and active. One of the best public elementary schools in Minneapolis.
—Submitted by a parent

Burroughs is a great school! I have had three children there the past eleven years and I couldn't be happier with their elementary education. We have never pushed for any certain teachers for our children and have been delighted with every one of our childrens' teachers. The style of teaching is fairly traditional with a classroom orientation, however teachers do work in teams to teach certain areas where the children move to different classrooms. There is tremendous parental involvement which enriches the school with additional arts, music and other programs. Test scores are high and our children have been prepared well for middle school and high school. This is probably why students have transferred into Burroughs from surrounding private schools and suburban schools. If you desire a school that stresses basic elementary education along with art, music and phy ed you will most likely love Burroughs Community School.
—Submitted by a parent

Burroughs has a beautiful new building and three terrific teachers, Mrs. Fee, Mr. Janssen, Mr. Peterson, with the rest being average to awful. School has lots of parent involvement and is not a bad school. I would strongly caution any parents who are not looking for a very traditional, rigid environment, because that's what you get at Burroughs. And if your child has any learning difficulties (not requiring special ed, but some difficulties) Burroughs will not be particularly helpful. There are many other schools where creativity and flexibility are more valued than at Burroughs!
—Submitted by a parent