Madison Station Elementary School

Madison Station is a fantastic elementary school!! While it ranks in the very top tier on state test scores and academics are excellent, other measures of quality also are met and exceeded. The arts integration is phenomenal and physical education teachers are the best you could imagine. They are very creative and encouraging of every child, no matter their natural abilities. Community service is emphasized and core human values are taught by school counselors, who provide character education to all students during the year. The music program goes above and beyond what most parents might expect, and is provided to all students, not just as an elective. The music teachers incorporate the curriculum for each grade into the musical programs they prepare and present to parents. They don't attempt to develop individual "start" performers, but instead encourage and build the skills of every child. My child's experience at Madison Station has been wonderful - we are already sad about leaving it behind when she finishes 5th grade this year.
—Submitted by a parent

Having now moved away from Madison and Madison Station Elementary, I am accutely aware of what a jewel Madison Station really is! I was always impressed with the administration, faculty and staff but it is even more apparant now that we have moved to another state where the "No child left behind" law is taken to the extreme. My children are in the "best" public schools in the area and it, in no way, compares to the education and attention they received while at MSE. Here, they are taught to the test - CRCT. Thank goodness the foundation for their learning started at a quality school like MSE. Both of my children are given busywork if they finish work early or the teachers have post-poned scheduled test because a few students weren't ready. Pitiful. Parental involvment is key for any school to succeed. MSE has more than enough support from parents. For the parent that commented in January 2009, you may want to take a closer look at your own children before accusing the school or not living up to your non-traditional teaching methods.
—Submitted by a parent

As much as I like the majority of teachers and staff of MSE, I do NOT feel that children recieve enough personalized attention from the teachers. I believe many children ARE left behind, because of the large classroom sizes (teacher/student ratio). I have subbed at the school in the past, and it has made me even more aware of how difficult it must be for MSE students to reach their full potential.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been so pleased with Madison Station! It is an incredible academic, artistic, nurturing school. We feel blessed to live in this school district!
—Submitted by a parent

I am not quite sure who your child's teacher is, but lots of worksheets are a no-no at MSE. We all teach very differently, but effectively. We use lots of hands-on activities and implement the arts. We use differentiated instruction, therefore no child is left behind at MSE. Sorry that it has been such a bad experience for the parent below, but if you ask our students, they say learning at Madison Station is fun!
—Submitted by a teacher

I have a masters degree in education and this is one of the worst schools I have ever seen. I'm sure the school is great compaired to other Mississippi schools, but if you are coming from out of state it is not very good. The teaching methods are very traditional. You will have TONS of worksheets, and they will not learn the basics of science and social studies needed for schools in other states. I have also looked into private schools in the area and they have the same problems. My husband is active duty military, so thankfully we only are here a short time and then we can get my children to a school where they can catch up. The school does not follow the No Child Left Behind Law, so the way reading is taught is unlike most schools in the country.
—Submitted by a parent

Madison Station is aw[e]some.
—Submitted by a student

This is excellent school! We transferred here from a private school in the area and believe we are receiving a superior education here. Although large my children have receive much personal attention from teachers and have made good friends.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school in the state! The teachers spend countless hours at the school making learning meaningful for each student. Everyone is friendly, the facility is unbelievable and the test scores are out of this world. I love all the arts integration. Anyone in this area that pays for private school is crazy! My children went through all the Madison Schools and were academically and socially prepared for any university.
—Submitted by a parent

My eldest child attended Madison Station from 1st thru 5th grade, and I have twins that are entering 1st grade this year. Madison Station is safe, friendly, and very well organized. Each teacher is encouraged to use an individualized teaching approach that enables each child to be challenged in their weak places and encouraged to excell in their talent areas. My 11 yr old has performed exceedingly well, and he is currently registered in Advanced Placement english and math for middle school. I credit his teachers at MSE for preparing him. My twins were in separate Kindy classes and both of them left Kindy with the ability to read. They are both avid readers now and look forward to their respective 1st grade classes. We have been Madison Jags since 2001 and do not plan to leave this wonderful school!
—Submitted by Monica Barker, a parent

After one month at Station, we felt compelled to pull our daughter out and pay for expensive private education. Discipline was out of control. Six different disciplinary systems were in place to keep order in the classroom. The students were rewarded for behaving at lunch! Educational materials (including a text book series)available to all other students in her grade were not available to her class. The principal's only response was that she was not legally bound to provide the same materials to every class because it was kindergarten. She was unapologetic, unconcerned, and unfriendly. In addition to my daughter, another child from her class left Station the same day for the same reasons. Our concerns were initially with the classroom situation, but it was the administraion's lack of response that pushed us to leave. We will not return to Station under the current administration, and we cannot recommend the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Very strong teaching staff and excellent principal. Awarded highest rating under No Child Left Behind standards. Incredible arts integration program that links art to primary subjects. Children AND parents love this school. Tons of opportunities to work with teachers and students in fun activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Madison Station is a wonderful school for all children. The staff is tremendous and make every one feel at home. No kid is left behind at MSE. Keep up the great work!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with great teachers and a great principal.
—Submitted by TERRI WHEELER, a parent

I am very pleased that my children are able to go to such a 1st rate school. We have been in private schools in this area, and are very pleased with the quality public education found at Madison Station. The teachers are great, and parents have to compete to help in the classrooms. I have never seen so much parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent