Dardenne Elementary School

I hate to say it but this school needs a new principle. Shes an older lady and does not discipline the students at all. One student hit another student and she sent the student back to class after talking to him for only 5 minutes. This school is out of control, they need a more discipline from the principle! They need suspension some type of discipline! The kindergarden classes are way overcrowded and are full day.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have 2 children at Dardenne and they are both thriving! We love the teachers and the principal who have been very involved in every aspect of my kids' experience there. One child will be in an eMints classroom next year and the other is currently being tested for the JET program. I have heard that Dardenne was zoned so that the "trailer park kids" or kids from low income families would all go to this one school I don't know if that's true. I can't imagine that it is out there. Regardless, every child begins their educational experience as a blank slate --it is the responsibilty of the PARENT(S) to teach their children that education is important. You can make a great learning and growing experience for your children at (almost) any school. It's up to YOU.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been in 3 others schools in the district and I have never seen such un controlled hallways, bathroom proceedures and behavior in general. While the teachers seem very nice the control and eduaction at this school was is horrible. NO COMPUTER teacher, no student control.
—Submitted by a parent

Great place to live, good teachers that seem to care for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

This elementary school is excellent, my yougest child is there now in grade 3. They are the only elementary school in the district that offers E-Mints which is a terriffic program and lets kids learn while having fun. My son loves it.
—Submitted by Julie, a parent

My daughter has attended two different schools in the FZumwalt district. I can say that this school fails to measure up. I believe that part of the problem is the principal. They have some rough kids in this school and they need a strong authoritative presence. They do have some good teachers if you want to hand pick teachers every year. I am glad that this is our last year with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school, my daughter goes to Dardenne, and she just loves it. She comes home happy. The teachers are great and the office staff is wonderful!
—Submitted by Crystal Dickens, a parent

Dardenne is an amazing school with much to offer. The teachers are involved and caring. The principal is dedicated, fair, and supportive. Dardenne is the only school in the district to offer third, fourth, and fifth grade eMINTS classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has come a long way! I am pleased with the education and support my children have received. I have watched it evolve into a much more welcoming and positive environment. It is evident by how my children and their peers respond. Dardenne teachers have received various awards and the children there have, through excellent instruction, boosted their scores on standardized testing. Parents are also important in the system and I have seen a lot more involvement and awards earned by the students. Second Grade kids earned the Exploravision national award and, locally, first and second place in 'Picture the Music' through Powell Symphony Hall. I believe in this school and current staff and administration.
—Submitted by Andrea Utterback, a parent

I have had two different children try this school at different age levels and it is by far the worst school in the district. I have several friends and clients that have bought different houses when they found out that their children would have to go to this school. If you want your children to get a good education, do not send them here. In second grade they are still on 1+2. Look at the test scores, they are terrible.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall I like the school. I think the school principle is great and so is the staff. My daughter is in the 5th grade and she loves it here. We moved from the Creve Couer area to O' Fallon, and I like Dardenne Elementary better than Bellerive Elementary. Less issues for my child here at this school and she has had perfect attendance since she has attended this school. She loves it and does not want to miss a day. I would like to see a program for children who have mastered basic skills to be placed into more advanced classes.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children at this school. The principle is excellent, her dedication and interest in each child shows! However, the school itself could use a good scrubbing and cleaning up. The age of the building is showing. There also seem to be a very high % of new teachers every year. Many seem to be first year teachers and I wonder if they come, get a couple of years experience and move on to a higher paying district. The school nurse is fabulous, and overall the staff seem to care very much for the kids. My children have recieved a quality education here, thanks to the dedication of the principle. While I do think it could use a couple of changes, they are minor and I feel comfortable with my children attending here.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had two children attend this school. We are exremely happy with the education the kids recieved. The experiences with the staff, teachers and administration has been wonderful.
—Submitted by Allen, a parent