Paxson School

I have had children at Paxson School since 2004, and have always been impressed by what a quality school it is. Administrators and teachers are intelligent, caring people who are willing to try innovative new programs while creating an engaging environment in the classroom. Parental involvement is big, with numerous community building events throughout the year, and supplemental educational opportunities for students, such as the science fair class headed up by parents. The student population size is great - enough students to always make new friends each year, but still maintain connections with old friends. The atmosphere is very child oriented, and communication lines are always open with parents. It has been my experience that if parents take the time to get to know this school, they will be very impressed.
—Submitted by a parent

Paxson is an amazing elementary school with everything a parent and child could ask for. Our child attended a private nursery school and the transition to Paxson couldn't have been better. Great students, teachers and parents. We love Missoula and love it even more knowing our child is growing and learning in the perfect school. Thanks Paxson for all that you do!
—Submitted by a parent

My son was bullied enough that he was afraid to go to school. Staff does nothing to stop this either. I watched his self esteem diminish at this school. His third grade teacher was always unorganized and confusing to the students. I pulled him out and now that he is in another school he is happy and proud of the work that he does for his teacher and loves to go to school. His self esteem is back and as a mom that is the best thing I can ask for. i would homeschool my child before i ever let him go back to Paxson.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the third grade teachers is the worst teachers I have ever dealt with. She's very inconsistent, skips spelling tests on a regular basis, because she 'forgot' to prepare for it. Never encourages the kids, instead puts them down in front of the entire classroom. The staff I have noticed are very lazy. There is a lot of bullying that goes on in the school, but no one takes care of it. I'm pulling my child out at the end of the school year.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is a kindergartner here--his teacher is amazing. He comes home daily talking about how to make magnets, new words, how to be kind. . . Plus the parents and teachers just worked to build a new play structure that is simply amazing. Lots of very committed people!!
—Submitted by a parent

I teach second grade at Paxson and I can't think of a better place for staff, parents and students to thrive. I love working with the parents of my students and together we make such a difference in the lives of our kids. It is a true team approach!
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter came to Paxson from Nevada where she blended in a bit much with the other kids and as a result, we didn't learn about her special needs until her first few months at Paxson where the staff and teachers were able and willing to give her the attention she needed. Now she is getting the help she needs, the staff is helping her in every way possible and helping US as parents to help her. If we'd stayed where we were, it's possible we'd never have known! HUGE thanks to everyone at Paxson for being so incredibly helpful! Because of this attention and help given, she has every chance to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

Paxson is a well educated school and taught me many things. They work very hard on being polite and considerate. Even though I only went there for one year, I met great people and the my teacher and assistsant teacher were excellent! I would recommend this school out of all the schools in Missoula.
—Submitted by a student

Paxson Elementary is a top-notch school. The excellence starts at the top with the principal and continues on through all of its teachers and support staff. Parental involvement is also quite extensive; on any given day you can find from 15 to 30 parent volunteers helping out in the classrooms or with other school-related activities. My children have enjoyed their years at Paxson and I have enjoyed my time there as a parent. As a Missoula transplant (formerly from California) I researched schools in this area, and after speaking with 5 principals and sitting in on 7 classrooms, I decided on Paxson and have always been thankful for my decision.
—Submitted by Christi Hoskinson, a parent