Catlin Magnet Center

My kids have gone to this school and it depends on the teacher. We had a problem with a kid hurting my kid and the school not doing anything. He was bullied and tormented and nothing. I was so surprised because of the anti bullying rules. I love the music program. And that's the best thing I can say
—Submitted by a parent

I have been pleased with the music and arts and regular classroom education. I agree with a previous poster that if your child has special needs this probably is not the school for you. My child does not need a lot of extra attention but he is entitled to 5 hours of extra help a week. I did not receive any letter or communication until a week after the special education teacher left to go full time at another school. It will be my goal if my child continues here to get a full time special education resource teacher at this school. No child deserves not to learn or to be ostracized because of a medical condition. Also I hardly feel welcome here and the last school I volunteered in the school library 2 hours a week. It is a shame to turn away parents and free help! If you want to be an involved parent join the PTA and be certain to check on your criminal background check with the district office to get your foot in the door.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that I can't imagine a student not getting the help they need at Catlin. Last year I had students who were helped by the ESL teacher, the reading specialist , Title 1 tutors both during the day and after school. Also a para was in my class for an hour every day to help those who need extra assistance. I guess I would call that extra help. As for the school itself, I hope I am never anywhere else!
—Submitted by a teacher

Great school, excellent teachers. My two children love everything that Catlin has to offer.
—Submitted by a parent

There are both good and bad things about Catlin magnet. I have been associated with this school as a parent since 08/03. As a magnet school for performing arts, it does have unique things to offer(violin lessons in 2nd and 3rd grade,recorder in 4th,chime choir in 5th etc). Catlin has become a principal training elementary school, as of 08/09.We are on our 4th principal in a matter of the past 7 years. Many are not pleased with this. Also, school officials do not enforce the posted one way during drop off and pick up times which make the area dangerous. The best thing about the school are the school secretaries-Mrs Rolles and Mrs Pagel--they ROCK! If your child is of normal and average ability, they will do fine at Catlin. But BEWARE if your child has special needs,and need extra help. They WON'T get it at Catlin.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started catlin in 2nd grade as a lottery student and we are so lucky. he attended two other ops schools before catlin and I can't say enough positive things about this school. he is now in fifth grade and we still love it. the school is small and the kids feel lucky to be there. they play violin in 2nd/3rd grade and there are many added art enrichment activities that the kids enjoy. the older grades get laptops to use in class and continue with their strings lessons if they choose and also band. The PTA is great too. Really one of the best elementary schools in the area!
—Submitted by a parent

I gave my review already & it wasn't published, so, i'm assuming you only want positive things written here. My experience with catlin was far from positive. I would not recommend this school to anyone. It was a bitter disappointment, especially since i bought my house in this school district specifically so that my kids could attend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Catlin appears to be the finest elementary school within the Omaha District. I have attended many school functions, performances, and visited many classrooms, as a grandparent. The opportunities for academic enrichment, as well as artistic development, both in music, drama, and art, are enable students to achieve their potential and become well-rounded citizens. I would recommend any parent, grandparent, and others to enroll their child in Catlin if given the chance. Shirley Higbee
—Submitted by a parent

To Any & All Interested Parents: There is only one word that can summarize, Catlin Magnet..awesome! The teachers are unbelievable. They care very much about each and every student and the success of each and every one of them. My son, who is 5, attends Catlin and loves everything about it. He was very uninterested in school until he met his Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Pelowski. He has been transformed. He loves to read, draw, color, count and attend school. Catlin's PTA and their activities, including the Carnival and the Chili Feed is the best attended ever. They have great leadership with Mrs. Goetzinger and it goes all the way up to the 6th grade teacher. Parents - there is no better school than Catlin! My other sons attend parochial school and we are not as pleased as we are with Catlin. Good Job Catlin. You have a great thing going! A thankful parent
—Submitted by Lisa Miller, a parent