Estes M McDoniel Elementary School

We moved to this neighborhood just for this school when our son was in 3rd.We knew we would work with him to get him up to speed in spanish but the principal said they would help us.Then she left and we were left with the vp - so in the spring we needed help and the next 2 years we asked for help, we did not get any. We asked for tutoring help, direction or names and were told "he would get it automatically". When our straight A student started the 5th grade with a D in math, we were told "not every child succeeds at everything" we believe that is why America is failing - don't address a math teacher who should not be teaching this grade (we spent days in the classroom watching). Every time we tried to get help, we were told "he is fine". As parents of an adopted child whom we have spent many hours and dollars figuring out, we knew he was not fine. Due to our experience he is not going to middle school in the CCSD. We are using the on-line program K-12. His A's are back, his frustration is reduced and we do not have 4 hours of homework every night because teachers do not have time to teach in the classroom of 30 kids - 15 with learning issues (my kid included)
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers, the bilingual curriculum from K-5, the wonderful Walk-About Nights, the extra-curricular activities.

I love this school. I have gotten to know the teachers, students, staff and parents because I have a student there and substitute teach there. I am a licensed teacher myself and know that the teachers are giving so much to the kids. The office is great! The school is well managed, has tons of parent involvement, many extracurricular activities, etc. The spanish program is great, there is a marine lab with a seperate science teacher as part of all of the students' specials. There is a watchdog dad program that allows dads to be at the school all day patroling and helping. There are wonderful teachers and programs for children with special needs as well. Students come from all over to attend this school and they have several students on zone variances, including my daughter. I can't say enough about this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Estes Mc Doniel is a fabulous school. The teachers and staff are wonderful.The parents that volunteer are well appreciated . The dual language program gives our students an edge. I am so glad to be apart of this amazing school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been amazing for my little boy. When he arrived in the second grade I was having real difficulties at home and he was affected by that. Thanks to his 2nd grade teacher, Ms Gorter, he has been totally transformed. Thank you!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I've been a parent at the school since 2002, and have seen it change from a 2.5 hr K program in English (all grades getting 1-2 hrs of Spanish/wk), to an all-day K, dual-language program with Spanish for math & science and English for reading & other subjects. I have had two children go through McDoniel and I've been with two principals. My older child had a wonderful experience at Estes for K-5, and I moved here for Estes. My second child has been in the dual-language program since K, and I can see a big difference in the reading ability, math and overall depth of knowledge in all subject areas. My children are both 'high-achieving', so I can only surmise that the dual-language program is the reason.
—Submitted by a parent

Estes McDoniel is a wonderful school. We moved to the area after hearing about the school and it was the best decision I could have made. After 2 years of attending the school, we were sad to leave. The office staff is wonderful and caring and gets to know the children, and the teachers work with the students to reach their highest potential. The PTA is wonderful, the parental involvement is great, and the extra-curricular activities are the best. I especially loved how resources are available to help children with special needs, whether they are advanced and need to be challenged, or they are struggling and need to be helped. The Spanish program can not be beat. If you want a school that cares about kids, is serious about education, and has amazing volunteer and extracurricular opportunities, McDoniel is the school for you!
—Submitted by a parent

Thank you very much. I was made to feel like I was the only one that had a problem with the staff. I, unfortuantely, can't volunteer due to working - I wished I could to keep more of an eye on everything. The staff is very quick to point the finger when a problem arrises and refuses to admit or confront problems about one of their own. My child has been made to feel like everything he does is wrong, but it's ok for others. He's also scolded for telling when he's being bothered or hurt. I've tried giving this school the benefit of the dounbt for these 2 years. But I'm done. This is ridiculous.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately this school is too caught up in themselves to really care about the students. Teachers when confronted with a question seem to be defensive rather than working with the parents and making it better for the student. My child has been there for 3 years and it's changed greatly from the first year that my child attended. Unfortunantely it has changed for the worse.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here from Prescott AZ & thought Anna would have a hard time with the move & the teachers & staff made it so great. Anna has always needed extra help in reading & math & they just took control of the matter.She will be moving on to middle school & I will miss all the teachers & staff that have made our familys life so great for 2 years. We Love You All.
—Submitted by Tina White, a parent

Although this is the only elementary school we've been involved with, I can whole-heartedly say we feel blessed to have our children there. The dual-language program is amazing! We do not speak Spanish in our home but our children do and never stop amazing us. The teachers we've had have always been willing to discuss any issues and then be proactive to work with our kids as needed. The parents as a whole are active (as able) and the new Watch D.O.G. program that involves the fathers is wonderful. We love this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has gone to Estes McDoniel for two years now. We feel that she is getting the education that is needed. The Principal is a well rounded person and believes in what she does. The School carries high standard for its self and of the students. We feel that the teacher our always ready to go one step more for the students. We feel that Estes McDoniel is a great school and would ask parents to check it out.
—Submitted by a teacher

My kids have been at Estes for a few years and we have a few to go. Yes there has been changes with the dual language program. Yes teachers have left and new are present. The school is still highly rated for its academics. Homework could be cut back. I have children who excel and those who don't. One child passed through and was diagnosed with problems. Another has been assessed and is being given extra help. I don't think we can blame these descrepancies on an entire school. Overall, the school is great, most of the staff is great. The main problem has been that the parent involvement is high and there is a suffering of Hyper-parenting and immense gossip at times that is the downfall. I have overheard too many times parents speaking about other peoples children and not nicely comparing scores, classwork, etc. This is the shame.
—Submitted by a parent

A once great school with professional and experienced teachers is gone and a trendy, inconsistant school with a revolving door staff is left. It's a shame that a principal is allowed to grind a school into the ground. I'm so glad that my child is leaving this school soon. I would rather my child be taught this country's official language and be taught well, rather than be taught spanish and english half way.
—Submitted by a parent

I was really surprised when I read some of the other reviews. I am extremely happy with this school. I admit that the transition was rough when moving to the dual language program and it is true that good teachers left but I've been very impressed with the new teachers and I think the program will get stronger as the new teachers get plugged in. I have noticed that the principal seems to know each of the kids and their interests. I have one child who has been at McDoniel for 3 years and he loves participating in all his classes and other activities, especially GATE and Miler's Club. My husband and I both volunteer regularly even though we both work full time. I think more kids and parents would have the positive experiences we have had if they were more involved.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers seem to try hard but they have to deal with rediculous programs and a loony principal. I have two girls, one has been to McDoniel and she couldn't wait to get out. Good activities have been scrapped for this dual language program. It seems that nothing matters to the principal but this spanish program. I hope the school board replaces this principal with a sensible person soon.
—Submitted by a parent

I personally think that Estes Mcdoniel is going down hill very fast. PTA parents are very petty and childish. They are more focused on themselves and their rank than what really matters the most. Which is the children. The children can see right through all this. Just because someone donates money to the school it does not give them any special priveledges, and to use that to manipulate to get their way. I think that the overall instruction time is not what it should be. since when should parents have to buy books to teach their children math? Don't get me wrong their are a few exceptional teachers at this school. I have unfortunately seen a lot of good ones go. The teacher turnover is high, not a good sign. The teachers should spend more time instructing the children rather than leaving it all to the parents with a overload of homework!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that attend Estes McDoniel and I couldn't be happier. The dual language program is amazing. I have to disagree with the comment made about the office personnel. I am always welcomed when I visit the school. If I have a question or concern, it is immediately taken care of. I have a child who excels and a child who doesn't so much excel. Both of my children get equal attention from the faculty and staff. While there is always room for more parent involvement, I've never been in a school where I've seen so many parents want to lend a hand. Good Work Estes!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree w/ parent comment feb 2005 about Estes McDoniel's staff. On several occasions I have been ignored by office personel. I currently have 2 children there, 2nd grader and 3rd grader, who have both had the same teacher. My 2nd grader is more advanced than my 3rd grader. I noticed how the staff gives special treatment to my more advanced child, and how my other child was 'pushed to the back.' Instead of encouraging my child, the teachers are more about scolding the child and parent. No patience and less attention to the kids who need it the most. Unfortunately, this is one of the highest rated public elementary schools in the Las Vegas/Henderson area.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 5 kids, all of whom attened Estes Mcdoniel I cannot express how wonderful I think the school is. Especially in the area of special needs children. I would have never learned of a problem my daughter has, had it not been from a great teacher. The staff has done an excellent job on their part to see that my daughters special needs were met. Those teachers have a tough job. Estes McDoniel has a double thumbs up from me. I now have three attending the school and the only problem I've encountered is from other parents.
—Submitted by a parent