Elise L. Wolff Elementary

To clarify, I meant an entire single class of differentiated instruction, not the small groups that the schools do use. Every class has reading groups, math levels, etc.... just not an entire classroom of ONLY high children. I think that's what the angry parent was grousing about.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent and I'd like to address the turnover comment. Teachers are mostly young women, they get married, follow their husbands jobs, have kids and become sah moms, move on to middle school teaching, etc... If a teacher stays within the district or within the profession, I don't see how you can call that high teacher turnover. I'd like to see how many people in the private sector are still working 10 years in the same place/position. And regarding differentiated instruction, CCSD public elementary schools don't do that. It's against the law. They have GATE beginning in 3rd grade and magnet schools. It's just the way things are. Maybe not the best, but the way it is. I find it hard to believe that other schools are allowed to remove all their best and brightest and put them in a super brainy class, leaving the other classes with only low preforming children, trouble makers and the rest. Those bright kids are needed as peer models. Maybe your child is a genius, some kids are just not challenged by public school. But that doesn't mean the school is bad.
--Submitted by a parent

Wolff is the WORST school any of our three children has ever had to attend. It is the only Del Webb feeder school that does not differentiate instruction. There are no levels at Wolff, every child learns the same curriculum regardless of ability level. Our efforts to have our daughter challenged fell on deaf ears, the teacher recommended we pay for outside tutoring. The principal took weeks to return phone calls and refused to change anything. The PTA is strong, but does not seem to take an academic interest in the students. I don't know how Wolff received a ten.
--Submitted by a parent

Since 2001 I've had a child at Wolff. The main thing that has bothered me about Wolff is the turnover rate of teachers. There has only been two principles at Wolff since it started in 2000. I have not liked either Principle at Wolff. Ms. Harbin is not a very good leader and is not very motivated to improve the school. The teachers are not supported by her and in turn they leave to go to schools with better administration. When I looked over the yearbook of my Kindergarten child of 2001, I was amazed at how few teachers are still at the school in 2011. In ten years it's almost a new staff. The school enrollment is way over capacity so the entire 5th grade is in portables. The teachers are overwhelmed with the class size, a ratio of 34 students to 1 teacher for fifth grade.
--Submitted by a parent

Relocated to Henderson from the East Coast, so I was very concerned about the quality (or, lack thereof) of education here in Nevada. We chose to live in Seven Hills solely based on the Great Schools rating Wolff received. We are thrilled that we did! Mrs. Ellena (Kindergarten) is a kind, patient, organized, and loving teacher... despite the number of children she has in each of her AM/PM class (high number of K students!). Parent involvement is not only graciously accepted and appreciated, but encouraged. It is extremely rewarding and a privilege to assist. There's no better way to be in the know of your children's behavior at school than by volunteering. It's been wonderful getting to know all of the children in our daughter's class. Wolff is a great fit for our family!
--Submitted by a parent

For a state rated low in public education, Wolff Elementary in Henderson is a 10 all the way! Teachers, staff, parents, activities... all outstanding! If someone tells you differently, they're simply uninvolved.
--Submitted by a parent

I've met several parents who chose to move to Seven Hills specifically so their children could attend this school. Wolff is a strong public school with amazing front office staff, teachers, and involved parents -- all who genuinely care about each child who goes here. GREAT SCHOOL!
--Submitted by a parent

My sons in fifth grade and to be honest were sad that he's leaving. He has alot of issues being ADHD but they've handled it so well. Changing classes this year has been hard for him but I really feel it will help him next year. My daughter will be going to Wolff in 2012 and were happy to send her there.
--Submitted by a parent

Its my first year @ the school.been very happy son .Has improve grades alot.Everybody is friendly to you ...
--Submitted by a parent

Very nice staff & teachers. Kids seem happy and are learning. School is always clean when I have visited.