Double Diamond Elementary School

This school has been horrible for the past few years that my child has gone there. The office staff in not friendly at all, and the administration does not work well with parents. At times their tone of voice is very rude when speaking to parents as well. I would not recommend this school. They are overcrowded and no accommodations are made to help support students and/or parents. The one good thing I have to say are most of the teachers I have dealt with have been pretty good.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school. Teachers do not know how to deal with bullying. Teachers just let the kids do whatever and too much homework is being sent home than actually teaching. My child is very sad in that school. The Administrator is every where and the principles usually never show up but only once or twice a week. And by the way, the Administrator is very abusive and yells all the time at kids and gives them a citation for talking to her with a bit of attitude. Parents are very frustrated with grades there. Only a couple of teachers are kind and should get a job somewhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

2nd grade may be a complete waste for my step-daughter due to a teacher who could not control her class enough to teach them anything and we can only hope that She does not start 3rd grade behind. I'm very frustrated with everyone at the school and my concerns fell on deaf ears.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have attended schools in three different states. I find double diamond to be the worst school yet. The staff is rude and the teachers spend most of the day texting instead of teaching. There is far too much homework sent home. My kids went from loving school to hating school. There is a large proportion of students with behavior problems and the staff doesnt seem to know how to handle it. The school is clean and seems safe. It is on a track system, 3 months on one month off year round
—Submitted by a parent

I have loved LIttle Flower from the day we started but with all the changes this year it seems the staff is burned out and stopped working with the parents and the children to foster a good relationship. I believe the new principal is trying to do what is right but is overwhelmed. The teachers do not communicate at all when something is going on with the student. It is pulling teeth to find out what is happening in regards to the education.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel this school needs to have higher standards for their students. Last year, I mentioned my concerns to the principal that the kids I read with had trouble with simple phonetic blends. The students were late first grade. I was told that it was okay if they didn't know their "blends" because these blends are "really hard for them" and that "they would get them eventually". Unacceptable to me. In my opinion a late first grader should know these sounds by heart and be reading simple stuff fluently. I really hope the new principal sees it differently and raises the bar for these kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Despite a high transient population, this school has a dedicated staff for the children, and strong parental involvement.

I've never been to a school before where all the teachers and staff are so happy. Teachers from different schools in WC have told me that DD is one of the happiest schools in the district. I feel very fortunate to have my children in such a positive place. I am proud to be a mom in a classroom full of kids whose parents are constantly volunteering. Bottom line, teachers, kids, parents at Double Diamond are doing it the right way.
—Submitted by a parent

The comment from March 25, 2008 speaks to the now minority of parents who refuse to get involved with the school. It's not about money donation but it is about time. Your kids are not 'in' as the reviewer accused if a parent donates their time, they are just better prepared. Is that unfair? No. Double Diamond has wonderful, caring, well versed teachers and a principal who shows leadership and a level of committment that goes above and beyond. There is no reason to 'complain too much for a better education' (I was hard pressed to even understand that comment). That level of 'better education' is already there. And there is no bully issue. On the contrary, there is an awareness level through on-duty teachers on the playground as well as peer monitors to make sure play is a safe and fun time for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Double Diamond is a GREAT SCHOOL! The parents are wonderful, the teachers are great, the principal is even better and the kids are well rounded (not too many of any single class).
—Submitted by a parent

I agree that the kids get pushed through the cracks by this school. If your student is class pet then they get a somewhat decent education. The criteria at this school is too vague and the teachers don't really teach, they touch on this and that and say that if the kids don't get it they will. If you donate time and money to this school the your kids is in. If you complain too much for a better education then your child gets pushed aside. The bully problem in the school is never addressed appropriately either. The teacher's discriminate against kids they don't like. It depends on who your teacher is. There are some good teachers. Doesn't matter who the principal is. Do we really need to be spending money on trees? Education is where the money should go.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year here as a sixth grader and I am very comfortable with the teaching staff and prinipal. They are caring, knowledgeable and positive.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the kids get pushed through the cracks and the teachers don't really know what each student is capable of. The personal touch has disappeared from schools.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had nothing but great experiences attending Double Diamond. My children have loved their teachers and have been learning so much it amazes me. The school is clean and welcoming with all of the interior murals and the landscaping is MUCH improved. Just keeps getting better.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very impressed with the new principal and the school. Mrs. Kirch is a wonderful teacher and has made a huge impact with my Kindergartener. The school is very clean and tidy and the staff has been wonderful all around. Keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent

I disagree with the review below...the teachers are the *best* part of Double Diamond and now with a new principal who is focused on getting things done right...I know that this year will be a turning point for the school...it is surrounded by schools that have much more parent participation and I believe that is the factor that could move the 8 rating into a 9 or 10...but the teachers are A+++!
—Submitted by a parent

double diamond is a fair school but not the best quality.I only know about two good teachers and they are both fairly good.I suggest that if anyone wants to be a part of this school they should do some research on it because this school is really not for everyone.
—Submitted by alley lieberman, a parent