Peter Woodbury School

This is truly an excellent school. I have a chid who is very bright as well as one who needs support and the school meets both of their needs. Unfortunately there is no enrichment program in Bedford for first grade which I wish would be changed. The staff and the parents at PWS have created an extremely positive environment and we couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter entered first grade this year, and as a ADHD child started off with some difficulty but the teachers, TAs, behaviorial therapist and guidance counselor were all fantastic and keep in touch with me regarding my daughter. My daughter has been there 8 weeks now and is absolutley thriving and her learning capability has increased. We moved to bedford in August because we saw that 3 out of the 10 top schools in NH are bedford schools so bedford must be doing something right! So far, it has been a great experience. I am a volunteer at the school and the parent volunteer ratio is high and I beleive it makes for a much better environment for our children and keeps parents in touch with their children rather than disconnected from their children and their schools. Bedford is the place to be.
—Submitted by a parent

Everything appears to look good at Bedford. Nice people and wonderful teachers. The problem is, when we transferred out children to a private school, they were behind other children. Your child may be at the top in Bedford but they would not be at the top in a private school. Most do not know this unless they make a change like we did. The state tests are a joke.
—Submitted by a parent

This is truly a great school and it starts and ends with the principal and his dedicated staff of professionals. I am very fortunate that my son is attending this school. I would enroll him in a private school in a minute if I thought it would be better. The communications and involvement that they welcome of the parents is wonderful. The national and state achievement scores prove the point. A true 10 out of 10 rating
—Submitted by a parent

I gave this math a chance and I have to say, it's a huge disappointment. My kids are frustrated and I'm now turning to outside tutoring on top of paying taxes to our school. The teachers are great but they have no choice but to use this program. Now my oldest child is in middle school using another math program called Connected Math. Again, huge disappointment. I just read this critique from an e-mail I received from a Bedford parent. It seems that Bedford is using math programs that are geared towards the lowest performing students. http://www.claytonmathmatters.com/connectedMath.html If you come to a Bedford school , be prepared to hire a math tutor for you child!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a model public school. The staff and administration are dedicated to the students and their families. It starts at the top and is seen in everyone that works at the school. I take great pride in being able to send my son to this wonderful school. It is as good and in my opinion better than most private schools. It is why I live in Bedford, NH.
—Submitted by a parent

In a previous review, a parent warned against the Everyday Math Program. Just because the town of Seabrook is at the bottom of the math assessment, does not mean that Bedford students are at the bottom. A 'math program' is not the only thing that makes a superior math program. The quality of the staff, administration, parent involement and instruction is what is the driving force behind a successful program. The previous reviewer should educate themselves regarding the testing scores of Bedford students. Students in Bedford are some of the highest scores in the state with vast improvement noted since the adoption of the Every Day Math Program. As far as PWS, it is a top notch school. It may not look brand new, but it is a safe, caring and welcoming enviorment. The staff is top notch and the administration is fabulous. I am lucky my kids attend.
—Submitted by a parent

Be Warned. Everyday Math was adopted in Bedford recently. This is the same math program used in Seabrook and Seabrook is at the bottom on their math assessment.
—Submitted by a parent

Not the newest physical plant, but the best 'feel' of the three elementary schools in town.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff and the welcoming atmosphere at Peter Woodbury Elementary school is the amazing! Parent/volunteer involvement is greatly encouraged. The academics are above the state standards and every child gets the attention he/she needs and deserves. Mr. Ken Williams is the principal that every parent wishes for. I highly recommend this school and the entire school district. The HS which will open in September 2007 (along with a new middle school to alleviate crowding problems at the current MS) will be top notch!
—Submitted by a parent

We had a second and fifth grader at Peter Woodbury. We were there briefly from out of state and had a fabulous experience. The administration and faculty were outstanding! They made my boys feel very welcomed and included. The academics were top notch and parents were everywhere. An awesome place! Thank you Mr. Williams and Mrs. Z.!
—Submitted by Laura Hinckley, a parent