Cecil S. Collins Elementary School

I am unsatisfied with the classroom structure having 17 boys and 8 girls in one class. My biggest complaint is that the children get way to much homework. It is a all night chore and I don't think that is right on a second grade child to have to do so much work after a long day of school. It is very frustrating for a child to have to come home and study all night, we don't have much time together or for her to relax and it is very frustration on the children.
--Submitted by a parent

Sadly, Collins School has no leadership, no management, no priorities, and little commitment to its pupils. Many of the teachers are all right, but the principal and other administrators are, one senses, just waiting for their pensions to vest. This is NOT the school for anyone who has a choice.
--Submitted by a parent

I am reluctant to write a mostly negative review, but I have to be honest. This is a poorly-managed educational facility, with little concern for students. As a result, students are deprived of the traditional benefits of an elementary school education. If it were not so sad, the level of ineptness among the school administration would be almost comical. Maybe when the school gets a new principal, things may possibly improve a great deal, because many of the teachers are sincerely struggling to provide the students with the tools that they need. Until then, parents, PLEASE do not do your children the disservice of sending them to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Inferior school. Poorly run. Questionable commitment to the students' well-being. Devoid of priorities. Lacks leadership. Deplorable managers. The leaders of the school are quite busy -- but what they are busy with has very little to do with the education or care of the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, the school has poor administration and poor guidance services. Many of the teachers are okay, but they are struggling by themselves because the school has absolutely no leadership. The principal would probably not be employable anywhere else but in Barnegat. Please, parents, if you want your children to be truly educated, do anything possible to avoid this school. If you want your children to be safe both physically and emotionally, this is not the school for them.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is lacking alot. No security, any crazy person can just walk on in. They have teachers who should not be teaching anymore, because of they age and also how long they have been there, they are burned out and coo-coo and also grouchy. They dont give the children enough physical exercise, since they only have gym once week. That is why everyone's kids are overweight. This school is out of date and not up with 2008.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attended Collins School from kindergarten through fifth grade. I have had nothing but positive experiences with their teachers. Some go a little overboard with homework, but their expertise and caring nature made up for that. The school counselor is absolutely wonderful, and has many support groups going to fit all types of problems. Even though gym was only once a week, this was my children's favorite part of school because the p.e. teachers were so amazing. I also appreciate that they switch for language arts and group them according to their academic level. My children were challenged in every possible way because of this. The staff at Collins goes above and beyond to make thier students' experience in school educational and fun at the same time. Each grade level does their own play or talent show each year. I would highly recommend this school!
--Submitted by a parent

my daughter attended 2,3,4 grades at Collins and it was by far the best experience she ever had. and Importance of academics was second to none,and the teachers truly enjoyed coming to school. there was a sense of family that is rare anywhere.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is wonderful. The administrative staff and teachers are willing to help no matter what. My child loves the school and all its activities.
--Submitted by a parent

I had three children attend this school and was very pleased with the education they received. Some of the teachers were a bit strict but my children did not suffer because of it. I would highly recommend this school to anyone moving into the area.
--Submitted by a parent