Clara E. Coleman Elementary School

The school is small, the teachers involved and the culture nurturuing.
--Submitted by a parent

January 2006 - My daughter is in first grade here and loves it! She has a wonderful, enthusiastic teacher and only 17 children (with some diversity) in her class. She is genuinely excited about learning and even enjoys the aftercare program (I work outside the home). The principal of the school is a woman who is very approachable, a good listener and she seems to be a very good leader. My daughter really likes the principal! First grade includes music, art, physical education and library as well as her studies in her first grade classroom (reading, writing, math, problem solving, etc.) I sat in on a class and the teacher really makes learning fun. She also encourages teamwork and respect for your fellow students. We've only been at this school since Sept. 2006, but so far...we are very pleased.
--Submitted by a parent

We fled this town in part because of the education system that emphasized lots of homework and testing over more hands-on, interactive learning. The generally unimaginative approach to education (with some teacher exceptions) starts at the top--the principal is a stern man. Never a kind word. We couldn't wait to get out of such a negative, passive school environment that had very few bright spots--although the music teacher was one of them. Some may think this environment, with a heavy emphasis on standardized testing and rote learning (and incidently, almost no diversity), is what a good education is all about. I don't.
--Submitted by a parent