Dogwood Hill Elementary School

I have a child in the 'special education' program. He couldn't be in better hands. His teachers and aides are very loving, caring and more than willing to work with you so we can all achieve the same goal. Mainstreaming my grandson.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a family/community feeling. It is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I dont like the school....i think they try but their services for special education really leave a bad taste in my mouth...
—Submitted by a parent

So, far my experience has been wonderful. My children have learnrf so much in a year and a half. I think the classes are a reasonable mP.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree, class sizes at Dogwood are out of hand. My son's class (first grade) has 23!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a terrific school that is a hidden diamond in Oakland. The class size is small - my sons class has about 16 kids, including him - the teachers are dedicated and they have extra activities that make for fun and learning at the same time. There is a lot of parent invovlement and the teachers really care about the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, this school suffers from overcrowding. It is clear that at one time, this school was staffed with highly professional teachers and administrators. After having removed my child from Dogwood, I can say emphatically that class sizes approaching 20+ children are just not practical. It is a real shame. And, the Borough of Oakland blindly moves forward with even more plans for new residential development in the immediate area with no regard to the impact (larger class sizes) on Dogwood Hills.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great! The dedication of the teaching staff, their close relationship with the principal and the shared sense of purpose they have in ensuring the children receive a great educational experience comes through for all to see.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic programs at Dogwood Hill School are very strong. Its real strength and vitality seem to be derived from its staff. From the principal to the teachers to the aides and clerical staff, everyone seems to want to support the children. The individual child is recognized and supported. The parents seem very supportive and involved. The students, on the average, achieve very nicely in state mandated assessments.
—Submitted by a parent

I usually eschew these types of forums because they are often places where people complain about personal issues. I prefer to take a higher road and address the issues directly. Having written that, I feel the need to give support to this academic community. Dogwood is a great place that is staffed by very caring and dedicated people. Each year we are so pleased by the quality of the teachers and the depth of their interest in our children. The support staff is also terrific and responsive to the needs of the children. We have been there 5 years and we have no complaints. I don't know of any teachers I (or anybody I know) would wish to retire; the experienced staff guides the newcomers. It is a great blend of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not do enough for above average children. They rely on the district's gifted and talented program which doesn't start until the 3rd grade which makes kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades a total waste of time for these children. Also, there is a teacher that doesn't seem to enjoy teaching and should probably be retired because [this teacher] is not an effective teacher anymore. This feeling is shared by most parents whose children have had this teacher. The principal has been made aware of this situation but nothing has been done about it.
—Submitted by a parent