Carthage Elementary School

We are a military family that had moved around several times now, and with 2 children (1 being of school age) It is important to us to find a great school with teachers that are caring yet going to be strong for our child with him having ADHD. We have had that met the past two years with outstanding teachers for 2nd and 3rd grade. My only down fall is the long bus ride from post to school (30+ minutes) The bus system is awful!!! I have spoken to the bus garage and the head of transportation on numerous occasions about incidents on the bus.
—Submitted by a parent

Some of the rare staff there are welcoming and some are not. Some want to make you to drag your kids out and home school them. Others listen and focus on your children to bring them to where they need to be. I have had ups and downs with this school especially with the principal Mrs. Vail . She knows me by name for a reason. This school is an average school. Depends on what you're looking for as for an education. I would say 45% teacher , 55% at home as far whos instructing your kids. If you're a type of parent that believes the teacher should be the one teaching your child then this school isn't it! My children are always bringing work with special extra tutoring along the side. However, if we as a family didn't sit down with our kids and help them in certain areas that the teacher over looked or didn't have time. My kids would be further behind. I have noticed if it wasn't for my child(ren) behavior issues then the school never called me. However, when at the PTC there was all kinds of stuff negative about my child's grades. Why on earth didn't I get a call or at least a note? Nope, they wanted to wait til we where there in person 6 weeks too late. The buses are average
—Submitted by a parent

School does not care about the safety of children. The bus is a war zone, the principal, transportation director and assistant transportation director have all refused to do anything about the situation. The curriculum is far from educational, my kids have to learn everything at home since they learn nothing at school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a military family we move alot!! We have been in the Carthage School district for approx 6 yrs now, and both my children have attended the Elementary school. The teachers I've had experience with are respectful and fair with their students. They seem to genuinely care about their students and there well being. One of the reasons we purchased a house here is the school district.
—Submitted by a parent

We have one of the best schools around. The staff knows all the children by there first name. Are PTO do so many great things for the children, and no child goes without.You can go in any day of the week and always see children hugging a teacher. It might be a school but there is alot of love in this little school.
—Submitted by a parent

Small town mentality, as a newcomer,I have not felt welcomed by the school at all. Can't wait to sell our house and get out of here.
—Submitted by a parent

State test scores for this school are not valid; school changes curriculum weeks before State Tests to train students on test specific materials and testing techniques. Also, school has no dicipline policy to deal with violent children. Unsafe.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an absolutely fabulous school and school district. Emphasis on the well being of the students is as important to these educators as are their academic needs. Extra time and attention are given to any child needing special help or attention. I was afraid that in such a small community the level of academic excellence would be lacking, but this is not the case at all. I haven't met one teacher, staff member, or administrator that has less than the fullest regard for each and every child in their care. I have had two children in this school and am so glad they have had the opportunity to be associated with such a fine educational environment. Well done, Carthage Elementary!
—Submitted by Diane, a parent

We've been very happy with Carthage elementary overall. Our son is in 1st grade now, and both this year and last his teachers were great and he's always happy and enjoys his day at school. The math and reading programs seem to be challenging but not overwhelming. There is homework most days, but it can be finished in just 5-15 minutes, and he enjoys doing it. I'm very happy with the teachers, library, etc., but the school isn't the most friendly to parents. Our son was in a pre-K program in Texas, and the school there was wonderful for parents--very open, really, really encouraged volunteers, etc. The school here doesn't seem to really want parents in the school. Other than that, it's great.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to the US from England. This school has been fantastic in working with our daughter so that she could be brought up to speed in all subjects. Math was her weak area and the school immediately picked this up and offered her one on one help. Now she's getting high 90's and 100's, doesn't ask for math homework help anymore, and is thriving beyond our expectations. The school even took into account that her hand writing was different to what they teach and that she learned to spell words differently such as British (colour, cheque, etc.,) and US English (color, check, etc.). They have really worked with her/us to make this transition incredibly smooth and easy. Somehow she even stopped telling lies and became honest with us and herself this past year. The positive changes in our daughter are remarkable. Carthage Elementary is fantastic and easy to recommend!
—Submitted by a parent