George Washington Elementary School

My two boys are now entering 1st and 4th grades. Both of them enjoy attending school and are rarely absent. My older guy has not had a teacher that we didn't like, and his 3rd grade teacher was the best of the bunch so far. My little guy's kindergarten experience could not have been better. He also had the same teacher that my older one had. We are immensely happy with the job that his teachers have done. Again, they both love going to school, which is something that I cannot say when I was growing up. They both attend the after school program, which we are all happy with as well. The principal, Mr. Norman, continues to lead by example, and sets a professional tone in the building. We continue to remain happy with the job that the school is doing. I am a teacher and a parent who is very involved, and I have high expectations for my boys' teachers. They all continue to meet, and at times exceed, those expectations..
—Submitted by a parent

I have two childern in the George Washington now. The facility is well maintained, the food plan is good, the teachers are responsive and engaged, and the principal is very visible and accessible at after school functions. There is also a healthy level of involvement from parents, and many opportunities sponsored by the school for teachers, children and parents to develop relationships outside of the classroom. My only concern is with the number of teachers on leave at a given time, and the ability of adminstration to properly handle the absences with a the current staff reducitons. One of my children had teachers on leave for half the year, two years in a row. My child ended up transitioning between 5 different teachers in two years (3 substitutes and 2 tenured). All of the substitute and tenured teacher were good, however each had a distinct teaching style ,and the multiple transitions had a definite impact on my child's short term educational progress and confidence.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent Principal Leadership. Mr. Norman is one of the best. Excellent teachers. Very close knit school family. My 2 children recently graduated from GW. We were very involved parents and the 7 years were wonderful. Thank you to all. The Heagles
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of three. My son has been there for K and 1st. I am a teacher, so I am very involved. My wife and I are very happy with his teachers, as well as the tone or the building. My child also attends the morning and after school programs. He is happy and feels safe, and that means the world to us. The principal, Mr. Norman, sets a professional tone for his staff, and a nurturing tone that is conducive to learning for the students. We will not think twice about sending our other two children when they are old enough to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of two children that are currently at this school and I can truly say that this school is very good. The teachers are helpful and committed to having each child achieve his/her goals. The music department / art department are very organized. You are always informed of everything that is happening in the school and in your child classroom. You can easily e-mail the teacher if you have any questions or concerns and you will receive a quick response. The kids enjoy all the events that happen throughout the year at the school and I am glad that my children are very happy and doing really well.
—Submitted by a parent

This school in my prospective is one of the best schools. I am not just saying that because i went there my whole elementary time, but because the teachers there are like your family! When you are a new student they make sure you get everything you need and when you move onto middle school and come back for a visit after 3 years they STILL remember you! I moved the year of 2005 to NJ and all the teachers in George Washington Elementary school still now me like i just left a day ago! So if you are looking for a great school... take it from a kid that went there!
—Submitted by a student

The school is quite average. It does little or nothing for any student who is above average, with the entire focus going toward the standardized tests. There are many young, energetic teachers who seem to be held back by the focus on the tests. There is a minimal and sub-par science program, and little 'social studies.' The principal is a very good leader and very charismatic, but seems to focus on 'values' rather than academics.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of the academic programs is fine, however there is no advanced placement at this school. There is a good music program and there are numerous afterschool activities. The physical education program is varied, but seems to not push the students that are not overachievers or favorites to increase their performance and get posted on the board as 'winners' in varied categories, which can leave some behind and make them lose interest. Parent involvement is very good K-1 and lessens in 2 and then more so in 3 and that's all I know about thus far!
—Submitted by a parent