John Philip Sousa Elementary School

This is a fabulous school with excellent leadership. I have three very different children and all have been very well-served by the teachers and other professionals, who are caring and dedicated. The principal is responsive and attentive to detail. If only the middle school were half as good.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a first rate school. I've taught at it for 26 years and the scores speak for themselves. Reports to the contrary definitely hide their ax to grind. Gratuitous, petty criticism points to the motivations of the reviewers. Enough said.
--Submitted by a teacher

In comparing this school to others, perhaps one could make the case that this is a very good school. But, make no mistake, it is not progressive AT ALL. The district, like many suburban ones is very traditional--test scores and Intel Scholars are important. This district helps those at the bottom and cherishes those at the top, but does very little for those in the middle. They talk a good game about differentiated learning, but there is no evidence of that in the schools. You might get a thoughtful teacher who would like to try new things, but often is unable to, because she has to prepare the children for the standardized testing. The leadership of the school is weak.
--Submitted by a parent