Allen Creek School

My daughter attended Allens Creek from K-2. I was unhappy with her Kindergarten teacher, so-so about the 1st grade teacher, and very happy with her 2nd grade teacher. We transfered to Indian Landing in the Penfield school district just before she started 3rd grade so I can honestly compare the two schools. Allens Creek is an idyllic little school in many ways. Students are close knit and the environment seems supportive. My daughter received "enrichment" but there was no formal gifted program. Socio-economic and education-wise, I fit in well with the other parents but I felt that some parents were less than welcoming to me because I was a single mother. I was very worried when we moved into the Penfield school district because I had thought Indian Landing would be a "step down" but I was so, so wrong. The school is welcoming and there is a sense of community and school spirit that didn't exist at Allens Creek. In addition, Indian Landing has a gifted program, a much stronger music program, and many more clubs and activities for the students. My daughter is in 5th grade now and I have been very happy with her 4th and 5th grade teachers. (3rd grade was ok)
—Submitted by a parent

I must argue with the previous parent that thought their child was not given the attention that they deserved. All parents feel that their child is "gifted" and I am sure this parent is no exception. If you feel that your child wasn't given the attention that they deserved, than YES, send them to a private school that has a teacher to student ratio of 12-1. You are also going to spend over $18k/yr to get that. (By the way, Allen Creek has a 14-1 ratio, and it's a free public school). Allen Creek has won numerous awards for their excellence and they have earned them all. For those that are fortunate to put $18,250 a year towards tuition for their childs education, should expect more than a public school. But please don't rate my children's school only 3 stars because we don't measure up to a top private school. That just isn't fair to do! You are the epitome of what Pittsford parents are stereotyped as being. Rich snobs that just want to buy their way through life for them and their children. You should be ashamed of yourself!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Allen Creek for 2 years. Based on my experience, the reviews are a bit over rated. If you have an average or special needs student, this school is excellent. If you have a gifted or above average student, send them to a private school (Allendale Columbia). Allen Creek teaches to the middle or average student and there is no gifted program or extra assistance from the teachers. Allen Creek is focused on teaching to the NY state exams and any parent complaints will be ignored. However, this is a safe environment and parents and students are friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the positive AC comments! BUT fair warnign to the sweet 5th graders on their way off to CRMS!
—Submitted by a parent

Allen Creek is a nurturing, warm school environment. Its small size creates a welcoming community. The teachers and staff know the students and know the students' families. Parents and caregivers are actively involved in a variety of extracurricular enrichment programs and help out in the classrooms. Overall the teachers are terrific-- some are the best in the business. They actually put the things they learn in all those professional development seminars to good use! It's been a wonderful place for my children to spend their elementary years.
—Submitted by a parent

There is always such a positive atmosphere and the teachers are all dedicated to their profession
—Submitted by a parent

As with any school, public or private, the success of our children's education at ACE has been directly correlated to the teacher. We have had what we consider to be one of the top educators in the area yet the next year frustrated with one of the poorest. Socially there is very little conflict between students; very kind and cooperative atmosphere. This top-rated school needs to build academic continuity between grades...choose your child's teacher carefully!
—Submitted by a parent

My daugther, entered First Grade at ACE, coming from a full-day private Kindergarten. Academically, she is a bright child but has difficulty with transitions and new situations and new people. Before school started her teacher contact us to welcome us to the school. Based on this first conversation, it was apparent that she had a genuine interest each individual student. Before school started, both the students and parents were invited to the classroom to meet the teacher and get acquainted with the school, classroom and with students weekly schedule. Thoughtout the year I found my child's teacher to be a perfect match for her personality. She brought out the best both academically as well as socially. When there was an issue with completion of work at school, her teacher made a very appropriate contact and worked iwth our family to resolve the issue. The school has a very close community atmosphere. Wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

Allen Creek has offered my daughter a fantastic introduction to the public school environment. Her first grade teacher has brought her from a basic sight word vocabulary to reading beginner's level chapter books in only 6 month's time. There is a high level of parent involvement in both school assignments and classroom/extra curricular activities. Report cards are comprehensive and teachers are approachable.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children attended Allen Creek School and had a wonderful learning experience. The teachers are nurturing, kind, and highly professional. Allen Creek and the Pittsford School District is the highest rated in the Rochester area in regard to national testing scores in math and English. The District has been ranked #1 in standardized testing scores every year for as long as I have lived in the area, which is more than 15 years. Children who attend Allen Creek School go on to become leaders of their class at the Middle School level where the 5 elementary schools feed into one middle school. Because of its small size, (a student population well under 400 in the K-5 program), the atmosphere is one of warmth and friendliness - a feeling of home and safety for the students. This school provides top academic programs along with a variety of extracurricular activities. Many people relocating choose a home within this District because of the school's reputation.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend Allen Creek. My daughter went to Young Kindergarten through fifth grade. My son is currently in the fifth grade. We had a very positive experience with my daughter, except that some of the curriculum seems to be 'busy work.' When asked about specifics, teachers tended to get defensive. My son's experience has not been as good. He has learning issues and the school counselor and the principal have both dug in their heels about getting him services. I've recently learned that our elementary school (one of five) has a reputation for not getting children special education services, and that the middle school staff have to scramble to get kids set up when they start at the middle school.