Mary Scroggs Elementary School

My son had a fantastic year at Mary Scroggs. He was there for second grade and his teacher was wonderful. He had a male teacher who understood that boys are boys, yet still made sure the kids were working to their capabilities. There was also an amazingly intelligent and kind, loving assistant. Chapel Hill has a true gifted program, unlike some other states/cities we have lived in. They make sure the gifted kids are pushed, that they have the necessary higher level problems to challenge them. I wish we had never had to leave.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall a very good school. Regarding the "lack of foresight" comment below, I'm really not sure to what this reviewer may be referring. I've always found the school to have a pretty clear mission and plan in the 3 years my children have been there. As well, their teachers have always been pretty clear on expectations, and have instilled a very good work ethic in my children. Parental involvement is fantastic.
—Submitted by a parent

This school used to be great with the previous principal. The school was run tight and expectations were clear. As a parents, I am somewhat disappointed by the lack of leadership and foresight. It is a nice school in a lovely location but there is a high turnover in CH.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had a fabulous experience at Scroggs. The teachers are wonderful and care about each other and the students. The teachers all work together so that all students receive an excellent education. In response to the review below, my child has never experienced bullying, but know that we have received many items on the issue of how, if it were to occur, it is handled. I have had to speak to the principal on an issue and it was remedied immediately. We have been there now for 6 years and love it.
—Submitted by a parent

I left a gerat review here before, but it's gone for some reason. This school is wonderful. We moved here form out of state and have had nothing but wonderful experiences. Our son has improved and made more friends then any other year before at different schools. The principal and staff are helpful and try to do everything they can to look out for the kids best interests. Unfortunately, we are making a last move again and will have to leave. It will be hard to find a school as great as this one. I love the Nurtured Heart Approach they use as well!
—Submitted by a parent

I had to pul;l my third grader out because there was no anti bullying system in place that i could tell. The bullying and chaos in his class was so bad he did not want to go. HE said he hated it and wanted to go to another school. If a child says that you have to do something. Talking to the principle three times didn't do much good either. Nothing was done. So we took him out. You are only a child once, you can't keep trying while years of students are getting mis treated.
—Submitted by a parent

Had a bad experience with this school. The principal ignored major safety issues and the teacher was grossly incompetent. Overcrowding is definitely a problem. There are 24 students in each class. Overall, very disappointed with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

much better this year(2006-2007) with new principal. some truly excellent teachers and some truly awful ones. lot's of parental involvement and a great community. lots of behavior problems that disrupt class with little consequence.
—Submitted by a parent

The school itself is beautiful, and the staff is generally excellent. There's a bit of a 'Stepford Wifes' feel to the place, but the parents are very involved and the kids are getting a great education. The best part is that most children are there because the parents care about education. Overcrowding is a problem, which can cause a child to miss attention they need. Not all teachers teach the same way, yet apparently classes are not built with teachers in mind. When a child does not match a teacher, there is no recourse. I've had one friend pull her child out of Scroggs because of this.
—Submitted by a parent