Seawell Elementary School

We have been with Seawell a few years now. We are happy with it and have gotten to know the principal, who I think is wonderful - a good and serious leader who listens to parents. She got directly involved in a situation I was dealing with this year and I appreciate very much that it could have turned out very differently with a different kind of leader. Our son has a wonderful, experienced teacher this year who is helping him love learning again. He is advanced academically and has made huge strides in reading and math after a demoralizing year last year. We have had mixed experiences with the teaching quality, and last year was a bad year for many of the kids in his class. It does depend on which teacher you get, though I have faith that the majority of teachers are good. We had many volunteer opportunities in the past and this sense of community is what we had loved. However, for whatever reason this year, communication was almost non-existent, and we have not been contacted about the volunteer opportunities that we had signed up for. Our son LOVES the school - nice kids and caring teachers - and we are happy overall.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had one child graduate from Seawell and another just started. Compared to other schools I know well in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, Seawell stands out for having happy, hard-working teachers and approachable, hands-on principals. The parent community is actively involved, participating not only by reading in the classroom, helping with art class, but also volunteering to maintain a wonderful hands-on critter corner, improve the landscaping, and soon build a school veggie garden. I have no complaints.
--Submitted by a parent

When settling in the Triangle area, we chose Chapel Hill because we had heard that the schools were the best in the area. We've been at Seawell 2 years. Our daughter had one great year (this year) and one mediocre, attitude-damaging year (last year). Of course, that can happen anywhere--and, at the elementary level the individual classroom teacher is the deciding factor in your child's experience. Last year, we were unlucky; this year we were very lucky. I am pleased by the range of 'extras' my daughter receives, including Spanish 3 days a week and a gym program that really teaches her about fitness and health rather than simply playing games. So, overall we are pleased. Our daughter has made great progress in reading and math and found a love for Spanish. We wish the science program had better support.
--Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school with dedicated administration and teachers. Even though Seawell is a bit over its capacity, you would never know it by how smoothly things run. Great multicultural experience for all. Highly recommended.
--Submitted by susan haas, a parent