Paw Creek Elementary School

Despite the other reviews, I have been quite pleased with the teachers my daughter has had at this school. I also like the fact that there is an emphasis on inquiry-based learning and all of the classrooms have the latest technology. It would be nice if my child had more access to computers, other than a weekly class and taking Accelerated Reading tests. This year the PTA is back on track with parents being actively involved.
—Submitted by a parent

THIS SCHOOL IS A JOKE, THEY DONT WANT TO TAKE THE TIME TO HELP A CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, THEY ARE THERE JUST TO GET A PAYCHECK AND THEY COULD CARELESS HOW THE CHILD IS OR THERE ACADEMICS.. I WOULD RECOMMEND A DIFFERENT SCHOOL IF YOU HAVE A CHANCE, YOUR CHILD WILL GET BEHIND BECAUSE THEY WOULD RATHER YOUR CHILD BE BEHIND THEN TAKE THE TIME TO HELP THEM WHERE THEY NEED HELP
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very structured and the principal has a tight grip on discipline and academics. However, community involvement is poor, and students arrive at school needing much love, discipline, and lessons in social skills. Because of this, teachers use too much class time disciplining and counceling students. P.T.A. is weak and is mostly teacher-run. Academically gifted students do not get much attention, other than once-a-week TD. Mostly gifted students are just grouped together with students who are mostly high-needs and below grade level. Teachers and staff are extremely caring and highly qualified. The special area department offers so many great activities that my child loves: chorus, art clubs, concerts and art shows. THis is the pride of the school. Because the school is behind academically, there is not much room for community-development, or having any fun in the classroom. Occasional class parties, generally used to involve parents and community memebrs, are extremely rare, and fun campus life is a thing of the past. Because of this, teacher morale is low and parent involvement has dwindled.
—Submitted by a parent

i am a former student at this school and wouldn't really recommend this school much. the teachers were great, but the school wasn't very clean and the curriculum didn't provide much challenges unless you were in TD classes, which i was. the school won't provide refunds if your child does not reach agreements for a field trip. (for example, in my 5th grade class, our trip to the zoo was $30 i believe, and we had a point system on 1-4 to determine how well you did that day. if you got any less than 20 points, you cannot go on the field trip and the school would not supply a refund.) again, the only thing i found slightly good about this school were the teachers (preferably the 'special area' teachers)

I am a mother of 2 children attending Paw Creek. Both children loved their teachers last year and made great progress. I couldn't have asked for a better after school program. All staff members have worked with me and I couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

I love everything thing in this school except the principle. She is not giving the children the full experience of school. No award ceremonies and no field trips. I loved every thing about this school until she came.
—Submitted by a parent

I do not recommend this school at all. I feel the need to warn people that are moving to the area- get your children into another school! I moved here from out of state into what I felt like a nice neighborhood. Well, neighbors were great, but the school was awful. There are no challenges for bright students, the office was completely unprofessional and rude (I asked to tour the school before enrolling my kids and was told I was NOT allowed- I just wanted my kids to know the layout before their first day, but I was refused). I feel bad for the teachers shuffled there, and am very disappointed with the principal and the bus drivers were not people to trust your kids with.
—Submitted by a parent

I do not recomment this school, the office staff is very unprofessional and unpleasant. The teachers also are not so great. I asked my son's teacher for a parent conference and she never called me. I can't wait till the end of the year b/c I am moving and taking my children back to Pineville Elementary ( a school that actually cares about their students!! )
—Submitted by a parent

This school gets bogged down with the miniscule things and forgets to focus on what really matters - the kids. The teachers whine and complain about doing their job and will do as little as possible. Worksheets abound at this school with very little relation to real-world learning. We decided to move to a private school - much better to pay out of pocket than continue to receive sub-par services.
—Submitted by a parent

Paw Creek Elementary has the best teachers. The school is very clean. The principle make sure all parents have full access to their kids assignments from all their classes on line. Parents are able to eat lunch with their kids. Every staff welcome you and say hello when walking pass. The teachers make sure the kids study hard and both of my kids love Paw Creek Elementary. I love the challenge that the teachers give both of my kids in their reading and math assignments.
—Submitted by a parent

Paw Creek offered my kindergartener a good routine on which he excelled. The teacher he had was firm and creative and I liked her a lot; although, if I was ever given the opportunity for an anonymous review, I would recommend that she try not to yell quite so much. My son loved the art and music classes as well as the computer labs and the media center. The school pushed reading (especially AR books) which is good. Unfortunately, the administration is less then friendly a visit to the office reinforces that and, even though I was at just about every meeting, the PTA had one person that remembered my name. Just a few parents do all the work. I d recommend more communication (especially to kindergarten parents with their first child going to school) as well as an attempt for the administration and PTA to get to know all parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school.. Great teachers.. This has been a great year !!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the 1st year that my child has attended this school & I feel 'his' teacher great. I can't complain thus far.
—Submitted by a parent

Children that are motivated and praised for their efforts perform better. I would love to see the staff in the mornings in the car pool line get excited to see these children as they arrive, with smiles and gestures. Coming from another county, I was accustomed to the teachers opening the car doors and smiling and welcomong the kids and boy did it make a difference in their day.
—Submitted by a parent

The leadership at the school is lacking in alot of areas.
—Submitted by a parent

Although the principal at this school started out on a right track she has gotten bogged down in day to day rule enforcement. Because of this there is a lack of focus and real leadership or initiative from the front office. There seems to be high teacher turn over at the end of each year and as a result the school has a lot of inexperienced teachers. There aren't enough clubs for all chidren interested as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Under its new leadership Paw Creek is doing great. I think the moral of the teachers and students is at an all time high. The principal loves the kids and to help academically she is really working with the teachers to reach our children. Paw Creek is a wonderful school with great teachers and support staff.
—Submitted by a parent

The new principle has made alot of great changes. In the few months the moral has gone up. Most of the teachers that are being brought in are experienced and highly qualified. It is going to be a great year for all students at Paw Creek.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Paw Creek for 3 years. Although my child has always excelled and had great teachers, there was a lot of tension between the teachers, parents, and the past principal. There were only about a dozen parents who continually tried to volunteer and be part of the PTA. Students of staff and faculty were given special treatment. A big part of the problem was the past principal. We have lost a lot of great teachers over the past 3 years. Hopefully the new principal can turn things around. She seems very friendly and supportive.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this school to anyone. Paw Creek has alot of work that needs to be done and starting with the Adm. and Principle. I child went her last year and I hated it everyday. Children not motivated praised or anything. And if your not friends with the teachers then you may as well forget about the quality your child will receive. I need to know while I'm at work my children are safe and and that they are in an environment that challenges them because we as parent spend lots of hours making sure of this when looking for an excellent Daycare school should be the same.
—Submitted by a parent