Cooper Elementary School

Both my kids have been at Cooper since Kindergarten. The teachers are involved and informed. They strongly encourage parent participation and foster a parent-teacher partnership.
—Submitted by a parent

To the parent who just bought a home in Cobblestone.... Why would you give a 1 star rating to a school that your child has never even attended..... because your unfounded perception that the school is in a "low income" area, and it must be bad? And why would you buy a home in the Cooper school district if you didn't want your child to go there. I have some advice for you..... move back to Wake!

To the parent who just bought a home in Cobblestone... We were in the same boat. We too just moved into Cobblestone and I was disappointed when I found out that my kids were going to have to go to Cooper. But I'll tell you what... you might be pleasantly surprised. We were really worried just like you, but now that they have been going there for 2 months we are actually very comfortable with our kids going there. Their teachers are great....Hope this helps.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend Cooper Elementary and I dont know why other parents would speak so NEGATIVE about the school. Blessed those teachers and principal also the assistant principal because they DO CARE. They are not "pay check" teachers or staff. All of my family including myself have attended COOPER. Ms. Auton , Dr. Jailall , and Ms. Lebo have been there for many many years. They have showed so much love and attention towards not just myself but to other family members and also friends of families who children attend Cooper. Please don't talk bad about the school. Even if their test score may be low. THE PARENT'S also have to play a part at home too !!! In making sure their child is doing their homework correctly. Also spending time to study for quizzes or test and NOT on facebook or texting all day as some parents allow.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible place! Was told my child would probably get held back last year. That didn't make sense so I contacted the school board & Chief Academic Officer for our district & after a week of trying to get my son's records from them, he finally drove to Cooper & demanded them in person (this is what he told me). He called me back & said that any parent whose child was getting the grades mine was should be EXTREMELY proud as my son is performing at a grade above his. I didn't find out till the end of the year that several other parents were having similar issues. BE WARNED! This school is on probation for a reason. Until the "leadership" is changed, they will continue to fail.
—Submitted by a parent

I live in the Riverwood district but keep my kids in Cooper because of the fabulous, caring teachers and administrative staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy that my child comes to this school. I am so pleased with his growth. The staff is very caring. The program here is strong and it helped my child to excel. Thanks to his teacher and the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school!! I think the principal, Dr. Jailall is doing a super job, and all the staff is exceptionally caring and kind.
—Submitted by a parent

I dreaded sending my child due to poor reviews but now I am SOOOOOOO GLAD he's in Cooper! His teacher is amazing and the teacher's aide is more than wonderful. Can not say enough good things about this school. I know that they haven't been making the grade but I know that academically, my child is much more advanced than I was @ his age.
—Submitted by a parent

Turn and Run!!! There are so many better elementary schools to choose from in Clayton. Their is no 'secret'... its a small school because nobody wants to send their kids there. The are some good teachers and they are trying but are frustrated because their hands are tied by the administration. Dr. Jailall needs to get in touch with reality. Her school is going downhill and FAST! Its rockbottom. It is a militaristic 'sit down and shut up' atmosphere. The discipline problems at Cooper are overwhelming! I know so many parents like myself who couldn't wait to get their kid out of there.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here from Wake County (Raleigh) about two years ago. My daughter attended two elementary schools, the recent one being Cooper Elementary. While she struggled with everyday skills in Wake County, she went from being barely able to read a Dr Seuss book to now being in the gifted program (AIG) at Cooper. This school EXCEEDED our expectations. The leadership in this school is simply outstanding. The teachers are outstanding and the school support staff is amazing. We can tell a big difference in our daughter since attending Cooper. She has done nothing but excel with her schoolwork. Instead of tears during homework, she happily sits down and understands what it is she needs to do. Students get the individual attention they deserved at Cooper. We appreciate the smaller class room sizes and the hard work from the teachers! Cooper is highly recommended! :) -4th grade parent
—Submitted by a parent

Cooper Elementary is known as Clayton's 'best-kept secrets.' It's an excellent school with small class sizes, caring teachers and staff, and parents who are committed to helping the school. Parents are encouraged to visit the campus and help in classrooms, and the PTA welcomes everyone who wants to help. The school holds many community events throughout the year, from the orientation at the beginning of the year, to the Snowball dance -- held each January -- to the Parent volunteer reception held to thank the many parents who volunteer throughout the year. The academics are wonderful, and Cooper is the only Clayton school that has met the Federal No Child Left Behind scores every year since the tracking began.
—Submitted by a parent

Awsome School, I can not say more, my daughter came here from out of state last year and they made her feel so welcome like she had always been there, The teachers really care and are always there to help your child and assist you in helping your child grow educationally as well as individually. If you are considering this school send your child here you will be happy you did!
—Submitted by Debra Vrooman, a parent

Cooper is one of the smallest schools in the county, thus we are elated to have small class sizes. Kindergarten & 1st grade have less than 20 students in the class with a certified, caring teacher and a full time teacher's assistant. The older grades share teacher's assistants but still have small classes. Teachers know the children by name even if they are not in their class. Students feel safe, cared for, and are gently encouraged to do their best. Our students look forward to coming to school. We are a School of Distinction. Our principal is very involved in the daily goings on. She actually greets car pooled kids, by name, in the morning and helps get them to cars after school. Parent involvement is prolific. Our PTA is one of the best. We love and care about the well being of ALL our students at Cooper Elementary!
—Submitted by a parent