Coltrane-Webb Elementary School

This year CWES has become a STEM Magnet School (Science Technology Engineering and Math). We moved our boys there from another school and appreciate the small neighborhood feel lacking in the big box schools. The STEM curriculum teaches students to work together, problem solve and be creative. It has challenged our children in a way they were not challenged at our last school. Students can be heard cheering during STEM projects. Teachers do a great job of differentiation. Parent involvement is encouraged and parents are welcome in the classroom as volunteers. There seems to be a good amount of involvement with the community and neighborhood. The PTCO has done a great job of raising money this first year. The building is old but new technology is readily available and it has two labs. After school clubs are also available include LEGO Robotics. We have been very pleased with our decision. CTWS is a safe, supportive and nurturing environment and a fun place to learn.
--Submitted by a parent

I also think that this is a great school. We moved, and I am sad that my children had to leave. Wonderful teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school! Teachers are excited about education and abreast of current teaching trends. Technology is used and students are challenged and well prepared. Four of my children went here and were well prepared for not only Middle School, but High School and beyond.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is challengingly diverse -- most kids are from high poverty homes. Like most schools in this situation, testing scores fail to impress. In the good news are the teachers, some of whom have served there 20 years and are some of the best in the entire state. These teachers have sacrificed nclb bonuses to work with these kids and garner scores well above national averages for this economic category. Simultaneously, they have turned ordinary middle class students into leaders. The few neighborhood kids that attend this school have gone on to stellar academic careers. In the bad news, I'd have to fault the administration. The principal's focus is on the most needy. That appears to be such an overwhelming task that she comes across as indifferent to challenges middle class kids face.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has become dysfunctional over the 15 years I've been associated with it in my neighborhood and with 4 students attending. The Principal appears to be totally focused on 'being the boss'. The teachers have grown apathetic and defensive. The principal who insists on being at all parent teacher conferences but blankly stared when asked for suggestions to help a struggling student. No help. Past teachers were engaged and proactive. The administration seems to have everyone cowed. Even PTO is a target.
--Submitted by a parent

'The educational opportunities at Coltrane Webb are minimal at best. Most children are instructed below-grade level and teachers are not provided with necessary teaching tools. Although there are many good teachers here, their focus seems only to be the EOG. Children who leave to attend other schools find themselves well below level. Parent morale is low because of a controlling principal and administration. Priorities are not on all children, only those in the lower half to help boost the EOG scores. For the at-risk child that needs nurturing, they are given more of what they are already receiving in the classroom. For example, if a child has a problem with phonics, they inundate them with more phonics instead of trying another approach. Teachers cannot meet the real needs of the children because they are focused on the EOG. This is not a school for any child seeking to advance.
--Submitted by a parent