Davidson Elementary School

By the great schools rating requirements, DES falls short. They have a mixed bag of teachers, the principal is inaccessible which shows a lack of committment/leadership (or a sens of entitlement which is worse?!?), and the academic programs are not particularly challenging. These statements are supported by the sheer number of parents who are waiting on the lottery results so that they can ultimately enroll their kids elsewhere. The waiting list for a local charter school(s) are extremely long...everyone seemingly wants out of the CMS system. One troubling attribute of this school is that no one seems to be able to address poor & disruptive behavior in the classroom. Seemingly, they allow a few kids to disrupt entire classrooms, this should not be the case. We bought our house in the school zone based solely on the school ratings....unfortunately, our experience has not been good. My advice is to try like crazy to get in a charter school.
—Submitted by a parent

Nothing outstanding or progressive. Nice kids and good results reflect the relatively affluent area. Quality of teaching very mixed, experience of the school dependent on the teacher your kid gets from year to year. Lack of rotation and streaming for core subjects with kids in the one class with the one teacher all day very traditional.
—Submitted by a parent

The means in which teachers meet the needs of all students is commendable. The parental involvement in this idyllic town is amazing. A strong sense of community is felt throughout the school and town. One of the greatest things we can give our children is a sense of self and belonging...it can be found at DES.
—Submitted by a parent

We are happy with this school. We just shifted our son from North West since last 1 month and found it is better than his previous school. As of now we have no issue. My son is enjoying. Parents are greatly involved in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

After 3 months, we have decided to remove our child from DES. The curriculum is a year (or more) behind what our children had in their previous school (northeastern US). I have found that meeting with the teachers and administrator has resulted in questions about my parenting. The feeling is that you should be happy that there is some learning taking place. Ditto sheets, busy work and crowded classrooms with little communication is the norm. Socially, my child has friends and enjoys school but academically, this place is subpar. I feel it's important to recognize that although Davidson Elem seems to be a small town school with a child-centered educational program, it is not. Davidson is one of 200+ schools in the CMS district. Parents wistfully talk of one day getting into a charter school or biting the bullet and paying for private. It is important if you are considering schools as a newcomer to North Carolina that CMS is a factory and their schools reflect that.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school! Very organized and we have enjoyed the teachers. This school has the most parent involvement that we have ever seen, and we have two older children in college. Love it!
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school that does a terrific job meeting student needs. Very high parent involvement, and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

Davidson Elementary comes close to being a truly terrific school but falls short of making the grade. Over the past seven years of attending DES we have had three different principals leave our school. We are now searching for principal number four. Parents are very involved and staff work hard to minimize distractions, but facts are facts. This school is vulnerable due to a high turnover of its leaders. In the future lets hope that DES can recruit and RETAIN its talent. For those of you looking to enroll at DES here are a few strengths and weaknesses I have observed over the years: Strong Points: Teachers are solid in their commitment, Parents are highly involved, Students are well behaved, PTO is providing meaningful enrichment to teachers and students. Weaknesses: A culture of "parent, teacher and classroom popularity contests" sometimes undermines a cohesive staff and team building atmosphere. Parents tend to fuel this culture understandably wanting only the best for their child. Myths abound that the Multiage program is a better program with better teachers, these are only myths! The TD Program greatly lacks transparency into its selection and rejection of students.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 daughters who have been at DES for the past 3 years and are impressed with the teachers and the leadership. One of our daughters has mild special needs and there has been great collaboration to meet her needs and encourage achievement. Both are doing so well and love school because it is a nurturing and fun environment. The bus system needs improvement, especially monitoring undesirable behavior, but other than that we are greatful and proud of our Tiger community.
—Submitted by a parent

We had to move because of a job away from this school and we MISS it. It is a wonderful school with art, music, talent development, and great teachers. It has a terrific campus with an ecotrail and lots of space for playgrounds and fields. If you have a choice of going here you are truly lucky.
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal, Ms. Hall is much friendlier than the previous. She also seems to have a very child centered philosophy which I think is terrific. There is a wonderful support of parents and community involvement. We had a difficult experience last year with a 2nd grade teacher but have had great support this year in making sure he has a successful year.
—Submitted by a parent

My son went two years to Davidson & now my daughter is here on her 3rd year. Now having had time with Angela Baucom she was a wonderful leader speaking from experience with an A.D.D. son. This school has been the best in every way. I'm currently my daughter's PTA mom for the 2nd year & have been blessed with the team work of the parents willingness to help & volunteer. I can't imagine putting my children anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the teachers in this school need to work more with the parents when there are troubled kids. it is very inconsistent how things are done
—Submitted by a parent

My son finished 5th grade last year, and daughter will finish 5th grade this year after attending Davidson all grade school years. Angela Baucom is a truly outstanding principal, and the school is tremendous. We have loved it!
—Submitted by a parent

Wondeful School, Highest standards
—Submitted by a parent