Easley Elementary School

Parent involvement is wonderful, so I gave that 5 stars. Teacher quality and leadership -- 2 stars; however, our experience is only with one teacher. When we enrolled our child 2 years ago, we were overwhelmed by the class sizes and the rudeness of the kindergarten teacher, and underwhelmed by the support and response received when we attempted to contact the principal. We pulled our child out of kindergarten after 2 days and decided to homeschool that year. Fortunately, we moved to another state and realized that public elementary schools can operate in a supportive and respectful manner. I will never get over how that teacher made her hate school so quickly. I hope the other teachers are more respectful and refined, no child deserves to be humiliated.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Easley for three years. Each year our experience was worse and worse until we finally left. My son's day consisted of worksheet after worksheet after worksheet. No creative thought, no writing. At the end of the year I asked my son what he learned. After thinking about it, his reply was that he taught himself multiplication while riding the school,bus to/from school. After hearing that, I pulled him out of that horrible place.
—Submitted by a parent

No field trips all year in order to "spend time preparing" for testing. Each week testing, drilling, pre-testing, re-testing. A principal far more interested in rule-following and control than in promoting a love of learning. Our child had some kind teachers, but that's not enough. Completely and utterly about "in the box" thinking. Lackluster and uninspiring. No thanks..
—Submitted by a parent

Teaching is hard work if done well. Many Easley teachers are caring educators, and for that we are grateful. Unfortunately, testing and practice and drill to prepare for testing overshadows everything else. The principal seems to care more about following the rules and scoring high among other schools than he does about provide a truly outstanding learning environment. We are quite disappointed. Perhaps a three out of five stars.
—Submitted by a parent

You may notice that Easley has lower parent ratings than many of the other schools in Durham, schools that have lower test scores. If you're an educated parent with kids for whom you also have high hopes, you may feel that your interactions with staff ought to go your way. After all, you matter, and you're used to most things in life going your way. Easley parents are one of the best things about the school. The PTA is active, parents volunteer in various ways, fundraisers are well-patronized, and appeals to the parents for various supplies seem to also elicit positive responses. There may be some mediocre teachers at Easley, but Easley is known as a school where many teachers at DPS would like to work. You should also be aware that Easley is a year-round school. For some folks, this is great, particularly if you like to take vacations at off-peak times of year. It does not get much better than Easley, at least in Durham. If you really want your child to attend this school, don't take a chance with the lottery: buy a house in the Easley zone (which you can find on the DPS website), not one where it is simply they "year-round option."
—Submitted by a parent

We have loved every teacher that our two boys have had at Easley. The principal is amazing and creates a great environment for teachers, students and parents. Parental involvement is encouraged and there is a real feeling of community.
—Submitted by a parent

Best year round school, best specials teachers, great kids, active parents. we love Easley!!
—Submitted by a parent

The staff is very friendly and professional. They Principal and Asst. Principal are both very hands on and active in the school activities from the start of the school day greetings to PTA involvement. I am glad I had my child transferred to Easley!
—Submitted by a parent

Easley is a wonderful school. My daughter was in ECU class w/ Ms. St John and team and they have done wonders w/ her. We will dearly miss them for this is Chelsea's last year. I will recommend Easley to all whom have kids. Thanks again ladies...
—Submitted by a parent

The principal and vice principal are ruining this school. It was, at one time, an outstanding school. I even know teachers, there, who are frustrated with the administration and it's lack of support. Take notice the overturn they've had during the past few years. Unfortunately, some of the ones who need to go- aren't going.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a retired teacher who has come back to support I get from the administration, the quality of teachers and the wonderful students. Whenever I have had a problem of any sort, the Principal and Assistant Principal the school system to substitute teach. Easley is my favorite school because of the have been there in an instant. The lesson plans I receive are always very detailed and everyone is always there volunteering to help. Of special notice to me is that the Principal and Assistant Principal always say 'Thank you for being here today'. That makes me feel very welcome and needed. I honestly feel that the students get a very high quality education in a cheerful and nuturing environment. I also feel that schools don't get much better than this one.

Easley does have a great 'reputation'. But don't believe the hype. Not 'all' the teachers are great or caring or concerned about the student. The principal is the least concerned about what is or is not going on in the classroom. I believe that right now he is enjoying the ride on Easley's reputation.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the parents expressing concern about Easley's principal. Overall, Easley has a lot of good things happening and IF you get a good teacher and are able to 'coast along,' your experience will be great. However, if you encounter conflict or raise a question that challenges the bureaucracy, you are out of luck. The principal does not seem genuinely interested in resolving issues beyond the level of a general classroom teacher. Higher level academic issues are left to flounder without resolve... and hopefully, you and your concerns will just magically dissipate.
—Submitted by a parent

I also have had a positive experience at Easley up until this year. However, this was the first year that I needed the principals help on a situation. I agree with the parent below. The principal is not interested in doing anything meaningful to help. Easley is great as long as your child is coasting along. Otherwise, there is no help.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had a positive experience at Easley until this year. Our child has a teacher that is 'burnt out and grumpy' as the parent below states. We've had several meetings with the prinicpal, but find that he's not really interested in doing anything meaningful to help. We're looking at private schools and other choices.
—Submitted by a parent

I find it interesting that out of all the reviews of Easley only one individual found things wrong with the school. That is always an 'eye-opener' for me. Something wrong with the person reviewing instead? It is a wonderful school and the teachers/staff/principal should be commended for doing an excellent job with the students. Good work Easley!
—Submitted by a parent

My grandson recently began kindergarten at Easley and we are hearing only wonderful things about his teachers, class, staff and overall environment and care. We could not be happier! Many thanks to everyone at Easley who surely understands that a child's elementary experiences mold the remainder of his school years and that a child's emotional growth is just as important as his academic achievement. We look forward to hearing more great news throughout the year!

We have a child in the 2nd grade at Easley and we are very happy with the school. Teachers are wonderful and very caring about each child as an individual. The principle is always around and in the middle of what is happening. I have seen him deal firsthand with a child that was disrupting my daughter's class and I was amazed by how well he was able to calm the child down just by speaking to him reasonably.
—Submitted by a parent

I have found Easley to not be as great as I heard it was. We have 3 kids there now. I have not found the parent involvement to be so spectacular. I would say 30% of parents are involved. The class numbers are high and the teachers are burnt out and grumpy. I have not had good experiences with the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had 2 children attend Easley and we were very pleased with the staff and teachers. The principal really cares about the students and there is a lot of parent involvement.
—Submitted by Jennifer Wright, a parent