Vandora Springs Elementary School

I love this school, every year it gets better. We are like a family, we all care about our kids. We are looking forward to the new year to start. Welcome to our new kids on the way in....
—Submitted by a teacher

Loved the principal but did not care for my daughter's teacher. I don't think she should be teacher the grade that she does. I felt that some of the other teachers were not very caring either. We will be going to another school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome school. Always meets the standards and the teachers are just great! As a family we are very pleased with Vandora!
—Submitted by a parent

A great school! We are so glad that we have Vandora to go to for the next five years! It is the best elementary school in Garner.
—Submitted by a parent

Vandora Springs has the most fabulous principal. He knows the kids by name and is very involved.
—Submitted by a parent

Due to a move, my daughter went from a magnet school in Cary to VS this year. I tried to get her into Timber, but didn't get it. After visiting both Timber and Vandora, I found the staff at VS more approachable, and the atmosphere very friendly and helpful. It put my mind at ease . The principal and staff know the kids, and communication with parents is outstanding. I get regular weekly recorded messages from the principal with coming activities and news. They always respond quickly to inquiries. My daughter is happy there, likes school and her teacher. The only down sides are: they don't teach Spanish, not much for after school activities (clubs), and hallways seem a little dark. Overall, I do like the school.
—Submitted by a parent

First year w/2 children at this school. School bus issues were handled expediously and access to speak to Asst. Principal Blair was not a problem. So far I'm pleased and hope to rate this school again at the end of the school year with an outstanding rate! Mom of 2
—Submitted by a parent

We diligently went through the magnet school process including appeals to the school board. Although dissapointed at the time, we're now so thankful our son attends our base school, Vandora Springs. It is a wonderful community of students, teachers, administrators and parents. The principals are extremely accessible and know the children. There are high expectations for behavior and responsibility. Parent involvement and the PTA are strong and that involvement is encouraged by the teachers and staff. There is a variety of activity for the students including the Art Club and an annual Talent Show. My son will be entering second grade this year. We're thrilled that we'll have a child there for eleven consecutive years and continue to see Vandora get better and better!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the second year that our daughter has been a student at Vandora Springs, and I can't say enough good things about this school. We applied for magnet and year-round schools prior to kindergarten, thinking that would be best for her. We were devastated when we didn't get chosen for either -- but what a blessing it turned out to be! The principal and assistant principal are incredible -- active, involved, caring, supportive. They know every child there! The teachers are wonderful and really care about the children they teach and their profession as a whole. The PTA is extremely active and does an incredible amount to support and enhance the learning that goes on at Vandora Springs. It is truly a community school, something you don't get very often in the Wake County system anymore. I would not want my child anywhere else but Vandora!
—Submitted by a parent

My two children both go to Vandora Springs and I could not get a better education for them if I paid for it!
—Submitted by a parent

In 2004, we applied for two magnet schools, but did not get in. I was thankful that I had taken the time to go visit VSE before our daughter was to start Kindergarten. I had a peace about me, and still do to this day. I I now have two children at VSE, and have been veruy pleased. The administration welcomes you at any time, and iknows every child and is there to help.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is one of the best around. The teachers are very supportive and caring for all kids attending. It's one school that you can walk in and someone somewhere can call your by name. All of the staff and teachers have been there longer than all my kids have and that is a good thing in my eyes. All the way from K-5th I can't say enough to comend them for all they do. Thanks again, One of our loyal supporters!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

In August of 2003 our son began his education in the pre-k program at Vandora Springs. As a special needs student, we are proud to say that this year he has been mainstreamed in a first grade classroom. We count our blessings each and every night and honor the teachers at Vandora Springs who have made such a difference in the life of our son. We believe that we have the greatest staff in all of Wake County and are proud to say that our children attend Vandora Springs. Very sincerely, John & Carrie Bischof
—Submitted by a parent

My children have benefited from a committed administration and dedicated teachers in a diverse classroom environment. I've always found them receptive to questions and engaged with each child. My children have ranged from above average development to special ed requirements, and each has flourished and grown beyond my expectations.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's second year at VSE. We started out trying this school out for the K year and I fully anticipated that we would go on to private school for the rest of our school years but I was pleasantly surprised. I'm glad that I didn't let a few negative comments influence my own judgement and decided to see for myslef. From my first discussion with the principal I had a gut feeling that continues thru to this day--The staff and teachers that we've had all seem to truly care about their students and I for one am very glad that are a part of this school and I look forward to my next child attending here as well.
—Submitted by a parent

When my oldest started Kindergarten in 2003, we prayed about where to send her -- base school, charter, year round. There were so many more options that when I was a kid! We felt led to stay at our base school -- and what a blessing it has been. I now have two children in 3rd and 4th grade. All my children s teachers have been wonderful! Speaking from a parent's point of view that has a hearing impaired child, I have made the effort to get to know the teachers and they have more than reciprocated. Each teacher has been very accommodating with her special needs seating arrangements, reduction of classroom noise, and much more. In addition, the PTA at this school has the most dedicated parents I have ever seen. VSES may be an old school, but she is a proud school and she s our school. Go Eagles!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in first grade and he truly loves school. The teacher is always communicating his progress with me and it amazes me how much he is learning. The things he tells us at the dinner table makes us so proud of what is being taught. He loves science and he does so many hands-on experiments. There is no better way to get a child truly involved in his learning than to truly get in involved in the problem solving process. The administration is very friendly and the specialists truly put the children's learning first. A great school with lots of attention to detail.
—Submitted by a parent

The communication between staff and parents is lacking. This starts with Princapal Peuler and goes right down to the teachers. I would have been happy to support this school, but hardly was given the information or time I needed to be involved. My son does have some special needs and it was like pulling teeth to get anyone to talk to me, help my son or work with us. Altering from the 'ditto' sheets which were used in excess was a challenge. During the first week of school last year, the library shelves were practically empty as was the classroom reading corner. This school needs better leadership and more committed teachers
—Submitted by a parent

This will be my daughter's fourth year at VSES. We have moved out of district and I have requested her to continue to stay at VSES. Mr. Peuler is wonderful as is the entire staff he brings aboard. I think if more parents supported their childrens education beyond Kindergarden the scholl would sail above expectations. So thank you to all who truly love what they do for our children at VSES. Michelle Paez
—Submitted by a parent

Our child, currently in 5th grade, has been a student at VSES since kindergarten. We have been very satisfied with the quality of teachers and adminstrative leadership at the school for the last six years and with their work with our child at each grade level. Having to 'play the hand they are dealt' with a higher than the district average F&R population -- they have done an outstanding job and are exceeding expectations.
—Submitted by a parent