Jefferson Elementary School

As a parent who had children in Jefferson years ago and now have little ones there now, I have to say the biggest difference is the Principal. The teachers have always been outstanding. I have a 1st and K and the changes that have occurred in her now 2nd year are phenomenal. She cares about the children and their education, a balance I never witnessed in the prior administration. Discipline, yet classical music playing in the lunchroom. My 1st grader came home excited about new found knowledge of Mozart's life & music. My children love this school & their teachers. We love the staff & this school. With recent tragic events in the country, the Principal and staff were beyond helpful, they treated our children like their own & I felt safe, which I wasn't sure if I would, bringing them to school. Thank you for that.
—Submitted by a parent

We are grateful for our new principal. She is doing a fantastic job bringing up the moral of the teachers and implementing new reading programs for all grade levels. Both my children love it here and are thriving both academically and socially.
—Submitted by a parent

This is such a great school. Not only are the teachers hard working and caring but the parents are involved on so many levels. There are always activities happening from fundraising to clubs to family actitivies that it is easy to be involved with your children's school no matter how busy you are. My kids really enjoyed this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Jefferson is a good school, however, the teachers do not follow the IEP's for the children. The kids are stressed with high expectations to maintain even if they are not receiving a passing grade. The teachers continue to push the children even if they don't get the concept as long as they pass the state tests. There is little concern for the childs understanding of concepts.

All different race students around the world learn happily here.I have never seen such oneness in any other schools.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has great potential, and hopefully, when the Principal retires or is forced out (which in all likelihood will not occur), the school will regain it s once highly esteemed reputation as one of the best elementary schools in the area. The Principal is an authoritarian, and makes the teachers jobs unbearable. Teaching in today s schools is already an impossible task with No Child Left Behind and behavior issues. The Principal is hyper focused on the AYP/EOG s and demands the impossible from staff. The Principal changes committees and educational approaches so frequently, it is difficult for the teaching staff to keep up and carry out her demands. Jefferson Elementary (like many other schools in Guilford County) has fallen well below the expected AYP. The Principal no longer holds the respect of the majority of her teachers, and is too stubborn to yield, especially, where our children s welfare, development and most importantly, education are concerned.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been an involved parent at the school for 5 years. All of my children have had excellent teachers every year, but there are some I would not want to experience. Stay involved if you want the best for your child. The specialists (Art, Music, and PE) are exceptional. The principal is an administrator through and through, and does not seem to care much about individual children, much less know their names, etc. She seems at odds with many of her staff, and the turnover seems high. Thankfully most of the teachers are gifted enough to shut their doors, tune her out, and do what is right for our children. I am very pleased with the education my children have recieved so far, but concerned about the future of the school. NCLB, obsessive testing and our principal's lack of vision are going to make it challenging.
—Submitted by a parent

Everything about this school is excellent. The entire front office, counselor, and rincipal. Ms.Trogdon is an especially sensitive and talented teacher among the many at this school. Leadership is strong and well balanced and this principal respects everyone's opinion.
—Submitted by a parent

After six years spent as a Jefferson parent, I can confidently say that no elementary education is better - some are different, but none better. Every teacher we have had has been dedicated and able; many have been remarkable. The principal works tirelessly for school improvement and balances faculty needs with parent needs, An active PTA helps fund the 'extras'' that take the school from good to great. We're so glad to have been there.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is at Jefferson and the teachers has been wonderful. The staff has helped with child so much in different areas not only academically. If you have a child with any kind of LD i would say that Jefferson is a great place where your child can get the help he needs. There are a lot of loving, caring, and highly qualify teachers in the school (Ms. Bess, Ms. Harriet, Ms. Cunninghan, Ms. Munoz, Ms. Barbour, and the ACESS staff-thank you all!!!)I feel confident that my child next year will get another great teacher.
—Submitted by elsie, a parent

I have been a very involved parent for 5 years and the teachers and the staff are excellent. My child has received and exceptional education thanks to the dedication of the teachers and the assistants. True, you should stay involved, but the work done by the teachers insures every childs needs are met. Jefferson is a wonderful school and I am proud to have been a part of it.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, some excellent teachers and some not quite so. Get and stay involved is the best way to ensure success for your children. The principal a pure administrative type and is clearly out of touch with her staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I thought Jefferson was a great school. My opinion has changed. If I didn't think my child would get some type of unfair treatment I would give specifics as to my dealings with the faculty and administration these last two years but all I can say is stay involved.
—Submitted by a parent