John Van Lindley Elementary School

Our neighborhood school is John Van Lindley Elementary in Greensboro, NC. I can't say enough good things about it in a small space! The teachers and staff are all very caring and nurturing and the environment at the school is first-rate. The teachers work hard with the parents to make sure their students are working up to par. The kids help plant and harvest a garden on the school grounds, they learn about good citizenship and sustainability, and they have fun while they learn. Sadly, it's been a year since my son was at that school, and two years for my daughter; and when we run into any of the teachers or staff out in the greater community, they still remember both my children's names and are very interested in what they are doing now. I wish we could have moved Lindley with us when we made the transition to middle school!
—Submitted by a parent

We love our neighborhood school and are lucky to live within walking distance. This allows our children to feel like Lindley is part of their normal lives and not just some place they go for school. We have a 2nd grader and a kindergartener - and have been pleased with all of our teachers to date. Our kids are challenged and even in subjects in which they excel, we are given feedback about additional learnings they can do to build on their knowledge. I volunteer in the school two mornings a week before I go to work and it still amazes me that all of the teachers and staff call my children by name. It may seem like a small thing but it means a great deal to me. I am a member of the active PTA at Lindley and have had opportunity to get to know other parents through our volunteer efforts. If you are considering Lindley - I say - do it!
—Submitted by a parent

Lindley Elementary School is one of the best you will find in Guilford County. The teachers are fabulous and always try to use hands-on learning. I am ashamed that a parent would write that when they obviously only gave them bad ratings after one mishap with traffic. There are so many great activities for your child to learn at this school. The principal is very involved, he is always going around checking up on classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

The reviews on this site are rehashing some really old tapes about Lindley. We have two children who attend (2nd and 4th grade), and both have had exceptional teachers and are receiving a solid education in a supportive environment. Lindley's principal, Dr. Woody, is an outstanding leader--enthusiastic, caring and a great communicator. He supports his staff, listens to parents, respects students, celebrates the positive things that are happening, and acts on feedback/concerns. Our dedicated PTA started and maintains a school garden where students, teachers and families come together to learn and grow. Service learning part of Lindley's philosophy, and students participate in several community projects throughout the year. We love the socio-economic and racial/ethnic diversity within the school, which gives kids exposure to new ways of looking at the world. Lindley's students are performing well on the EOG's (end of grade tests), and the school has been recognized as a "School of Distinction" within the district for two years in a row. We're proud to be Lindley Lions and highly recommend the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to prek and kindergarten. I was blessed to be fired. So I had the time to sit in the classroom for 2 months of his 2nd year there. Both teachers did not have control of their classrooms. Teachers where tied up with low functioning mainstreamed kids, so they did not have time for the rest of their classes. Left alone they ran wild as the year went on. I did email the superintendent to get the principle out of the road directing traffic. She was endangering my child saying I could not turn left. There was no one left waiting on the street to get in and the street was clear. Since she was not legally a crossing guard I could have called the police on her instead. I was considered a trouble maker for not allowing her to ILLEGALLY INCOMPETENTLY direct traffic. It has been a peaceful year. I don't have homework to teach to him with nonsensical directions. He enjoys learning and reading. Something that was not happening at Lindley. I never wanted to homeschool or figure out how to do it. But it has been a HUGE blessing in disguise. If you didn't agree with them, you where the issue not the school, regardless of the legalities of it. I tried many times, many meetings.
—Submitted by a parent

We were not heard as parents there either. They pretended to help but we barely saw improvements. The principal (Ms. Conaway) ignored our requests. We took both our children out and they are now in private school. I must say it was okay for one of the children, but just okay. They are both now in 3rd grade and still struggling to understand what they read. We do practice daily. We had to go over every homework with the children, often times having to explain things from the beginning. After a full day of work that became very frustrating. A few of the teachers there are very good, very committed. However, it's really a matter of luck if your child will have them or not because parents can't choose anything at Lindley. Too bad now we are spending more than we can afford to make sure they have a good education.
—Submitted by a parent

I was shocked by the scathing review written by an obviously bitter parent. While Merrie Conaway is not the most outstanding principal in the world, to blame her for a child being emotionally damaged is irrational. The teachers with whom I have come in contact at Lindley are caring and qualified and the student body is racially and socioeconomically diverse. My children have shared classrooms with children of wealthy professionals, as well as "poor" immigrants new to this country, which has deepened both their compassion for others as well as their drive to succeed. Extra help is readily offerred to those who need it, while extra challenges are available to those who seek them. For those who take responsibility for their own children's emotional well-being, want them to master academics, and learn to succeed in many circumstances, rather than only those that cater to them, Lindley is a good choice.
—Submitted by a parent

We have spent almost three years at this school and I have never seen so much emotional abuse and irresponsible leadership in my entire life. The principal doesn't care about the childen, she cares about everything "appearing" great, while the teacher's have free reign over treating students and guilting them at will. I still cannot understand, even after hearing similar stories from other parents, how this school still is ran by whom it is and how it receives great ratings. I am moving to make sure my youngest daughter never steps foot in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel my children are safe and cared about at Lindley Elementary. Every teacher my fourth grader has had has really been involved with us. I can't wait to send my five year old to kindergarten.
—Submitted by a parent