Raleigh Road Elementary School

When we moved to Fayetteville last winter, we bought a house in the Raleigh Road district because of the high marks the school received online. However, we were very disappointed. Our first-grader loved his previous school, and was above grade level in reading and math. At Raleigh Road, he showed little progress and truly began to hate school. His teacher was very disorganized and the relationship between teacher & assistant was unprofessional and unproductive. The entire school seemed to be focused on numbers (#of books read, # of AR points, etc.) instead of on student growth. Students who transferred to Raleigh Road during the school year were expected to "hit the ground running." Contrary to what his teacher promised, there were no accommodations made for transfer students. Our child came home tearful & stressed MANY days because he hadn't made the "100 Club" or something similar like his friends. We are SO glad to have Raleigh Road behind us, and we are truly looking forward to Long Hill Elementary for '11-'12.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend kindergarten and 1st grade at Raleigh Road. We have been through three principals in the last four years. Each principal has had a different style and vision but the quality of education has never wavered because of the experienced and committed teachers and staff at this wonderful little school. Parent involvement is also a important factor in the success of this school. The kids have fun and are ready to learn each day. It is just a wonderful little school and you would be hard to match the loving feel that children get while they enter the doors each day. Thanks Raleigh Road for the wonderful foundation you have given my children.
--Submitted by a parent

I visited this school while my daughter was in Kindergarten at another school. What the kids here were doing was far and above what she was doing. The children seemed happy and had a love of learning. I moved my daughter to this school for 1st grade and she thrived!! She had a great teacher who didn't praise her just because she was cute. My daughter learned to have pride in her ability to be successful in school. I owe a HUGE debt of gratitude to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is NOT the school you want to attend if your child has special needs. We originally thought that this smaller school environment would be great for our son with Hight Functioning Autism but the staff lack so much in knowledge and seem unreceptive to learning. Communication has been lacking most of the year. Problems would be ongoing for weeks at times before anything was mentioned to me, ususally as they were trying to suspend my son for things they totally could have prevented. Mrs Booth, while very visable in the school, is not a strong leader and it shows.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended 1st grade here with Ms. Shafer (who unfortunately moved). Overall a great elementary school well worth the move to the country side of town. Lots of parent/grandparent involvement which means great student support. I do agree that the principal wasn't the best I've seen, but my child learned a lot, had fun, and came home happy. That's what matters to me.
--Submitted by a parent

Raleigh Road is an excellent school. My child is receiving a quality first grade education here. The school has very, very high expectations of the kids in terms of learning, quaility of work, respect and discipline. The PTA is strong and well organized. Lots of volunteers work tirelessly helping produce fun activities for the kids (Halloween fair, Valentines Dance party), and parents are encouraged to help out in the classroom or stop in to eat lunch. Mrs Booth is the most hands-on principal I have ever met. She is alway around the school, checking in on classes, greeting kids by name, helping get them on the bus in the afternoon. She sets the tone for a school that works together to accomplish goals and set kids up for success in later years. I'm very impressed.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has gone downhill fast. We moved to this side of town for this school, boy are we disappointed! The cirriculum is great but some of the staff is lacking from the top down!
--Submitted by a parent

It takes a lot to impress me, but this school has it. The teachers and staff are so friendly and willing to work with your kids no matter what is going on with them. If your child needs assistance in any areas (i.e. speech, writing, etc.) the school is more than willing to suggest and bring in the support your child my need. Also the school has many fun activities for the kids ( a fair and a great Halloween get together at the school). This is a great school. Fayetteville should give a lot of credit to this school. They are great.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the best little school in Fayetteville. We love the teachers and the staff. My son is currently in his second year there and came in at ground zero in reading and is now at a 3rd grade plus reading level. It is wonderful to only have K and 1st here as a great introduction to loving to go to school. I would recomend it to anyone. Parents are always welcome in the classroom and they have excellent and innovative field trips to expand their horizons. They also have a wonderful program called Club USA which helps children with deployed parents have a little fun and talk about what they are feeling. This is essential in our military community.
--Submitted by Jeanne, a parent

From one who was blessed with a private education, RRES is as close as you can get. This school offers superb academic programs. I am very pleased that an AG Consultant works with higher achieving students - I don't worry if my student is being challenged! The level of parent involvement is extraordinary, which only contributes to the atmosphere necessary for a child to succeed. RRES truly provides the foundation for success - they're the best in the county!
--Submitted by Catz Mom, a parent