Matthews Elementary School

My child has been at Matthews for almost 3 years...and it gets better every year. This year however, he's having a great year, and I really have to give credit to his teacher...Mrs. Moffatt. She is AWESOME! I truly mean that. She keeps the kids motivated and happy. Which goes a long way.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing. The staff is so committed to education and making sure every child gets the education they need and at the level they can perform at the same time complying with a strict curriculum. The principal, Mr. Miliotte is a very nice man. He is very accesable and reasonable. You can find him early in the morning greeting kids and parents at the drop off. The teachers really want and encourage parent involvement. It is almost impossible not to get involved in this school, they expect great things from the kids and the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Its amazing, Im currently in middle school and i go to crestdale and i Adore that school . I learned and made alot of lifetime friends . And dont forget Your Blue &Gold . MATTHEWSS!

It's just a great school in a small community.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in K at Matthews Elementary school and he loves it. I just had his first parent teacher conference with Ms. Vann and she was very detailed about my son and how he performs in school. I was happy that she took the time to know so much about him when she has a class full of other students. The after school program there is also great. Ms. Gallo is wonderful and has so many activities planned for the children instead of having them sit around after school waiting on the parents to show up. I plan on having my son at Matthews Elementary until he can't go there any more. I am confident that he will excel with all the teacher and principal interactions in his life.
—Submitted by a parent

we moved here from NJ a year ago and we are thrilled with Matthews Elem. in NJ our children were in private school and we found Matthews Elem to provide a wonderful enviornment and academics. Our children have surpassed their NJ classmates in reading and math. The Principal and staff are focused on the students and their caring shows through.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here from Ohio and have 4 children that attend Matthews Elementary and we can't say enough good things about this school. Dan Witt, the principal, knows all 4 of my children by name and always takes the time to speak with parents. Ms. Marafino teaches Kindergarten and is one of the best teachers I know. She cares for her students as if they were her own and it shows in her classroom. There are so many great parents in the community and you will find many of them volunteering their time at school events and in the classrooms. I believe that my children have received a wonderful education at Matthews Elementary. My oldest son and daughter both scored perfect on their EOG's this year for math and reading and I think the school deserves some of the credit for helping them achieve such high marks. A 5 Star School!
—Submitted by a parent

As parents of two children, one who is a high funtioning autistic child, there are not enough great words to describe how awesome this school is. The principal is the best man you could want in your childs life. His name is Mr. Witt. As parents we feel it is because of him that the teachers and staff are just as great as him. We wish our kids had started there from kindergarten. Our story dealing with other area schools is too long to tell in this review. We know you do not know us,so if you can PLEASE trust Mathews is the best that you will encounter in the Carolinas. Both of us being from N.Y., attending some of the best public and private schools in the country still do not compare to Mattews Elementary! And a special Thank You Mrs. Carroll, who made a difference in our childrens lives.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved from New Jersey, I have found that this school deserves it accredited rating. First of all, my son Michael had Mrs. Kiger, 3rd grade, and i believe she taught my son more in one year than he learned in all his school years, strategies! Dan Witt, the principle, is a kind and caring man, who although busy, when you speak with him, he is everything a principle should be, kind, compassionate and very interested in the well being of your child. As for some of the reviews that were negative as far as the test scores, those comments in my opinion, are reckless This is state mandated, whether you're in the north or the south, it's not the teacher's or the principal's fault for doing their job to the best of their ability, take it up with the state. This school gets 5 stars! sheila appello
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Awesome teachers with tons of parental involvement. I love this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Matthews has excellent teachers and a great deal of parental involvement...sometimes too much. They do need to work on the availability of more extracurricular activities for the children. They could put on more plays and/or programs that require a commitment from the children, not just programs that every class participates in automatically. Matthews' teachers, parents and students shold also take part in some type of diversity programs. There is some disparity in that area.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had our two children at Matthews for a total of 6 years now, and are very satisfied with their experiences. The teachers have been wonderful - I feel each teacher has contributed in a positive way toward my son and daughter's education. The environnment is positive and the parent participation very impressive. I am only disappointed that efforts to have a chess club there have failed. I would love to see it added some day.
—Submitted by an administrator

I enrolled my son at Matthews Elementary School for First Grade, he is now in the 4th Grade. His kindergarten experience at another local school was very disappointing. This other public school doesn't even come close to the academic, staff quality and most of all, parent involvement. Matthews has an outstanding PTO. You may not be able to have one-on-one time with the Principal; however something is to be said for the amount of parent/teacher participation. I'm very pleased with my son's education at Matthews Elementary! You have to always look at the child, if they're learning and happy then both parent and teacher are doing great!
—Submitted by a parent

I did the school choice plan to have my child attend Matthews. I have been very disappointed in it. Sure they have great test scores, but that is what their main focus is on. I think that when the principal will not speak with you in person that there is a problem. We have been there 2 years and have not had a good experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers -- my child has had three great teachers in a row, Ms. Scheick (2nd), Ms. Roy (3rd) and Ms. Carroll (4th). Principal is not interactive with parents; after three years she doesn't know my child's name. Parents are not friendly unless you are a board member of PTO which I am not. No school security, anyone can walk right in and walk around. Rate school a C+.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is too big, and the kids seem to be very roudy so that the teacher is always yelling at them (my son says). I chose to live in this area thinking the schools would be very good since the test scores are good. It is not a very nurturing environment, however, which I coming to believe is more important, so I'll be looking at other school options for next year.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Matthews for 2 years. I choose Matthews from the school choice plan for it's wonderful test scores. That is about all they have. There is no love or nurturing at the school. I feel like my child is a number. The principal will not talk to you face to face. I am very disappointed in it. Please don't just look at the test scores. I have found that is not the most important thing at a school!
—Submitted by a parent

We just started at this school. We came from private. This school has everything to offer my child. Her teacher is great and a very caring teacher. Her name is Mrs Vann.
—Submitted by darla beal, a parent