Sylvan Elementary School

We have all heard of the parents that want to move so they can get their kids "IN" a certain school.Our family is on the other side of the spectrum, trying to find a new home that is "OUT" of Sylvan's district.The first couple of years were okay, but currently, I can't name a single positive thing about this school.The authority is cold and rude and the teachers appear very immature and uneducated.It seems all the good teachers leave year after year(wonder why).Now they won't let you sign your kids out after school which makes it very inconvenient for those of us that have to go to the middle school afterwards.Just another way they make me feel like their time is more valuable than mine.Not only is the school horrible, but the athletic association is a joke.They have a coach, and then they have those "parent wonna-be coaches" that try to take over the job and act like it is boot camp for the kids.My kids used to love sports and I taught them it was all about having fun, not winning, but the "coaches" and their own rude kids send my kids home crying after every game and practice.I would not recommend this school to my worst enemy!
--Submitted by a parent

Regretfully, we sent 3 kids to Sylvan. One of my sons was hit several times by an EC teacher. Promises were made to keep us from suing, but were never followed up. Things got worse with the new principal. She is on some power trip. I was amazed at how far behind my kids were. It has taken me a lot of work to catch them up. The only way that I have been able to explain it, is racism.
--Submitted by a parent

It seems that there is no time for education now, as the administration is spending all of their time working on this new "health center." Is it really in the best interest of our children to have a health clinic right in the middle of their school? I don't think so! And if there's any question to how it's affecting the school, look at the last year's test scores!
--Submitted by a parent

I have a child with several 'special needs' and everyone involved in my son's education has gone above and beyond the call of duty helping him do the best he can do. I never once was made to feel my son was a 'problem' His various teachers as well as Mrs. Oakley have been amazing in this very challenging time for my son as well as myself. Do I like every aspect of this school, of course not, but I do feel they love ALL the children and truly want what is best for them all. I also love the fact that everyone knows my childrens by name -not just because they are naughty either :-)
--Submitted by a parent

This school has really changed. I used to love Sylvan, but since the new principal came, it feels very cold and unwelcoming. My kids feel that way too. It's run more like a business now and less like a school.
--Submitted by a parent

I really think this is a greet school .the teachers are so nice and understanding. I recomend this school for any one who wants to see there ther kids to do greet things.In our kids life so many things are going around them. I trust the staff to teach them what they need to know.I know we cant be there all the time so i trust there staff to keep my child safe.
--Submitted by a parent

Sylvan is an excellent school. The principal and teachers give the school direction and high student expectation. Students have made progress over the past 3 years in test scores. Sylvan has a state award winning Physical Education program and Intramural program. Students are given opportunities to develop their leadership skills as well as fitness and age and grade level movement skill development. Sylvan is a small school with great quality.
--Submitted by a teacher

Sylvan is the worst school I have seen. Most of the teachers seem to have choosen the wrong profession,they don't know how to treat children. They really don't want parents involved. It was very hard to get any thing dealt with. I do know the school is getting a new principle this year,but if he doesn't clean house it won't ever change!
--Submitted by Kim Collins, a parent

The policy awarding students for good and exceptional work has been diluted to prevent those who don't do as well from being offended or left out. There is far too much emphasis placed on how well a student tests verses how creative a student is. Problem solving and learning have been placed into specific block catagories instead of recognizing creativity and different learning styles. The school allows far too much outside access to be considered safe by my standards. A large teacher turnover due to weak leadership by the principal. Parental involvement weak due to poor PTA leadership.
--Submitted by Daryl Laws, a parent

This school is very guarded when it comes to involving parents. Their is a cry for volunteers, but it seems most involvement is only when the school and its staff seem to say it's okay. I am very distressed over the safety training and discipline methods used by the educators. There exists great room for improvement.
--Submitted by a parent