Dakota Elementary School

My oldest son has attended both North Plains and Dakota. We have had some good and bad experiences in both schools. I loved the kindergarten teachers, speech teacher and principal at NP. It was the 1st grade teacher that made us switch to Dakota. She was very discouraging and really had nothing good to say about our son. We put him in Dakota and his new 1st grade teacher was an angel. In second grade he phased out of speech therapy and started the Gifted and Talented Program, and has LOVED it. Dakota also has a Early Child Special Education Program that is fantastic with some amazing teachers. The only bad thing I have to say about Dakota is that I don't care for the principal at all, but from the feedback I have received this is a general census. She is rude, unpersonable and cold.
--Submitted by a parent

This scool will turn your kids in to Child services if they are THIN, but not to thin!! The communication between the school and parent isnt that great!!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter did first-second grade here in Dakota Elementary in Minot AFB ND, and in my opinion it has been the best school I could found for her. The teachers, the principal and the staff are great and since the school is located inside the base you feel your children are super safe here... They do a lot of activities and they are very dedicated with everything regarding your child progress... Now my family pcs to San Antonio and I can not find any school that can compare to this one... This is a A+++ school, Hope all the schools were like this one...
--Submitted by a parent

My children were always eager to go to school, but ever since they started to go to Dakota Elementary their self confidence has been damaged by the school. The school pushing these kids way more than they should academically. As a parent, I am all about encouraging my children to excel academically, but this school has hurt their self esteem instead of help them academically. They expect way too much of their kinder and first grader, more than I had ever imagined. I do not like the way the Principal handles conflicts among children and her way of handling children with special needs. If you have a child with asthma and affected by cold weather this school is not sympathetic about your child's need or accomadations. If you want your child to advance more in all levels including confidence and self esteem do not send them to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest daughter attended Dakota from kindergarten through first grade. My youngest attended Kindergarten only. At that time kindergarten was only a half day long. When we moved to Florida we discovered our kid's were a grade behind. My youngest repeated kindergarten (it's a full day long in Florida, and she was not ready for Florida's first grade), but my oldest had to catch up. This meant 4-6 hours a night on homework and just plain working with her. Her new school put her in a reading and math program to help her catch up. By the end of the school year she was on the honor role, but it was a painful process to get her there, with many tears (both her and I). She was so far behind. They're both honor roll students now. On a good note, They both had the same Kindergarten teacher at Dakota, and she was wonderful. She only had a half day to teach, so you really can't compare that to an all day kindergarten. I think Dakota as a whole was a grade behind in the curriculum at that time. I heard it went to an all day kindergarten, so maybe it's better now.
--Submitted by a parent

The school, itself, may not have all the facilities we would like, but the two teachers my son had (K & 1st) were superb--a wonderful combination of education, experience, and enthusiasm.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow! I couldn't disagree more with the previous entry! Dakota Staff including Administration take a vested interest in each and every individual and situation (positive or negative) that may arise. Their best interest is in their students and the education ALL of their students receive. My child has attended Dakota for 2 years and with the choices out there, I hope to stay right here. With the number of services and extra curricular activities available (i.e. Title 1, Gifted & Talented, Speech Therapy, Band, Orchestra, PTA Events) I rate this school pretty high on the list! All it takes is 1 bad apple to plant a seed , I'm sorry that person had a bad experience but I know there are many parents out there who love this school and would rate it very high.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has taken 2 of the 3 children that have attended and turned them off of school totally. They don't look out for the best interest of the child. There is a lot of bullying at this school for which nothing is done to stop. A lot of the time you won't get a teacher to respond to parent communication. I have a child who has gone here for 3 yrs who can barely read. They are finally starting to try and help. Another child was ignored totally buy a teacher to the point of an embarrassing moment. All the administration can say is 'sorry you feel that way' to a parent.
--Submitted by a parent

My children attend Dakota. I agree the teachers are hit and miss, but you don't have to be a male student to experience a bad one. I have participated in the PTA there and do not find them gossipy. I do not know of a study hall after school there, or scholarships. Stay on top of what is happening with your child and you can help them navigate through this school.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a 50/50 shot on whether or not you will get a good teacher. Many of the teachers have been there for quite a while (quite the tight club)and there are no male teachers. This is very bad on a military base where most male influences are deployed. The good teachers are very, very good. They have great music teachers,great LD aides & great after school study hall. Great scholarships for summer programs.
--Submitted by a parent