K-1 Elementary School

My son attended this school last year and the year prior and is currently at the 2-5 building. The experience that we had far exceeded my expectations. I was at the school once weekly and I was always impressed at how respectful the teachers were to the students and vice versa. Not only does this school exceed academically, but they place a lot of emphasis on social skills, respect, managing emotions, cultural and religious differences and tolerance of others. My son never complained about going to school. He loved every day and his teachers both years were wonderful. I noticed that there were a few comments regarding too much parent involvement. I don't get that. Many schools would give anything to get the parents more involved. Regarding the teachers' inexperience mentioned by another reviewer. Most of the teachers are young, but seriously?! They ALL have bachelors degrees and 68% have a masters degree or higher. Judging teaching ability by age is prejudiced and inaccurate. I wish more people would spend some actual time in their child's school before they start finding things to criticize.
—Submitted by a parent

We could not have had a better experience at this school. Teachers are attentive and go above and beyond. Lots of individual attention. After school and summer programs are great. Parents are involved. School is beautiful. Bus system is fantastic. Just an all around wonderful experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My son had the best possible kindergarten experience we could have hoped for. He's in first grade this year and has another WONDERFUL teacher. He loves going to school and he's learnign so much! I volunteer often in the building and am so impressed by how well behaved the classes are that I've observed. The teachers are definitely in control and professional.
—Submitted by a parent

Early enrollment process is just an eyewash. They expect a 4.5 years old kid to know everything that a 2nd/3rd grader kid would know. My kid did very well in their screening process, but they just want to find a negative aspect and do not understand that Kid is a student not a teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

Some of the most incompetent teachers I've seen to date. Focus too much on what they view as 'right' socially/politically, rather than what is most important for the students. Diversity desperately needed in this school. Teaching experience would be helpful too....perhaps they could hire someone over the age of 30!
—Submitted by a parent

The school is great if you have an average child...if you fall below the curve or above the curve good luck. Below the curve you will suffer and be shuttled along, above the curve and your child is left alone for the other kids to catch up. Teachers are young & inexperienced. Volunteer parents with play way to large a roll in educating children. School lacks any formal security and anyone can walk in the unlocked front door anytime! Lessons & homework come right from the same workbooks sold at Staples. No foreign language even with mounds of research supporting it at this age. Any event held at the school is a unorganized free-for-all. You will expend less energy home schooling than you will ensuring your child is treated fairly and educated properly in this system. They beg for money with unending fundraisers on top the required supplies and classroom fees all while building useless projects.
—Submitted by a parent

New Albany is a wonderful school district. My husband and I would not think of sending our children any where else. The teacher parent involvement with the students is great. My daughter is ahead of some things that my other friends kids are not by going here.
—Submitted by a parent

Level of academic education is surprisingly good. Music, art is also good. Level of parent involvement is excellent; at times too much! But it all comes to your kid's individual teacher. My kid never had great teachers here for both her years at the school. She drags her feet when it comes time to go to school. Her Math was weak & teacher said she was not on par. But it all changed when I started teaching her at home! I do almost all the topics before the teacher does it in class! Now she loves Math. Guess that's all that really matters. What you teach at home!
—Submitted by a parent

New Albany is a wonderful school district providing a terrific education for all of it's students. We have been very happy with our child's education at the K-1 building. All of the teachers and staff are professional, great educators and provide a great learning environment for the children. There are many parents volunteers helping out at this school adding to the wonderful learning experience for the children! There is a reason why the New Albany schools are ranked top-notch...the education it provides can not be beat!
—Submitted by a parent