Washington Irving Elementary School

We have had 2 children attend WI and, as a whole, love the school and the atmosphere. We are very sad to be moving to the new elementary school being built (Frontier). I say "on the whole" because this last year is the first year that we have had problems with a teacher. This teacher told our daughter that I was "fired from the PTO." She came home in tears because of it. The response was, "Just joking." My child learned this year however, I feel as though she taught herself for the most part. With the proper teacher, she could be more advanced than she currently is (as evidenced by her previous years with teachers who challenged her). When a teacher asks a parent, "Do you think they need to be in Enrichment?" there is a problem. Isn't part of the job of the teacher to help determine that? All in all, a very frustrating year with this one teacher but all of our other experiences were wonderful. The new principal has big shoes to fill and had a rather rough year but give her some time. I think that she will turn out just fine.
—Submitted by a parent

Washington Irving-This is the worst school I have ever encountered. I work with schools in my professional life all across OK and this schools teachers and administration for the most part have the attitude that they are better than everyone else. They believe they can do what they want and when they want and do not have to answer to anyone. They believe they are above the law. I would never send my child to this school knowing what we know now. Don't expect to reason with them as they know everything about everything. We have had to get our attorney involved due to their lack of common sense regarding several issues ! One of our daugters teachers, Mr Williams refuses to answer our emails regarding our child. I suppose his job is more important than the rest of us. Mr Williams has tattoos on his hand and if the military will not enlist those with tattoos that show than what is this school administration thinking by hiring someone who has tattoos showing. Our kids are looking up to these people, seriously do you not have better standards than this ??
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school with fantastic teachers!! I have had one son attend this school and one still attending, and I credit a great deal of my oldest son's success in middle and high school to Washington Irving!
—Submitted by a parent

Will be pulling my children OUT of this school! We were led to think it was one of the best, but fell VERY SHORT of our expectations. The staff is rude and really has a superior attitude toward parents, thinking they know what is better for your child than you do. I am an active, involved parent. Have served on committees, been a homeroom mom, spent time and plenty of money...but can no longer tolerate the arrogance. We have been lucky with a one good teacher. That is the only good thing I can say about Washington Irving school. The parking lot (pick up/ drop off) is a nightmare- it is a miracle that a child has not been run over. No parents are allowed to help- this is the way things are done. I have serious concerns about who is really allowing all of this behavior at this school. Complaints are lodged, not addressed to my knowledge. I can honestly say, I never dreamed an ELEMENTARY school could be so cold.
—Submitted by a parent

While our experience may not be the norm, we have found the teaching staff at Washington Irving quite arrogant. I believe they are genuinely interested in children to the point of imagining themselves as above the parents. The drop off and pick up situation is also horrendously disrespectful of parents and the surrounding community. In general we have found the general atmosphere to be self congratulatory and without real facts to back it up. The curriculum is simply far behind other states. Oklahoma children will continue to struggle to compete in an increasingly tight job market until this school gets real.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school, principal & staff! My kids have ADHD, were often getting in trouble at their previous private school & struggled academically & socially. We've been at WI since 11/2010 & I have never heard any of my 3 kids utter a single negative comment about their new school. Nor have I received any phonecalls or notes from teachers about anything negative! The kids LOVE going to school & look forward to it every day. The teachers are committed to the school mission statement, "Learning for All, Whatever it Takes", and it shows! Great sense of community. Very organized school. Top quality teachers. Super kids! Our transition was super-easy also...the ladies in the front office were very helpful, cheerful & welcomed us from day one. We are so pleased with WI!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has a slight learning disability and was hating school. His 1st grade teacher was absolutely wonderful, she made him love going to school. He is now in 2nd grade and doing well. Principal, teachers and staff truly show the children that they care about them. One of the most important things for children to know it that someone cares - Washington Irving does.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Washington Irving for many reasons. I love all of the helpful support staff as well as, all of the teachers! I actually went to Washington Irving the first year it opened and was the first kindergarten class to go all the way through! I have always felt at home there. I was very lucky and after almost 20 years I got to go back and student teach at W.I. when I returned it was still the same amazing and helpful kind of people!
—Submitted by a parent

I was a teacher assistant in the special education program there for 10 years. It is high quality, and a very important part of Washington Irving and the Edmond community.

Amazing staff - Caring teachers. Not a bad thing to say about this school!
—Submitted by a parent

This school does an outstanding job in building intellegence and charectar.
—Submitted by a parent

WI is a wonderful school. Our child is well above the national average in all categories, thanks to WI. They also care for more than just education. They are teaching the children great moral values. Thanks Washington Irving!
—Submitted by a parent

Both our grandchildren have attended, one stil does. They have had wonderful teachers and the principal is just great. They made us feel as important as the parents. They teach great values and care for the children. A grandparent
—Submitted by a parent

This school is incredible! The quality is really high, the general apareance is very well mantained. Looks like Barney s school. The teacher are dedicated 100% to children. The number of students allow to personalized teaching.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome school. couldn't ask for any better. great teachers, wonderful, caring principal. great parental involvement. teaching great character traits to kids. more than a school,a home away from home!
—Submitted by Michelle, a parent

Wonder school. We love the teachers and the Principal is excellent. Our children are very happy there. We are lucky to have 2 excellent teachers this year who are very caring and patient.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an elementary school in a high value home neighborhood. Most of these children belong to a higher social-economic class. The teaching is traditional and could use some modern techniques. I believe younger teachers are more desireable, some cronyism.
—Submitted by rick nick, a parent

This school is excellent! I really appreciate the staff taking the time to give each child what they so dearly need and deserve. It is very apparent that the faculty is truly a team, and the values and example they set for their students speaks volumes more than I could have ever hoped. Way to go, Washington Irving Team!
—Submitted by L Mall, a parent

What a tremendous school! Positive environment for our children to strive and achieve excellence in academics and participation in many facets of the community. The Washinton Irving Creed builds confidence in my child. Parent involvement can't be beat (i.e. 100% father attendance at our father/child all day event) and countless parent volunteers in the PTO, Dad's Making a Difference, and in the classroom! The cirriculum challenges my child--she scored in the 99th percentile (you cannot score any higher) for standard national reading test in 1st grade, equating to reading equivalent of a 3rd grade student who has completed 7 months of the that grade. Congratulations to the the principal, staff, teachers, parents, and students for your dedication, selflessness, and determination to create a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Washington Irving is a fabulous school. The staff and all the teachers are just great. I really love the school a lot. There is so much parent participation and it is just a really wonderful school.
—Submitted by Lori Fornal, a parent