Monroe Elementary School

Do not send your children to this school. Teachers do their best and your child WILL get a strong academic education if they have good attendance, but it may not be worth it. The school has been under construction for two years now with no end in sight and an increasingly questionable contractor in charge. The new principal for the last two years showed up often in sweat pants and t-shirts and did nothing to lead the school during the trying time of remodeling. a new principal is there now but is busy undoing the academic failure of the previous one. The PTA is small, exclusive and secretive and does little for the school. None of the teachers or adminstrators live in area or even have their own children in OKCPS. Therefore, they take no interest or ownership in the building or the life of the school beyond their paychecks. Dumb decisions or unwillingness to act or correct something or simply do what is right regarding the school is met with the tired excuse, "we just don't have the money" There is litter all over the grounds and nobody cares. Rarely does the school send out information. Your child will have an extremely substandard elementary experience at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Monroe. My experience has been great! The school has offered many opportunities for my child to grow academically and personally: science club, ballroom dancing, choir, and violin. His teacher is a delight and it is evident that she cares about my child. There are many opportunities for parents to be involved, too. We have found that the community is very supportive of the school, as well. What a great neighborhood school!
—Submitted by a parent

First year here, after relocating from a Putnam City elementary school. Our experience has been dramaticially different from other parent reviews. Our second grader is on her third teacher this year. First class was overcrowded, second teacher left after about a month. Communication is poor and inadequate. The school seems so busy, hectic, and disorderly. Not surprising for a school/construction site. I've picked up my children and their teacher's were unaware of their location. "I think they left in a car" was the response. Inadequate care, communication, education, and involvement. I'm not the kind of parent that is content on the sidelines. I miss Putnam city. Can't wait to return.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Monroe! Our kids have gone here over 6 years now. One of our children stayed after school 3 times a week this semester attending a fun extra curricula science class and to a twice weekly ballroom dance classes. The uniforms have helped a lot this year with our getting ready routine. I like the emphasis on character building and treating others with respect. The ballroom dance teachers say that Monroe students are the most well behaved they have ever had. My kids always test in the highest levels percentile on their standarized tests and I must say that it has been Monroe teachers who are responsible for that . The remodel is underway and is going to really be a gbig improvement when it is finished next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family loves Monroe and the dedicated staff. My children went there and now my grandchildren go there with 3 more to attend when they get old enough. Monroe just earned the Great Expectations Model School designation. The school has served for many decades as the hearing impaired school for Oklahoma City and all staff and hearing students learn at least some sign language and positive life lessons and compassion from these wonderful kids and their teachers. They recently began a really neat ballroom dance program that teaches things like respect, and honor as well as dance steps. I feel this site's 6 of 10 score based on test scores is misleading. There are students at Monroe who are low achievers and from more disadvantaged parts of the school's area map who may pull standardized test scores down. However, there are plenty of excellent students who are on or above grade level, like my grandchildren, and Monroe teachers who diligently work to serve both type students. The architect drawing and decor plan is in the office for anyone who wants to see the huge remodel project taking place this summer. Its a wonderful elementary school. Don't let anyone tell you different!

Monroe has a fantastic staff! They truly care about their students! The principal is wonderful also.
—Submitted by a parent

In yr's past I was very happy with this school, however this yr there have been changes, and I nor my child like it there anymore, I've even been to the board about these changes. I hope they can get this fixed and back on track as a great school
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been in this school for four years. His teachers have always been very involved with the students. There also seems to be parent involvement also. I think very highly of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Monroe Elementary is by far the best school I have come into contact with in the past five years. Ms. Lawson is a wonderful principal and all of the teachers are very active in the community.
—Submitted by Christy Gordon, a parent

Monroe Elementary Program for the hearing impaired is wonderful. This will be my child's third year at this school. The teachers are so well-connected with the kids here. I really appreciate Ms. Lindeaur and her assistants.
—Submitted by a teacher