Edison Elementary School

Looks great on paper because it moves children that can't pass the tests. It is NOT one of the best schools unless you have a median student, if you have a very advanced student or a child with learning difficulties be prepared to supplement a lot! It is getting it's 3rd principal in 2 years for the 2011/12 school year. 4J is downing in its self pity about class sizes, instead of stepping up all you will hear is complaining from admin and teachers. Your child will not be an individual in this school:Oregon hires and lays off its teachers based only on seniority (only 5 states still do this) this means it is not the best that stay, but the most complacent-they don't HAVE to try hard. Watch out for the junior high like clicks especially if you are of color.
—Submitted by a parent

I am rating this school as average for Eugene, however, it would rating below average in other parts of the country. From what I understand it used to be a better school, but we had to pull our child out due to the lack of communication between parents and teachers (teachers here are extremely defensive -likely due to crowded class sizes and lack of time to prepare). Kids do not receive good individual attention and those who excel are left to fend for themselves. Homework is rarely given because the teachers have no time to review it. Over crowing leads to common school yard bullying problems here. The Kindergarten program suffers from being cut to 4 short mornings that include very little academic content-- so first grade is essential Kindergarten. Children who manage to do well here must supplement their education with Kumon or other work at home with parents or a tudor. Extreme cuts in the PE and music programs take the joy out of a day at school.
—Submitted by a parent

As far as schools in Eugene go, Edison is certainly among the very best. My daughter has had smart, committed and caring teachers, with one exception in second grade. The principal is a strong leader and the PE and music programs are great. My only frustration has been all the fundraising we have to do, but I guess that's everywhere. In terms of cliquey parents mentioned in other reviews, have found that that more I got involved, the less that was an issue - so not a problem really for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a bad experience at this school and left after one year. This school seems to target teaching to the child that needs to reach the state benchmark, but not to other students. The principal was weak (but now is moving schools). There were numerous parent cliques.
—Submitted by a parent

We loved this school! There is a huge sense of community and ample opportunies for parental involvement. However, do not be fooled by high-test scores and students' performances because those are obviously attributed to higher socioeconomic children and thus, Edison's high-test scores are a direct result of clientele. The teachers and principal have cushioned jobs with few students who are academic and behavior challenges. I volunteered, and always walked into a quiet office with the principal on his computer. Honestly, it seemed like all he did was think of random things to do for appearances. He also had numerous volunteers (women) doing his job. Anyone could lead and/or work at that school, and it would continue to run its course. The principal and most of the staff are friendly. We only did not like one of our child's teachers who taught kindergarten then second grade. All other experiences were great.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a terrific elementary school. Great teachers, committed principal, core values (compassion, respect, integrity, etc.) woven into the curriculum and the culture. I agree about parents being a little clique-y -- it is not the easiest school to join as a newcomer, but my daughter joined sports teams and activities and it got a lot better.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school for educational and social skills. Parents can be a little cliqeuy, but overall tremendous feeling having had two daughters attend three years here.
—Submitted by a parent