Findley Elementary School

Our son is attending his third year at Findley and my daughter her second. We joined Findley after much research. Findley has not disappointed us and has done great things for our family. Our son has opened up quite a bit and the school and the teachers have given him a well rounded development. Teachers take personal care and stay in touch. There are advanced classes in areas where the kids are talented and gifted. The parent network is tight and the school has an excellent community to support it. We have a great Scout, Soccer, robotics, music network for outside the school development. As a perent you have ample opportunity to participate in class and learn about your child and his/her class. Some of the teachers are truly outstanding, but ALL are reasonably good. The principal is smart and has some undisclosed approach to decide which student goes to which class. So far, we are thrilled with 4 of 5 The downside to Findley is its own popularity. The Beaverton school district did not handle the budget situation well and schools are getting hit. With the recent layoffs of teachers, the class sizes are getting bigger - kids may lose the personal attention if not fixed.
—Submitted by a parent

Children perform at higher than grade level. Fabulous teachers who have total control of their classroom and make effecient use of the school day to rapidly transition from one lesson to another. My daughter loves the school and the huge variety of learning "activities" that take place. She never wants to miss a school day because she knows of something new and exciting taking place on that day. Their is a clear reason the school has outstanding ratings - outstanding school leadership, outstanding teachers, and outstanding parents make for outstanding students.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended this school for the last 5 1/2 years. The teachers were awful. Their expectations were amazingly low, the curriculum made it even worse, and there was nearly nothing to challenge more advanced kids. The challenge class I participated in from third to fifth grade, however, was taught by an excellent teacher, my favorite so far. I hope they will continue having this challenge class.

I am a student at Findley and I've had the best 6 years of my life here. The teachers are nice, but not TOO nice. The principals are great too. I love all the field trips, activities, and assemballies. THIS IS AN AWESOME SCHOOL!!!

We are somewhat dissapointed about this school. We feel the teacher and one of the principals are very dogmetic about teaching. The kids in this school are very smart because most of them come from families of educated prefessionals. Asian kids are dominating (>50% in population). Test scores are not representing the school's teaching quality at all. Our son's new school is much much better in everything.
—Submitted by a parent

Every child at Findley feels special. Teachers are trained to diversify in the classroom and provide each child an experience that matches their needs. The teachers and administrators are truly amazing people who care deeply about each child regardless of ability level.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for challange,caring & diversity..This is the right place to look for
—Submitted by a parent

One teacher promised us she would communicate with us any time there was something urgent she needed to talk to us. The teacher never did and my child continued to do bad things at school. For some reason, my child got a really good report card.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending Findley for a year and a half now and LOVES it. We live just a few blocks away and couldn't be more pleased. The teachers have been wonderful. Mrs. Brandon (K) and Mrs. Swanson (1st) are exceptional teachers and really take thetime to make sure your child is learning at the correct level. I am baffled by some of the reviews I've read here because my daughter is a gifted student and she has always been encouraged and challenged. She's not just being taught to meet the state requirements. As for the parent who said this school wasn't safe and that the kids were taught to despise learning I think I can only assume that was a VERY isolated student experience! The school has very strict rules about bullying and it's not tolerated in the least. A wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

There is a big emphasis on homework, beginning in 3rd grade, lower grades have some but not as much. Expect nightly homework by 5th grade, including on weekends and holdiay times. Recesses are only about 15 min. long twice a day. Some kids miss those staying in for work. PE is once every 4 days. School is highly academic.
—Submitted by a parent

Findley is a wonderful school. Staff is friendly and we are so glad to be a part of the Findley community. We moved here from out of state worried that our children would find it hard to make the transition but it was great.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was bullied repeatedly in class and the teacher simply allowed it to happen without reporting it or doing anything to stop it. When I found out, I informed the administration and their methods of dealing with it were to blame everything on him. By the time I pulled him out of this school, he was traumatized so badly I thought it would take years to recover. Interestingly he has been out for two months and he is doing great - excited about learning, making friends, happy. I think this is a very dangerous school where rarely is a kind word spoken by teacher or student, and children are taught to despise learning. Many are happy there, but unless you have connections and can fight for the good teacher, and your child fits the mold of the perfectly adjusted child, I would steer clear of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! Much parent involvement!
—Submitted by a parent

Findley is the best school in the neighborhood. We moved in the area because of school. We researched class size issue before moving and found it to be baseless. Class size issue came up this year due to new constructions for a new neighborhood by Arbor without contributing to school districts planning. But school has quickly addressed the issue and a new school is built. Frankly we never felt any issue about class size. My son got more than attention by teachers and we are very pleased with my son's overall development. Great teachers and friendly staff. Parent volunteer program is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

We are extremely pleased with the school - especially with teachers. We are so fortunate to have a very involved teacher for our 1st grader son. She gives so much care to every student in the class, very helpful feedback during parent-teacher-conference and encourages every kid to develop on strenghts and improve on weaknesses.
—Submitted by a parent

Findley is way over capacity resulting in larger student to teacher ratios. Some teachers are very good at raising the bar and expecting a lot from their students, others are much less demanding and seem to only worry about meeting the minimum requirements. Our children have had both types. Very good parent volunteer program. Good staff. Overall one of the best schools in the area. That is why we moved to the neighborhood we are in.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall a great school. Highly sought after. great parent/volunteer involvement. Good demographics, lots of motivated parents.
—Submitted by a parent

great volunteers all over the school and the staff and teachers do appreciate the help. music, library, tech, pe classes available
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. Although it is over capacity, the teachers are excellent and the PTO is very involved. Great extra-curricular and other activites to involve the families. Would definitely recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

The entire staff here is committed to excellence. They have a lot of students but I believe the staff is doing the best they can. The parent involvement is incredible.
—Submitted by Holly Morello, a parent