Astor Elementary School

I am pulling my child out of Astor because of a bullying problem. It has gone on for two and a half years now, and I can't wait any longer for it to get better. My child dreads going to school each day. Please note that we have a different principal now in the 2011-12 school year. He is very nice and has a lot of experience, but the bullying among kids continues. I don't think the school has a strong program of anti-bullying education in the elementary grades. My other child is in the middle school and is having a better experience.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter was attending one of Portland's charter schools and it was a total nightmare. I felt better about the two days of shadowing and communication prior to my daughter even beginning at Astor than I did in the two years she spent at the other school. These people are responsive, proactive, compassionate and they really love the kids and the school. I couldn't be more excited and my daughter is the happiest she's been in two years.
--Submitted by a parent

My children grades 4 & 5 just transferred into Astor from a low scoring out of state school. I was concerned about one of my children who was previously in Sped Math at her last school. When registering my kids at Astor, I voiced my concern to the principal about her slipping further behind. I was not prepared for his response. He stated 'no child in Astor gets left behind'... how great is that???!! I left feeling like every child, especially my child's education was important. So far, I love Astor!
--Submitted by a parent

Astor is an amazing school. The principal is outstanding; he's attentive, involved and intelligent. The teachers seem equally committed. Where the school seems to fall short is in preparing its 5th graders for 6th grade. Astor has a system where the 4th graders keep the same teacher through 5th; this is to provide continuity as they prepare for junior high. That's great, but we're in the 2nd semester and my child has brought home several assignments she already did in the 4th grade. There doesn't seem to have been any bump in the coursework. Her class seems to be coasting along, doing work at the same level they did last year. My daughter has several friends in 6th grade, and these friends and their parents have had real struggles with the demands of 6th grade. 6th grade curriculum isn't too hard; 5th is just not challenging enough.
--Submitted by a parent

Astor is an amazing school. The principal is attentive, involved and intelligent. The teachers seem equally committed. Where the school seems to fall short is in preparing its 5th graders for 6th grade. Astor has a system where the 4th graders keep the same teacher through 5th; this is to provide continuity as they prepare for junior high. That's great, but we're in the 2nd semester and my child has brought home several assignments she already did in the 4th grade. There doesn't seem to have been any bump in the coursework. Her class seems to be coasting along, doing work at the same level they did last year. My daughter has several friends in 6th grade, and these friends and their parents have had real struggles with the demands of 6th grade. 6th grade isn't too hard; 5th is just not challenging enough. They need to give this area some attention.
--Submitted by a parent

We sadly moved away from the area and my son no longer attended Astor. However, due to Astor being so amazing, we are moving back so he can attend again. The staff is amazing, the Principal is awesome and the teachers are exceptional!
--Submitted by a parent

My kids attended Bridger for two years before coming to Astor. This school has made a tremendous difference in their reading, math and behavior. Our kids have become active learners and I credit the good and talented staff at this school for this.
--Submitted by a parent

Astor is great for the community support that it receives as well as the teachers and staff. We have teachers there that have been teaching ONLY at Astor for over 25 years! Now that has a lot to say about Astor itself, but the fact that my children consider it their other 'home' makes us as parents feel 100% better.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Astor school because of it's hard working, loving and caring teachers, principal and parents. We all work together to make it a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

My nephews have both improved socially and academically since attending Astor Elementary.