Irvington Elementary School

Irvington is such a wonderful school! It is staffed by people who REALLY care about the students and the community it serves. As a parent, I have found the principal and teachers to be very responsive to the needs of my children, one of whom has special needs. Over the past year, both of my children have made significant progress with the help and support of staff. I'm happy to say that both of my kids are well-adjusted and LOVE learning as a result of their experiences at Irvington. At the end of the day, that's what really matters to me.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm afraid I have to agree that Irvington is mediocre... with 'issuez'. My daughter went there for two years before we finally pulled her out for another PPS school. The difference was night and day. Academically, she was behind the average kids at the new school despite being in the 'advanced' math class at Irvington. Socially, the school has some problems particular to the neighborhood and the community that really detract from making it a good learning environment. While the parents are really involved, there is no push for more well-rounded curricula in the lower grades. The onus is on the parent to supplement with after-school classes, which were quite pricey there compared to the new school. As for 'issuez': if you are into the IDEA of a community school and into the idea that you are creating a sesame street style world by regentrifying and pushing out established inner-city neighborhoods, you will love Irvington. If you are interested in your child receiving a quality education relevant to the demands of the future and unencumbered by drama (like fights and smoking on school grounds, yearly racist graffiti, dog poop in the playground), you really should look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

Irvington is a wonderful school, full of diversity, a strong, caring staff, and supportive parents. The new principal is making changes that everyone is excited about.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attended Irvington. Although I was a great supporter of the school in the early grades, can now look back and see the school for the mediocrity that it is. The school did not serve my children well, the quality of the teachers average to poor. There were some bright spots... but this school is below average in my mind. If your children have any gifts, talents, there are no (real) programs in place to really nurture these... the TAG program is a joke. I recommend you interview the teachers, look at the class sizes, the quality of the afterschool programs and decide for yourself.
—Submitted by a parent

Irvington has proved to a Great School for my daughter as she moves on the Middle School! GO IRVINGTON!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Save a few teachers, this school is a disaster and does not live up to the over-inflated reputation. This is my daughter's second year there and I'm afraid it will be her last. I just can't express how disappointed I am in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Irvington is not just a school, it is a family of parents, students and educators all striving for growth and community involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

All five of my children attend Irvington and I Love the culture but I don't think the children are prepared for future learning. I have a child that is went to Irvington and then to middle school before the k-8 transition and she was Not prepared for Middle school. I also have three other children and I hope that they get what they need...I am thinking about sending them to a private school but financial obligations is going to be difficult.
—Submitted by a parent

Irvington is actually in a rather desirable neighborhood. It IS a real-life Sesame Street. It is actually a K-7 school now, next year it will be a K-8. which is why my review is going to differ. As the school is transitioning, the Principal is losing her enthusiasm and a grip on discipline.There does seem to be a new racial fracture in the older grades. The younger grades, k-4, are fine but I am worried about our future past those grades. There is no real school spirit here. Don't expect any school songs or for the Principal to know your name or even your child's name. Any enthusiasm generated by the many active parents and teachers seems to be easily quashed, even resented by the principal. I know many parents are hugely disappointed and will be looking elsewhere soon.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Irvington Elementary School mid year with our 5 and 8 year old children. Previously we had been at a private immersion school and were all but asked to leave because our son was having issues learning in the immersion school environment. My son had been put down in front of other children and was called dumb by his teacher. He came to Irvington with low self esteem and with low-average test scores. After only four months my son is reading at his grade level, has great self esteem and is well on his way to being at his grade level in math. His teacher is wonderful and is always available to us to answer any questions. My daughter is in the kindergarten class and although we were worried about her because she really thrived in the immersion school, she is doing so well. We love Irvington.
—Submitted by Maria, a parent

Irvington is one of few schools where diversity is celebrated and students interact respectfully and happily. Irvington is a positive place in a great neighborhood. There are a lot of transfers INTO the school. It is very desirable by Portland standards. My first impression was I had sent my child to a real life 'Sesame Street'. The education the children get is about as good as I think it gets in Portland.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, considering Irvington's location (which gives it the potential to be a much less desirable place to leave your kid all day at school), I feel the school is safe, clean, fun, and conductive to learning. It is obvious they take behaviour and discipline seriously and don't tolerate continuous offenses. I also feel my son is getting most of what he can from the school. My only complaints are applicable to probably any school in the district; the food provided for breakfast/lunches is absolutely horrible (I strongly feel it is far below children's nutritional needs). I'm of the opinion that all public schools need a major revamp of this program. Pre-packaged food from companies like Smuckers & Lays, frequent lunches like pizza and corn dogs... I'm simply very disappointed in what children are provided. If I can provide healthy meals on a tight budget, I think the school district can too.
—Submitted by a parent