Sabin Elementary School

We love Sabin!! The principal, staff, parents and students are truly committed to this school's success, and together have created a community that I am so proud to be a part of. Our kids are thriving and learning in an IB curriculum that lends a global perspect to academic inquiry and growth. We feel so fortunate to be at Sabin!
—Submitted by a parent

We started at Sabin in September of 2009 along with a new charismatic a focused principal and a goal to become an IB school. Since then, the principal retains his celebrity status and we have become a fully accredited IB school. We have added a vice principal, new staff and more programs. Sabin's social scene is striking. We have a terrific set up for socialization amonst our families. When school lets out, a majority of the younger kids stay and play at the centrally located playground while the parents talk. This particular aspect of Sabin's community is ideal for fostering relationships that last, following the families up through the grades year after year. It is a great feeling to know the other parents in your child's class. My overall view of Sabin is that it is consistantly striving to be better, It is never stagnant. All our teacher experiences have been positive and progressive. The office team is sharp and on it. Our library is solid and the librarian effervesent. Our art teacher is one of the coolest guys I think I have ever seen. Our new music teacher is gregarious and inspires the kids. I would like to see more of the new parents getting involved.
—Submitted by a parent

Sabin is a fantastic school - with dedicated teachers, a great principal and a supportive parent community. We have two daughters - a 5th grader and a 2nd grader - at the school, with a third who will start there next year. Although no school is perfect, Sabin's standing as an International Baccalaureate school (that integrates subjects and places focus on qualities of thoughtful, involved world citizens), along with its incredible array of special classes make it a fantastic learning environment for our children. The school includes a renowned art program, music, PE, library, technology, gardening and Spanish. Sabin has many quality teachers and has recently hired several more after some retirements. The positive learning environment has only been enriched as a result. In addition, Sabin remains a diverse community that is seeking to bridge the achievement gap and make a school home where all students can thrive.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children at Sabin who are about to start kindergarten and 3rd grade. I see a real disconnect in the GreatSchool "score" which is a common problem with rating systems. It just doesn't reflect the experience we have had at this school. Fall of 2012 will begin our third year at Sabin and we have had such a wonderful experience with the teachers, staff and the amazingly energetic community of Sabin Families. I think Sabin now has one of the hardest working principals out there. We most definitely have work to do on our achievement gap and large class sizes but Sabin has more specials than most public schools out there. On top of an AMAZING art program and thriving IB program, Sabin is now adding music to the curriculum. Spanish? PE? Library? We've got em. We love this school and are looking forward to another great year!
—Submitted by a parent

We love Sabin! We have had an outstanding experience with some of the best teachers. I have worked in many PPS schools and hands down find Sabin to be one of the best. Where else can you find the economic and racial diversity while still maintaining great academic programing. In reference to the separatist approach (see post below) between Access and Sabin I know for a fact that is is Access (not Sabin) that asked for this separation and maintains this approach. The hope is that Access will be moved to another facility this next year. We have chosen Sabin over a private education for our children because of what it offers both socially and academically.
—Submitted by a parent

2 Stars? 4 Stars? 12 Stars? You have got to be kidding. Anyone who beleives that Sabin is a 4 or 5 star school knows nothing about the PPS system, has not researched the issue, and has fallen for an advertising scheme. Try observing other PPS elementary schools. Some are no better, but some are so good you will weep that your child is not part of their program. Sabin deserves help and support. But until it comes, and a lot of it, Sabin will not keep pace with properly managed schools.
—Submitted by a parent

The ACCESS academy housed within Sabin is a GREAT place for gifted kids. I'm not sure why all the tension exists, or in what way with Sabin, our family has found none. With that being said, the ACCESS program really knows how to teach to our gifted youth, it's a blessing to have a place for our bright young minds to learn and stretch their wings. My rating reflects the teachers and staff of the ACCESS academy-all top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

Sabin's leadership is dismal. The principal and his 'team' are almost never in the classrooms and when a teacher needs support to help a child, they are often turned away. The tension with the ACCESS program is thick and the teachers are NOT happy. I no longer teach there and now that I am somewhere else, I don't know why I stayed for so long.
—Submitted by a teacher

Such great growth at Sabin over the last few years. Quality teaching staff with the exception of very few 'old-style' teachers. I think the leadership from top down is a little light. Seems that the teachers could use some solidarity and clear leadership- from the principal. Loads of turmoil with ACCESS program in the same building. Middle School addition is getting off to a good start. Needs more focus and money towards science and technology. Amazing art program and teacher. Needs a better after-school program. Starting to get a stronger parent base. For many years it was all the same people doing everything- nice to see that change.
—Submitted by a parent