Mary Woodward Elementary School

We love Mary Woodward! The teachers are supportive and fair, and the parents are heavily involved. We have full day kindergarten as an option, fun field trips, music programs, science fair, cultural fair, Art Lit, afterschool classes, and our beloved garden! There are just two big fundraisers, the Jogathon and Spring Auction. We have many learning specialists, TAG, and a parent supported library. Each grade has special projects and programs that parents can visit and attend. Our fifth graders can participate in an Ambassadors program to volunteer in special charity projects and the student store, promoting leadership. There are "buddy" links for classes of different grades to help everyone meet friends of all ages. I am surprised to hear about bullying, because that is certainly not the culture of the school, each student is encouraged to be respectful and work out their differences fairly. I feel so lucky that my children are able to attend this great school!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended this school for 2 years. First year, teachers were OK except I was puzzled with one of the 4th grade homeroom teachers. I think she favored the bullies more or was not fair. In short watch out for bullies at this school especially if you are new. Second year, teachers were so... so... Teachers do not help improve advanced students to grow. Advance students level out and are not encouraged. BiZ town job selection process was biased. Overall, maybe I expect too much since we came from a superior school district BUT if this school was to change they need to focus on the above criticisms.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers and one of the most spectacular sustainable school gardens in the world. Wish my kids went there.

They have a great School garden that allows students to experience hands-on learning. It is called Woodward Gardens and it has many sustainable elements as well.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been at Mary Woodward for 5 year and during that time I have been in the classroom to volunteer, on committees, etc. I am so impressed with our school and the parent involvment! In some classes there have been TOO MANY volunteers, and parents are scaled back to accomodate everyone. I can't imagine sending my children anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

Bullying is a problem at this school. If your child doesn't fit into what other kids like, they will be bullied. Some kids are so peer pressured, they will not to stand up for what is right.
—Submitted by a parent

We just finished our Kindergarten year here and I couldn't be more pleased with their program. My son needs an IEP and the teachers and staff here are phenomonal. Unfortunately, we are moving out of state. But to anyone reading this, I would strongly recommend Mary Woodward Elementary. The truly care about their kids and their academic growth and the encourage parent involvement. My son grew so much this year and accomplished much more than I could have ever dreamed. I will be forever grateful that he was able to start his education here.
—Submitted by a parent

Best school ever. My son has such a great time here and is learning so much.
—Submitted by a parent