McMurray Elementary School

Parents all agree with each other in this town...K-3 schools are excellent. Then it is a matter of enduring a bad school for 3 years until middle school. I have learned that my son's 5th grade teacher was locking him and others in a closet as a disciplinary technique. And after one parent complained, she was still allowed to continue teaching our children. We were not told any of this but she negotiated a "forced retirement". Children who had this teacher suffered from depression & learning issues. I'm considering legal actions. My son suffers from PTSD
--Submitted by a parent

strong character building, great teachers, good parental involvement

McMurray is a good school. The school is in excellent shape and offers good after-school programs. As with any school there are excellent teachers and some not so excellent. Parents play a large role and there is a very active PTA. They do have some issues with bullying that the administration does not want to address. The overall feeling is that they want to sweep it under the rug until and then let the next school deal with the problem. This year they will have a new Principal, so it will be interesting to see if the school changes its disciplinary weaknesses. Overall 4 out of 5 stars.

My family moved here when my daughter was entering the fourth grade, and we are absolutely thrilled with this school and it's affect on my daughter. The teachers are excellent and the programs and opportunities have been wonderful. My only complaint is the response to my daughter being new and having no friends. The school forgot to give her a lunch buddy on the first day, and her first week was very lonely. My advice to any new families, is to follow up with the guidance counselor and arrange for your child to meet other students before school begins.
--Submitted by a parent

My two children entered McMurray Elementary midway through 4th and 6th grade as a result of moving to the community from outside the state. We were encouraged by the high state rankings but were quickly disappointed by the lack of friendliness and obvious lack of discipline. My children's personalities and self-confidence were dramatically affected. My children have changed schools several times in the past, with great success, except in this district. Within months we sought for a private alternative where my children were then enrolled and made the transition easily. After many discussions with the guidance counselor and a teacher, it was obvious that my children were reacting to the unhealthy environment which exists at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Very happy with the academics, parental involvement, and the availability of extracurricular activities. The only complaint that is discussed often in the township is the level of 'customer service' provided by the office staff. Maybe dr. Freado can develop and institute a code of conduct and follow up procedure check list for interactions between the front line staff and parents.
--Submitted by a parent