Altruria Elementary School

I am very grateful for our time at Altruria, and I have found it to be a truly wonderful school. The vast majority of teachers are terrific -- they genuinely care for the students, and they enjoy what they are doing. As with any school, there are always a few exceptions, but not enough to consider Altruria anything less then excellent! I have been continually impressed with Ms. Johnson (the principal). She has a genuine care for all the students and the utmost respect of - and for - her teachers. She is a true asset to this school. Lastly, I have been greatly encouraged by the high level of parental involvement in this school. I have served on the PTA board for 2 years now, and have found that there is generally never a problem in trying to get help in any form from the parents. I would happily recommend this school to anyone coming to this area!
—Submitted by a parent

The faculty is the best! They really love all the children, and they have excellent teachers!!!
—Submitted by a parent

So glad that our time at Altruria has ended. Way too much focus on whether upper body garments are tucked into lower body garments, the principal has no idea who the children are or what potential they have, she only cares if their shirts are tucked in. One of the worst schools I have dealt with, I am sad for the few great teachers who have to work there.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been extremely impressed with both the Principal and the Teachers we have worked with. Each one is sincerely concerned about my child.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has had 3 Teachers and we have been extremely impressed with each of them. Their love and concern for my child is greatly appreciated. I am also impressed with Ms Johnson.
—Submitted by a parent

Mrs J. Jones is a fabulous K teacher, she goes above and beyond for her students. The office staff knows each child by their names, so no child is a stranger to them.
—Submitted by a parent

Most caring teachers an staff I've ever seen.My daughter went trhu all the grades an now my Grandson is there an the top performance is still there.Would have him go no place else !
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is currently in second grade, and in her second year at Altruria. We moved from one Shelby County district into Altruria's Elementary district last year. I absolutely love this school. The entire staff has such a loving and caring nature towards children. I know that my daughter is receiving an excellent education, and challenged daily. I thank God that she is in this school, and being educated by such wonderful people.
—Submitted by a parent

Although I think Altruria has been a wonderful school for our children, and the Principal seems very kind and fair, I am very concerned about my past few visits to the school. I visit the school frequently, to read and have lunch, etc, and on each visit, I hear a few of the teachers using a very loud, harsh tone with the children, comments such as 'you better tuck those shirts in!', and on one occasion, a young lady was told this who was wearing a dress! I am suprised that I never hear any encouraging or motivating remarks, lately it feels like a very negative atmosphere, a big change from years past. Hope this will be rectified, as the other aspects of the school are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

Altruria Elementary is a great school! I feel my children are getting an excellent education, provided by outstanding professionals. My third grader was recognized as a gifted student in his first grade year, as a result his curriculm has been enriched to ensure that he is challenged. My first grader is excelling and shown advancements in her academic career in just the first nine weeks of school. Both children love shcool and have a great school spirit. There are many opportunities for parental involvement. They range from being a PTA Board member, reading in either the classroom or library, clinic work, various committees, to having lunch with your child(ren) each week. The principal is fantastic, the children love and respect her and every morning during announcements are reminded that 'We love you here at Altruria.' I can't imagine my children attending shool anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our daughter's second year at Altruria. We have been very pleased with the school's leadership, teachers and our daughter's academics and challenges. I'm a board member of the school's PTA and feel blessed in their allowing parent volunteers in all aspects of the school. I always feel appreciated and valued every time I walk through their doors. Their Principal, Ms. Johnson, is very professional, alway accessible and genuinely cares about each and every student. I would rank Altruria at the tip-top in Shelby County elementary schools.
—Submitted by Michelle, a parent

This is the our first year with Altruria. My second grade son has come from another Shelby County School that cannot be topped. Altruria is not challenging my son academically; it is not as child safe focused as I have seen with other schools and I feel he is not being prepared for the next grade level. I do not think the school offers much for parents in the way of involvement. I have heard of no programs, field trips, etc. that would allow a greater horizon for knowlege and more opportunity for parents to interact at the school. We will only remain through this year and we will move out of the district.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year in Altruria, having moved into the school district this past year. Our son previously went to a private school (since pre-school). It has been an adjustment for all of us, but I am extremely impressed by the staff and curriculum. He is much more challenged in this environment and I feel he is getting a better, more structured education. The only thing we truly miss is the closeness between families. But what can you expect when Altruria has five times the number of students! The only thing I would offer criticism about would be that I would like to be better informed about the goings on in the school. Our newsletter usually arrives after the date of the event.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Altruria as a third and fifith grade students. I had heard nice things from one friend about her experience in this school even though most of our neighbors home scholl or sent their children to private. Now I know why. This has been the worst education year we as a family have endured. I have a ninth grader. I have met with teachers, guidance counselors and principal. The problems remain and my understanding there have been parents in previous years complaining. The room mother moved her child into a private school and the current room mom has had conferences as well. We have tried to get back in our old school, but have to wait until the new year. We are doing the best we can until then. Our fifith grader has nice teachers but do not appear to challange her, she is happy but this will catch up with her next year in middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is currently in the 2nd grade and has been at Altruria since she was in kindergarten. I am so amazed at the quality of education my child has recieved, not to mention the staff is wonderful, parental involvement is above and beyond, and is reflected on the faces of the kids which attend this school!
—Submitted by a parent