Indian Lake Elementary School

We also moved to the area because of the great reputation of Indian Lake Elementary and have been there three years. We have had two amazing teachers, one good teacher who had a bad year, one okay teacher and one mediocre (at best) teacher. The principal seems to be very dedicated to her job and genuinely love the kids. That's why they get 3 stars. Their special education program is really sub-par and students who struggle may be refused help without a formal education plan requiring a medical diagnosis (!). The kids who can't keep up are punished by missing recess to complete work. Most of the teachers rely heavily on worksheets and assign yet more worksheets to be completed as homework. Children who "don't fit the mold" and their parents will not be made to feel particularly welcome at this school by either the teachers or he other parents. This school is mediocre and getting worse because of budget cuts and state mandated curricula. Their test scores are not due to great teaching, but having children of wealthy, educated parents who can pour money and time into the school. Now we have paid more to live in this district and will have to pay for private school, too.
—Submitted by a parent

We, like others who have posted, moved here so that our child may attend this very well rated and highly recommended school. At first glance, the schools seems all this and more. However, after our 2nd year here, we now know that the truth is, this school is all hype and pompous hot air. My child has also been slighted by teachers and the experience has turned my once happy go lucky kid into a surly one who detests going to school. There is no diversity. If you are of a different race, color, creed, or even if originate from anywhere north of Mason-Dixon Line, you're in for some rude looks and cold stand-offs. If you raise your concerns to the teachers, they either downplay the issues or they just ignore it altogether. The only reason I even give this school two stars is because of the new principal, Mrs. Mitchell, who actually does seem to love her job and all the children in her charge. Unfortunately, its not enough to make this school worth putting my child through torture. We are now going to home-school our child until we can make our move out of this area next year. This place simply isn't worth the hassle.
—Submitted by a parent

Indian Lake is an exceptional school! I have been impressed from our first day on the campus. When we moved to this area a few years ago, we chose a house specifically for the wonderful reviews, test scores, and word-of-mouth praise given to Indian Lake Elementary. The school has lived up to our expectations and exceeded them in many areas. The principal is a great leader. She expects a lot from her teachers, but gives a lot in return. The teachers we have been blessed with have been amazing. The parent involvement is tremendous and the PTO goes above and beyond to give Indian Lake many advantages not available to other schools in this county. Indian Lake is comparable to any private school in this area.
—Submitted by a parent

No returned smiles in the hallway from teachers OR parent's, some of the moms deliberately speaking within my earshot about the price of their homes and how it's a 'shame that some of the property in the area has become rental',( Assuming that because I was African-American, I rented) my child/myself not being informed about talent day and being overlooked for the grade specific school presentation when she was perhaps one of the most talented, well-behaved and THE most advanced reader in her class and likely her entire grade. A caricature with exagerrated features of Aretha Franklin as the ONLY acknowledgement of our newly elected president ,being asked in a very suspicious, what are you doing here tone by the principal, 'May I help you?' while sitting in front of the school in my car...An environment that is psychologically crushing for black children, and setting their kids up for social falure.
—Submitted by a parent

I noticed that the parent who posted immediately after the May 2nd post stated that Indian Lake 'has a great reputation and aims to keep it that way', which suggests to me that they were referring to and confirming what I believe to be intentional practices, namely by the principal Mrs. McGhee,that discourage families/children of color from attending/thriving at the school. What my niece experienced at this school was reminicent of the early days of intergration. She came to the school with numerous records of previous testing from a different County and multiple top private schools that all unanimously confirmed her giftedness-wasn't placed in the gifted program until the school year was nearly over-and only due to our frequent inquiry about them dragging their feet. It was clear through the downplaying of her talents/awards,the mishandling of records, blatant mistreatment in the classroom, and the collective cold shoulder-that something bigger was occuring

We bought a house zoned for this school just because of the reputation of the school. However, we have been severely disappointed. I am considering private school as an alternative. The atmosphere is not nurturing at all. Most of the parents with glowing reports are just trying to impress everyone else. Mrs. McGhee is one of the most unyielding people I have ever met. Do not fall for the hype of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school that challenges students and also welcomes parent involvement. It has a great reputation and it seems they aim to keep it that way. I have never seen teachers more well taken care of nor such great success with fundraising in a school. This community is active and supportive of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely impressed with all aspects of ILE. The PTO gave the library $6,000--and the county gave another several thousand-- to update and expland all selections. More than 1,100 books have been purchased the past 2 years, and the librarian is continuing to update all selections. The SMART boards are an incredible asset in the classrooms, allowing the teachers to pull information (and incredible visuals) from the internet to complement and enhance learning. And I don't think there are teachers anywhere in the state that are as well-cared for as the ones at ILE. They receive monthly luncheons, special treats, funds from the PTO for purchasing supplies and well-deserved recognition. Both of my children have had great experiences since moving here two years ago.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children just completed one school year at ILE, and I cannot give as glowing a report as the other reviewers. The more diverse 'city' school they attended in another state had more appropriate priorities regarding money and fundraisers. $67,000 for smart boards (?) but $4k for a library that cannot accomodate the needs of a first grader reading at an advanced level. The father/daughter and mother/son breakasts were cute, but teacher appreciation week passed with minimal fanfare. Just one mom's opinion.
—Submitted by a parent

I can echo the other comments here. The school is really good. The principal has been there 13+ years, and runs a very good program, and the teachers are first rate. Parents are very involved - PTO meetings are usually standing room only. The school has 28 classrooms with more scheduled to be built. Currently around 500 students in K-5. There are before and after school programs administered by the YMCA Fun Company. The students consistently test very well in standardized tests, with scores in the 98th percentile or better nationally. There are computers in every classroom and a large computer lab. They recently purchased smartboards for some classrooms with more scheduled to be installed. There are programs for music and foreign language. The school is in the middle of a quiet and safe residential neighborhood, right across the street from a fire station.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 4 children, my oldest went 1st-5th there and my son just started kindergarten there.His teacher is new but even so I'm very impressed. My daughter's experiences there were memorable and very pleasant.She was/is an honor roll student and she never complained about her teachers or going to school. The parent involvement is superior! When my daughter was there I worked FT in Nashville so for me it was a bit difficult to be as involved and volunteer as I would have liked. I did feel a bit of stress due to this because as a parent you never want to be the one who didn't show...especially when so many there do show up, mostly moms but even dads too.I am fortunate enough to stay home now and have 3 to still attend there and I wouldn't want them to be anywhere else.Academically great-much like a private school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at ILE and have been extremely happy with the school. The teachers are amazing and the level of involvement from the parents is unsurpassed. I would recommend this school to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent

we have had 3 children attend ILE, and could not be happier. The academic standards are very challenging, yet it is a nurturing, conservative environment for the children. Lots of parental involvement encouraged.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. They are a Blue ribbion shcool which is the top 1/10 of 1% for the nation. I would recomend this district and this particular school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school with a very educational focus with great parental involvement. The principal is a very hands on leader and they say it is public 'private school'.
—Submitted by a parent