Oakland Elementary School

There need to be more consistency. You can not have a new principle every year. The maintenance at this school sucks. Pothols in the driveway the last couple of years still not fixed.
--Submitted by a parent

We were very fortunate that our dughter got great teachers the 1st and 2nd grade. It is not good to have a new principal every year. I was fortunate that I was in a school abroad. In 10 years they had the same principal. The school had tennis courts, swimming pool and rugby field. I can only hope and prey that she get a good third year teacher. My wife said the registration at this school is a nightmare
--Submitted by a parent

We have had our child in the school since kindergarten and are now in the 2nd grade. During this time, the school has had 3 female principles in 3 years. Pretty high turn over if you ask me. The teachers we've had have been mixed. -In Kindergarten, we had Mrs Bullock, who was great. -First grade was Mrs Powell, who, personally was a nice & cordial person but didn't set the bar for performance like would have liked. -Second grade we now have Mrs Willadsen. Again, it doesn't seem like the bar for excellence is there. She doesn't correct the homework so we're not sure if we're supposed to return it or keep it. The before/after school care has been pathetic. There are ladies who watch the kids only to badger them for what they do wrong. They sit in their chairs and nag the kids. They are indifferent about organizing something meaningful for the children. Overall, we've been satisfied with the school. We give it 3 stars. We're looking at a private school since we would like to raise the bar on academic excellence. Unfortunately, you won't find the same the leadership. Finally: The organization of the school has been pretty poor. It seems that the new principle is better this year.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had nothing but problems with the Oakland school system. The principal is a joke, and has no communication with the parents. They do have some good teachers. If you child has no other option just pray that you get one of the good ones!
--Submitted by a parent

I have a 3rd grader and a kindergartener that goes to OES. The only thing I DO NOT like is the principal. She has no time for the parents. My child got hurt there and I called several times and left messages for her to call me and sent e mail and NEVER got a response. Finally my husband and I went up there one morning and just walked in and told the office staff we wanted to meet with Mrs.Colbeck. When we got in there I told her I had left her several messages and had never received a call back and she said " she has been busy" that was unacceptable to my husband and I. She is the PRINCIPAL, she is suppose to be available and return calls to parents. She is a huge asset at the school and she needs to act like it and do her job!! If she can't handle it then she needs to move on. Other then that I LOVE the school so far both childrens teachers are WONDERFUL and really care about my children and that makes me very happy!!!
--Submitted by a parent

If I had a dog I wouldn't send it to this school. I had to take my child out of the school. No one even cared to know why we no longer wanted to attend. The principal would not talk to me about it and the assistant principal was just too busy to see me. I was very shocked that the school had such a lack of security for the children and that they felt the didn't owe me an explanation at all.
--Submitted by a parent

My Daughter just started Kindergarden at OES and we love it there. Everyone we met has been friendly and very helpful. Ms. Kelley the Principal is impressive. She has good command over her school and seems to have the respect of the teachers and parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Don't send your kid here if you can help it.
--Submitted by a parent

Well there is a lot to say about this school. I will start off with the one good thing. My son had an excellent teacher his first year. But that's the only good thing. The principal is horrible. She is so rude to not only the kids but also the staff and parents. They do not give you very important information you need. Like when school starts, what teacher your child will have and so on. My son starts back this Thursday and I have no clue what teacher he will have or what time he should be there for that matter. The parking is horrible. They are screwed up in so many ways it's unreal. I think maybe they should find a new principle who can make imporvements not one worried about her appearance.
--Submitted by a parent

We've had one year here and I loved my daughters teacher. The school overall needs a lot of clean up and painting, it is an elementary school, make it kid friendly. They need to get organized and ask for more parents participation.
--Submitted by a parent