Prairie Trail Elementary School

Excellent! I was very happy with the first year and I think a lot has to do with the teacher. My kids teacher was stern but warm and clear in her message to the kids, the boys felt very comfortable with her and they learned a lot! As with everything there are areas of improvement and I think more communication from school to parents would be useful. I also would like to see more emphasis on languages and arts. But overall friendly and helpful staff and happy with my children first year experience.
--Submitted by a parent

My wife is a teacher here and does a wonderful job with her kids. She spends hours working before and after school working for the kids; from creating new and interesting lessons, grading, tutoring kids who may need that little extra push to know the material, to after school activities supporting the children on organizations that promotes a strong learning enironment. I spend several evenings and weekends each year attending the school's activities and supporting the kids, and I can see how much they enjoy the school and opportunities they are presented with. Overall, I think the kids are getting a very positive education experience and will be well prepared for the challenges of middle school.

Prairie Trail is a great school. I come from a different school this year and I have three boys. A huge difference in education. The teacher care. The administration makes you feel welcome. I like the fact every child plays a recorder.
--Submitted by a parent

It appears most of the folks here are less-than-happy with their working environment. The principal could use some lessons regarding social skills and the virtues of professional appearance. Our teacher has no empathy...according to the kids, she never smiles. It's been a very unpleasant experience for us...
--Submitted by a parent

I have been here for the last two years and its been a wonderful experience for my son. This school is a whole lot disciplined. Good encouragement for Reading which is truly commendable . However I would appreciate if the days off policy could be relaxed a lil bit.
--Submitted by a parent

So far.....not impressed. It has been a pretty rough start as a kindergarten student and parent. Not impressed with Teacher(new), Principle ok but clearly is not objective and the Nurse is almost confrontational. Will look into other schools for next year for sure.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at this school - one in 5th grade and one in 2nd, so we have 7 years of experience here. I have been very pleased with the teachers and administration. The school is very structured, but I feel that the children respond positively to this. Great PTA involvement - lots of parent volunteers and special activites/programs. My children both love Prairie Trail, in fact my 5th grader is about to graduate and go on to middle school and she is very sad about it. She will miss Prairie Trail! Fortunately, our middle school (Lamar) gets great reviews as well! The only negative I have is that they are very strict about days off - We love to travel and the school has a very strict policy that strongly penalizes the child for any 'non-excused' days off.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I would much prefer that schools leave the discipline and cultivation of values to the parents; we don't see these processes as anyone else's business. We're considering private or home schooling for our children should we continue to stay in this town.
--Submitted by a parent

Quality is good. PE, music, library, spanish and art each once a week. Recorders starting in 1st. After shcool atcivities, chess club, art club, spanish club, Stars music group.
--Submitted by a parent

Prairie Trail is an outstanding school. We have been there two years and found it to be outstanding. Parent involvement is extremely high, and that makes a huge difference in the overall quality of the school. There was a principal change for the 2004-2005 school year, so we are going through some changes now. The principal leadership score is more reflective of being new rather than observations. The teachers are great! We have been very pleased with the quality of education. Reading is a big push too. They create an environment that makes our child look forward to going to school.
--Submitted by a parent