Starrett Elementary School

Complete lack of professionalism. I am absolutely appalled by the carelesness of some teachers. Maybe it's time for some of them to retire. I could never get a full explanation of my childs grades. It is a tragedy how these so called teachers can stand in a classroom and not "teach". My son saids there are students that are too afraid to ask questions for fear of a teachers reaction.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is one to watch. Excellent leadership and great teamwork. The counselor is one of the best.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe that the academic programs are challenging in a good way at Starrett. The students need challenges that will help them grow academically. However, the teach quality and principle leadership are both very poor. What ever happened to mentorship and leadership? Myself and my husband both make it a point to speak with my daughter's teacher throughout the week and everytime we attempt to speak with the principle, he's unavailable. Additionally, the principle has no interest in the feelings of the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a Starrett parent for 3 years and I have absolutely loved my child's experience there so far. Every teacher has been qualified and caring in every way. I am a certified high school teacher and have been very involved in my childs education. I have volunteered and been on the inside and even subbed and seen behind the scenes. I have Never seen or heard of any incident where the teachers were not caring towards their kids. I feel they have worked hard to meet any need my child has had. I am thankful for the hard work these teachers put in every day! This year my childs teacher sends a newsletter home every Monday and at the end thanks us for untrusting our child into her care. My advice...if your having a bad experience there maybe you should be there more helping and advocating for your child!
—Submitted by Linda, a parent

Starrett is a great school. The leadership and teachers have been involved in extensive training to meet the needs of children. Starrett is part of the National Network for Educational Renewal. That is quite an honor that indicates a belief in the success of all children. As well as orchestra and band, students may be involved in Bell Choir, Science Club, Mad Scientist, Chess Club, or Drama Club. Starrett Starbucks emphasizes good behavior and honors children weekly. The environment emphasizes a safe orderly environment. Peer mediation emphasizes settling differences in a positive manner. This school constantly looks for ways to improve children's learning experience.
—Submitted by an administrator

I am the parent of a Starrett student for the last 3 years and the only feedback I receive is poor. Thankfully she is a smart girl and I can only hope that her future teachers will be more helpful. The staff is somewhat unprofessional, the lunch lady fed my child green beans and bread when her money was out, and the Principal never has time to 'talk' to me about anything. The one thing that gets me the most is how much time they spend writing all the negative reports and not enforcing the positives. I'm always concerned that her self-esteem will be low due to all the discipline she receives. Yes we do need a change in the way the staff runs.
—Submitted by a parent

The level of parental involvement is not that great. The PTA doesn't seem to do that much at the school level. Not fond of the principal. She isn't very accessible. Haven't had any problems or complaints about my children's teachers. They have been great. Does have the districts only bell choir.
—Submitted by a parent

Classrooms are too big. No individualized attention. Too much time spend on discipline rather than teaching. Level of parent involvenment is poor. Need more positive leadership. Extracurricular activities are so slight, few and far between.
—Submitted by a parent

Starrett is a great school. The teachers and principals are wonderful. My children love it here and so do I. I would like to see more parental involvement though.
—Submitted by a parent

Starrett is a wonderful school with great teachers, parents and students. It has a very active PTA. Students can take orchestra and band in the fifth and sixth grades which is rarely offered in a public school.
—Submitted by a staff

Great School, my daughter is in Kindergarten. She has learned so much in the short time she had been there. Her teacher keeps the parents well informed.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent involvement is adequate Academic Programs are adequate Too much focus on discipline
—Submitted by a parent

Big Disappointment in 'gifted and talented program'. Gym or PE is hardly Physical Education. Academic programs not challenging. Cater to the eco disadvantage.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been involved in starrett for several years. It isnt a place that I would recommend anyone to attend. The staff in certain grade levels are good, not great. The staff refuses to do anything to help build up our school unless they are forced. The majority of the time each grade level or teacher does what they CHOSE. It greatly affects my children when they arent allowed to talk, EVER. Your children will be treated like they are in boot camp here. Myself and several other families have left the area, or transfered out. The teachers and staff are lazy!
—Submitted by a parent

I believe this school's staff works as a team to make the best for the children. As far as the parent involvement their is very little and it is the same people always doing everything. Come on parent's care enough about your child get involved in some way!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at starrett since kindergarten. Some individual teachers have been wonderful, but for the most part most have been just average. We asked 2 years ago about a 'pyramid' class and the assistant principal, counselor, and office staff told us they knew nothing about it. We asked about gifted and talented and were told that it did not start until 6th grade. We now know that it starts in kindergarten. The counselor and teachers do not seem to know the requirements for getting into the program. We were told that once the kids were in, they didn't have to maintain grades, discipline, or anything else. They were in for good. How many kids have been overlooked because the teachers are overloaded with kids, don't know about the program, and really don't care? Society and our kids are the losers.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had my child in Starrett for 4 years. I would not recommend it to anyone who wants a quality and caring environment for their child. I have had several encounters with several teachers and staff members over the past 4 years, none have left me with a feeling of even one of these people really caring about the student or parents. These people are there to collect a paycheck and nothing more. I feel that to be a teacher you must at least like children, I don't get this feeling from most of the staff or teachers at Starrett. You are just a face in the crowd. I am looking at private schools or moving into another district just to avoid another painful year at Starrett, not only for my child but myself as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent at Starrett with several years experience. I too have homeschooled and then returned my child to Starrett - only to find disatisfaction once again. I believe the high student/teacher ratio is partially to blame for the the behavior and academic problems at Starrett. The classrooms are busting at the seams and the students and teachers both suffer. Every year we loose a handful of teachers and these days it seems there are more UTA Student Interns teaching our classrooms than there are teachers. Way too much emphasis on dicipline with very little reward for good students. Any reward usually comes from individual teachers anyway. There is a clear need for a fresh adminstration and strong new leadership. Fortunately there is a small handful of extraordinary, caring teachers who basically are the 'glue' holding the place together! Thank God for them.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was in a private school. We took him out and enrolled him at Starrett. We absolutely love everything about Starrett. My sons teacher always goes above and beyond anything that is expected. He has learned so much more at Starrett this year than he learned in 3 1/2 years at his private school. We highly recommend Starrett to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent

My child also came from a private school. We enrolled our child at Starrett in the middle of the year. The principal was so nice and welcomed our family. My child's teacher was also very nice and has taught my child so much in such a short time. My only regret is that we went to a private school first and didn't start at Starrett!
—Submitted by a parent