Adelaide School

My son went to this school in the 3rd grade. We couldn't leave this school fast enough. When he brought home a spelling list to work on during the week, I noticed that one of the words was "and". I assumed they were just reviewing words. I went to a parent/teacher conference the next week and when I asked if they were reviewing words, the teacher told me that they weren't--that "and" was just a word that the kids in the class misspelled constantly! I was appalled! 3rd graders couldn't spell "and"?! She then tried to cover her tracks by saying that ALL the 3rd graders in all the classes had trouble with that word and so it wouldn't make a difference if he was transferred to another class. Another time I went on a field trip to "Walmart"(!) with the class and noticed my son was bored. I commented on his lack of enthusiasm to the teacher and was told, "That's the way he acts in class all the time. That's why I haven't put his name in for the Gifted & Talented Program". My son was 8 years old and reading at a 8th grade reading level, stuck in a classroom of kids who couldn't spell "and". Of course he was bored out of his mind! He went to a different school the next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had a child in school here for the last two years. We've talked to a lot of other parents and it seems like what you get is a grab bag. There are some good teachers and others who are not. Unfortunately we've had a first year teacher who isn't doing a great job this year. The leadership of the school sends out a monthly newsletter and it's nice to hear from the principal. There is a music teacher who I think is doing a terrible job at teaching, and a good job at showing movies. The parental involvement seemed good the first year when the teacher was organized and asked for help. This year I think I am one of three parents who help out. As far as the academics, I haven't been impressed. My child is intelligent and has a quick mind, yet struggles with her attention wandering. I know it's a challenge to teach that kind of student. But not only is there no differentiated instruction happening for any child in this class, there are no extra programs available to help her either. The gifted school starts children in third grade but there is nothing available to children who are younger or who don't go to the gifted school. There is a resources and an ESL program here.
--Submitted by a parent

It has teachers that really care in it.