Shelburne Community School

First the outside "breeze way" the Pre-K - 3rd graders have to pass through to get to music, lunch, art and PE throughout the day (at times alone). They expect the younger kids to go outside and then back inside to get everywhere. My son hates it! Not to mention the lack of security. When a group of parents brought up the security issue they put up a security camera. Also, they have 8 different after school activities FREE to the 6-8th graders to be involved in (cooking, dance, etc) besides the sports & a free late bus. But nothing for K-5. K-5 needs to pay for some reason, & I have been informed that is not going to change. They don't seem very open to new ideas unfortunately and very stuck in their ways. I am happy about an online program my child is using Lexia Learning and Fast Math. The teacher can see when you log on at home & follow your progress. My son does love the music teacher & the art teacher does a great job exposing them to a variety of types of art. I don't like the inconsistency between teachers in the same grade. Our teacher is very good, but doesn't believe in homework, while others are sending home book reports & other work, & they're in the same grade.
--Submitted by a parent

The school, particularly at the middle school level, has really gone downhill in the last two years. Very little accountability, no academic challenge. The most troubling thing though, is the significant increase in the number of very serious bullying incidents. These situations have not been handled effectively and thus continue. The bottom line is, if students don't feel safe and secure very little learning can take place.
--Submitted by a parent

The faculty and principals are outstanding. They create a safe and healthy environment for the students. Respect for their fellow classmates is taught at all levels.

The 'community' in the name of the school is more than an aspiration -- it's the way the school culture is organized among faculty, administration, and families. Parental involvement is very high, and students are organized into academic 'teams' that build long-term relationships across grades. Older students can sign up for in-school community service that includes mentoring younger students or working with kids with special needs. Faculty members seek out ongoing e-mail input and feedback from parents and act as sponsors for a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. It's a very intentional community that surrounds our kids with eyes and ears, and with hands to help, and teachers are strongly focused on academic performance. Our family has had a great experience at SCS.
--Submitted by a parent

We are parents of a bright but behaviorally challenged kid. The staff and teachers at SCS have been just outstanding at working with us as a team to help our child. They respect our insight and ideas and make useful and compassionate suggestions. We've been so impressed by the love our child has experienced there. We're sorry to have to leave! The music also seems to be great, our child loved music class. Lots of extracurricular activities and parent involvement, a real emphasis on families. The school is very much a part of the community. It's a great school and the principal we worked with, Allegra Miller, is outstanding.
--Submitted by a parent