Paul H. Cale Elementary School

Great school! Love the staff here, teachers are awesome, great class sizes per teacher ratio. Nice inside as well, they really take pride in the school, I have had 3 kids through here so far and loving it.
--Submitted by a parent

My girl attended this school for a year and she loved it (1st grade). However, I didn't noticed much progress in her knowledge, especially in math. She never had a homework - just a book to read. I am also concerned with Cale's quite low rating - 6. If it is so great why the rating is so low? I hope the principal can answer my question.
--Submitted by a parent

We have really enjoyed Cale. The principal, Mrs. Jones, cares a lot about the students and really listens to the parents. The administration and staff are kind and helpful. The teachers are top notch, and the curriculum is excellent. My daughter is very bright and has always been challenged at Cale. I was a little worried about the socioeconomic diversity compared to other schools in the district but it seems to be a supportive, safe environment for all children regardless of their individual circumstance. My daughter appreciates the different backgrounds and cultures of her classmates, and the teacher does a lot to celebrate their heritage. The literacy program is incredible. They are well-organized and challenge every child on his or her reading level. Parent involvement is huge. One of the best schools in the area.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a rising first grader at Cale. She had a great kindergarten experience and we expect the same in first grade. The staff at the school and the PTO are extremely welcoming.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in Kindergarten at Cale. I too took him out of private school to attend Cale and at first was concerned about the transition (my son did not want to leave his old school). After the first day my son loved it and he still does. His teacher is excellent and he cannot wait to go to school each day. He is thriving and learning at an excellent rate. The staff is warm and friendly and they really encourage parental participation. The new principal seems to be fitting in just fine and made the new transition seemless. I am at his school three days a week helping out in various capacities. They really have it going on. The new playground and equipment is excellent. As a reading teacher myself I am throughly impressed with the level my child is reading at.
--Submitted by a parent

So far I like this school, my 5yr old just started kindergarden there and he loves it.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been extremely pleased with Cale. The principal (Matt Landahl) is bright and energetic, and really cares about the students. (Unfortunately, he's leaving us next year... we'll see who fills his shoes.) The teachers so far have been great. The gifted resource teacher clearly is passionate about working with the children who need extra challenges to keep interested. The diversity of the student body is also wonderful -- it's not the same homogeneous institution as the others that are ranked highly in the area. Cale teachers manage to teach all students, on both ends of the spectrum and everyone in between. Lots of great parent involvement and school pride, and a good sense of community too. It will be nice when the construction is done and the new building wing is open in the fall.
--Submitted by Eve, a parent

I have 2 children who go to this school. At first we were concerned because we had taken our children out of a private montessori school and weren't sure how well they would perform in such a large public school. We are thrilled to report they are both thriving. Cale is a wonderful school. The Principal is warm and receptive and the teachers are top notch. Our daughter is in 3rd grade and we just love her teacher. She is innovative and responsive to our questions and the kids love her! We couldn't be happier! Our son is in kindergarten and is doing very well. All the teachers are enthusiastic and kind. You really cannot go wrong with Cale! Celina Mills
--Submitted by a parent

I have two daughters that go to Cale. I love this school and so does my girls. Every time there has been a problem the teachers and the principal have responded quickly.
--Submitted by Jennifer Maskell, a parent

This is the best school we could have hoped for when we moved to charlottesville. The teachers are all fantastic and the entire staff is friendly and wonderful. The literacy and buddy readers programs work extremely well. Students are grouped with their ability not just their age for reading as well as math. The parents also were very involved, and the school welcomes parent volunteers. I'm sorry that we had had to move away, we will miss Cale Elementary very much.
--Submitted by a parent