Shady Grove Elementary School

I have a son with a developmental delay - requiring special assistance and the teachers, exceptional ed program and administrators have been amazing. There is an old post here from a family with a child with autism. There is now an Autism Classroom right in Shady Grove. Also - there is an older post about the concerns for class size (24-1)....Henrico County has since opened a new Elementary School nearby so that has been alleviated. Another close by Elem. School is in the works for 2014!
—Submitted by a parent

We transfered in when my oldest was in her last year of Elementary school and my son was a first grader. We found Shady Grove to be a top notch school. My children were quickly welcomed. The teachers are excellent and provide many enrichment opportunities. I would also like to note that I believe the school counselors are also superb. They are wonderful resources and provide valuable 'lessons' to the students in the classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful!! We transferred here from out-of-state, and felt immediately welcomed at SGES. There is an awesome new student mentoring in which current students help new students become acclamated. Great opportunity for parental involvement, too. LA - new SGES parent
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at SG. We transfered here from out of town. The community is wonderful and my husband and I believe it takes a village of high standards and discipline to raise a family. The academic standards at SG are tough, but with the US failing across the board on an international level, we welcomed the standards and the discipline. There is plenty of art, PE, music, not to mention after school playtime and after school enrichment. SG encourages various learning styles and programs like Destination Imagination are available for children who need to put addition energy into creative, imaginative thinking. The school leaves no child behind academically and the teachers are strict but loving. It is too bad all US children don't have the opportunity to live in such a great community with access to a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome! It teaches you so much. And they have the best teachers you will ever meet.

We have a daughter finishing Kindergarten at Shady Grove Elementary and we have been thoroughly impressed by the professionalism of the teaching staff and the love for learning they have provided my daughter. Thank you!
—Submitted by a parent

Academics is the main focus for SGES without a doubt. However, I agree with the other review that stated in their effort to keep the high academics they lose the personal touch with the kids. Teacher/Student ratio is terrible at the school, there are way too many students in the classes. My sons 2nd grade class is 24:1, that's a lot higher than any school I have reviewed in the Henrico area. I'm glad to see that they can keep the academics up with such a ratio but my son does not live in the town of 'Stepford' (from the movie). One mold does not fit every child.
—Submitted by a parent

I had a child at Shady Grove that was on the autism spectrum. The staff were at ground zero on how to work with him. The tragic downfall at Shady Grove is not their ability to teach typical children, it's their inability to include special needs children into their school. There are no kids in wheelchairs, or programs for autism in Shady Grove. If you have a child that requires more than extra assistance in reading or math, then he or she will be sent to another school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Good parental involvement. Tachers take good interest in children education
—Submitted by a parent

With Shady Grove around, there is no need for a private school. The administration and teachers are phenomenal and parent involvement is tremendous. I have three children there - all of which are doing great and love it. We have a great music and art program, extra recess time after lunch, and after school activities. Shady Grove consistently ranks tops in terms of testing. You can't find a better school for your kids!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Shady Grove for 2 years before we decided to transfer to a smaller, private school. In our experience Shady Grove has excellent academic standards, however the environment is staid and very regimented. The complaint of many parents is that the school doesn't allow kids to be kids. In striving to maintain its top status on SOL testing, the school seems to strive to force all children to conform to one mold - that of the perfect, obedient elementary school student - and fails to treat children as individuals with a variety of learning styles and needs. Although I rate the school high in all of the categories listed here, if creativity, emotional support and self esteem building were categories, Shady Grove would get the lowest possible score.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Shady Grove now and they both have found great teachers who motivate and educate creatively. Our principal is so supportive on all fronts: child, teacher, and parent. It is a true team approach to the well being of children. Our school has a very active PTA that provides many enriching programs, both during and aftershcool. Our school is situated in our close-knit community which adds to the atmosphere that our children are here to learn and learning is an integral part of this community. Our art and music teachers are energetic and creative. The building itself is very condusive to learning allowing grades the chance to team teach which allows children to work at their particular skill level.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. I've had two children attend, one is still there. Everyone from the principal on down takes an interest in the children. Great PTA also. Highly ranked within the county.
—Submitted by a parent