Northern Shores Elementary School

After two years at a private school, we decided to enroll our son in public school at Northern Shores. We knew doctors, teachers and other professionals who choose to educate their kids here. They all shared positive comments with us. After one year and an incredibly positive experience for our child, we now wonder why we ever sent him to a private school. Northern Shores may not be perfect, but it's pretty darn good.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a child who attended Northern Shores for kindergarten, first and second grades. All three teachers were good, but her kindergarten teacher was excellent and very experienced. My one complaint is the concern that teachers have very little room to vary from the standard curriculum. Team teaching may be good for new teachers, but doesn't allow those with more experience to utilize it. As a whole, though, I've been very pleased with NSES.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel that this is an excellent school. I have two children at Northern Shores, one in kindergarten and one in first grade. I am impressed with the teachers and how much my children have been learning. My first grader has been going to this school since kindergarten and both of his teachers seem to encourage him to do his best. My family and I are moving out of the area and the hardest thing for me will be taking my children out of this school and finding another school with the same type of teacher dedication.
--Submitted by a parent

I continue to be impressed by the quality of instruction at Northern Shores. The atmosphere that has been created by the staff encourages all children to reach their potential. The school is to be commended for providing our students with a top notch education.
--Submitted by S. Lewczyk, a parent

The majority of the teachers are terrific. There are a few that shouldn't be teaching, but that's the case in every school. The Adminstration, starting with the current principal, lacks quite a bit in interpersonal skills. They don't interact well with the parents or the students. Parental involvement is typically limited to the same few who seem to do everything and the PTA is very limited by the principal in what they are allowed to accomplish. The SOL push is strict, but there is little time for extracurricular activities and Suffolk, as a whole, places little emphasis on the gifted students.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that attend NSES. Over the past 4 years, I have seen many positive changes. Parent involvement is encouraged by teachers and students love the interaction. SOLs are a concern for ALL Virginia schools. NSES teachers find new and interesting ways to challenge and help students while still meeting the standards for the state. Staff are caring and seem to be genuinely concerned for every student's overall well being. I think that there will always be some reason to complain. Nothing is as perfect as we might like. As for AR and AMath...my children love the challenges. Any parent who sees the programs will be amazed at the levels of growth that are achieved! The programs are focused on specific needs and are far better than any textbook I have seen. (challenging and yet able to pinpoint weaknesses before they become problems) No complaints here!
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers seems caring, dedicated and attentive. Principal & school board too focused on SOL (Standard of Learning) testing. Teaching stops for 2 months for preparation for SOLS. Do not like the A/M (Accelerated Math) program. Kids don't learn how to think on their feet or reason through a problem. Too many multiple choice problems. Good focus on teaching reading & comprehension. Too much emphasis on a testing/measuring program called A/R (Accelerated Reader). School has a gifted program but it is not well developed with specific goals or curriculum. A few parents are very involved in the school. The majority are not.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two kids here, one with SLD. This school treats students with respect. Great teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

Good school with some great teachers!Limited on extracurricular activities and special services. Parental involvement and caring teachers makes this school a wonderful place for children.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended here from K-5 (currently). It is a good school in general - I guess we always want more/better for our kids. Not a lot of extracurricular activities via the school, but the gym is part of the city's parks department, so there are some things there. There is a big focus in all Virginia schools on the SOLs (standardized state tests for accreditation), so there is a lot of very specific subject learning, and not a lot of room for 'free' learning.
--Submitted by a parent