Colvin Run Elementary School

Our experience has been that Colvin Run is an excellent school with a wonderful administration and very caring teachers. The principal has brought great programs to the school and the children (and parents) love him! The parents are highly involved with the school, making it an even more enriching environment for the children. We couldn't ask for a better school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in the school and we have experienced grades K to 3rd grade. The principal has brought some great programs into the school including violin for all 3rd graders, music for all 4th graders and Spanish - all with no county/state support. The parents and kids here are great. I haven't been pleased with the teachers though. For example, the way 3rd grade teachers drop all their teaching to focus on prepping for the SOLs but I think this is not a unique problem at this school. There is no focus on the individual child unless your child is struggling or has special needs, but again probably not unique to this public school. My 3rd grader was taught multiplication just long enough (for 2 weeks) to pass a test and then they never covered the topic again in class. The way teachers don't notice the needs of their kids is a bit disconcerting and the way teachers and the rest of the staff don't communicate is a problem too. I think a lot of problems at this school come from the State's focus on SOLs as well as other issues of teaching to the average kid or the AAP kids with little support for the above average kid who may have slightly different learning needs.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here two years ago and have two children at Colvin Run. I feel very lucky we chose to buy our house in Colvin Run's district. We were previously in another school that was also highly rated in another state but it doesn't come close to Colvin Run as to what actually happens in an average day. There are high expectations, the kids are challenged and they meet them - its amazing! I was a room mom my first year so I could meet people and found it incredible how many opportunities there were to volunteer. I know every one of my children's classmates by name as well as teachers and other specialists. They are all kind, open, approachable people. The kids themselves are great kids, it is such a happy place. There is a wonderful anti-bullying program in this school that fights it by encouraging every kid to be an advocate for their classmates. The whole school pulled together to dedicate a 5k fun run's proceeds to a terribly ill student's Dr. bills. And there are many other wonderful charitable activities. I credit all the opportunities to volunteer and be at the school as my window into my children's world.
—Submitted by a parent

i am a student at colvin run and have been there for 4 years. with the exception of fourth grade, all my teachers have been really nice. the principal is very good but it's the vice-principal who rules the school behind the scenes. overall a good school.

Definitely a school that has great potential but is split with some very awful teachers as well. My son encountered impatient, screaming teachers in 3rd grade, rude and belligerent teachers in 5th grade, and general lackluster teaching in 4th and 6th. Not so great teachers, but a great afterschool program at SACC.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children and have been at Colvin Run as a parent since 2005. With the exception of one year, I have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of the teaching. The administration and PTO have worked together and brought language into the school when the school board could not produced the funding. It has a very strong sense of community. I can't thank the school and community enough for supporting our family during a difficult time. Truly an amazing place.
—Submitted by a parent

We are a military family so our children have attended 3 different elementary schools in 4 years. I can say without a doubt that Colvin Run is the best school we've ever attended. The principal is very forward thinking. He brings many different innovative programs and opportunities for the children at the school. We love all of the teachers and staff, too. The parent involvement is very strong. We feel so lucky to be at such a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is ok, not great as I hope for. There are some great teachers and bad ones at well. The administrators are always on the teachers' side. There are a lot bright kids at this school. I guess we can't expect much from public school with the strong teacher union.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 children currently at Colvin Run and have been there for 6 years. We could not be more impressed with the school, culture, students, and staff. I think the fact that it is the AAP (GT) center for the area makes the environment so conducive to learning. We have several friends that have moved their children from private schools and they say that Colvin Run is a huge step forward. Parent involvement and support is also the highest in the area, which lets the teachers focus on the students. I would give the school 6 stars if I could!
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school with an extremely dedicated staff (teachers and administrators) who care about the education our children are receiving.
—Submitted by a parent

Very happy with my kids teachers. I love this school and feel very lucky my kids are getting such a good public education.
—Submitted by a parent

I disagree with some of the negative comments regarding olvin Run. We have 2 children here (one in GT and one in Kindergarten) and have found the Administration and staff to be consistently outstanding in quality, responsive and friendly. In addition, Colvin Run offers some of the most comprehensive programs (including 26 languages offered before, during and away from school via Rosetta Stone) in the nation. It is an excellent school.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to this area a few years ago because our child was about to start kindergarten. A few years into Colvin Run Elementary we realized we've made a mistake. Paying so much money on property tax with the hope that our child will get one of the best education turns out to be a disappointment. Things have gotten a lot better with the new school principal over the last year. But if you are thinking of moving here because of the school, think again. The parents-teacher organization gives you a false sense of welcoming and friendliness, whilst in fact you'd better just ask how high when they tell you to jump. A lot of parents are truly good and devoting volunteers, but a small group of high-profile, brown-nosing, soccer moms call all the shots.
—Submitted by a parent

You should note that this is a 'GT' center - and there is in fact a sharp division among the 'gifted' and 'non'-gifted students. With a very few exceptions, I have found both the administrators and the teachers pretty unresponsive; they seem maybe to be coasting on their reputation.
—Submitted by a parent

The administration does not respond to parental concerns regarding the quality of teaching. They stonewall by saying, 'You are the only parent we've heard from about this supposed problem,' when in fact many parents complain. Teachers know that the administration will back them up no matter how unsatisfactory they are. This is a great school for teachers and administrators, not for students.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely fantastic! I cannot imagine another public school in the country having better facilities and academic programs. Extracurricular activities are plenty. The school system encourages parent involvement.
—Submitted by Sankar Prabhukumar, a parent