Colbert Elementary School

Colbert has great test scores but it also spends most of the year teaching to the MSP. Teachers are good and bad like any school. The demographics of the school lead to the high test scores not the teaching. It is not a private school, the school teaches to the MSP. Private schools do not have to do this. Teachers cannot teach what they want but what the district specifies. Very little science, history, grammar, or social studies is taught. Bullies are prevalent with little action on the part of the school to address this. The students who complain are told the "good kids" could not possibly be bullies. The principal does interact with the students on a positive level, he does create a fun atmosphere. Nothing wrong with a school being fun, however, the complaint on ensuring the teachers are doing their job is correct. He does not address bullying. AND all students should recieve the help they need to reach the standard in their grade level. Too much busywork homework is given.
--Submitted by a parent

Colbert is an excellent school. I think it has many qualities of a private school. The parent participation is great. The environment is safe, the kids love it. Many of the teachers are excellent. As with any school nothing is perfect - some teachers are better than other's and so are some students. I know parents get frustrated when dealing with IEP's and the cumbersome public school system processes but the truth is Colbert is a well balanced school and cares deeply so that every student can succeed to his/her abilities. I have spent many hours tutoring and volunteering to children who struggle and need the one on one and the fact that they have such a great system set up and care that these kids get the help says something! So yes if your kid struggles below the 85% percentile it will be a challenging school because it is high achieving academically but it will also help you child get the skills needed to continue on because middle school and high school only becomes more rigorous. I absolutely love the school, almost makes me want to be back in elementary school because of it's great nurturing environment. It definitely rates 5 stars!!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had both good and horrible experiences with my son's teachers. Kindergarten and 2nd grade were great with teachers that accepted and engaged my son as a functioning part of the classroom 1st and current third grade teachers were and are horrible. I have had numerous conference with the staff attempting to correct the problems. All that I ever get is excuses from a principle who spends his time playing with the children rather than ensuring that teachers are truly doing the job they are there to do. The focus of this school is and continues to be a fun playful environment instead of an organized disciplined education facility that offers maximum opportunity for ALL students to achieve appropriate standards. What keeps this school in the high ratings are the quality and intellectual background of its student population and not the teaching staff. I believe their are a few exceptional teachers here but no more than any other school and the leadership from the principle is poor at best.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children at this school and can't imagine a better environment! My children have had wonderful teachers who challenge them to their highest ability. This school also has wonderful parent involvement and is constantly looking for ways to keep parents "in the loop". The entire staff has is approachable and available for whatever concerns may come up. This is an amazing school!!
--Submitted by a parent

While education is priority and learning is made fun, the teachers genuinely care for their students and for the learning process. Parents, Teachers and Administrators join forces at all levels of the learning process, from building the curriculum, to school centered activities. Love abounds, love of learning by kids, parents, and teachers, and love of the kids.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Colbert Elementary! We moved our kids to Colbert from a private school in Spokane. The education is much better than that which we received at the private school. The staff and teachers are fantastic! We are so glad we made the change and I cannot recommend it highly enough!
--Submitted by a parent

I Loved having my children at Colbert Elementary! This school has a great staff and they truely care how each and every child is doing. My kids really miss going to Colbert.
--Submitted by Misty Hollingsworth, a parent

We have been very pleased with Colbert. There is a lot of parent involvement. The teachers seem happy to be there, therefor it makes a great learning inviorment for the kids.
--Submitted by Shannon, a parent