Island Park Elementary School

This is our first year here. We just moved to the island. The teachers are wonderful. They are amazing. My child's classrrom had an aide which also helped one on one learning. I'm not impressed by the admin staff at all. Front office is very rude and principal has been unapproachable. We are sending two children to Island Park next year because the teachers are so wonderful. I am holdding my breath that the admin and principal change their attitudes. At our last school the principal greeted everyone by name in the morning. Nothing like that happens here. The academic standard is very high here. If that is the most important thing than this school is for you. If you want an overall caring staff...look elsewhere. The teachers are fantastic!
—Submitted by a parent

We are a new family to Island Park. My daughter arrived mid-year, 3rd grade. We were both welcomed and we found the teachers, staff and parents to be caring and helpful. Teachers and staff have gone out of their way to tell me how special my daughter is. I am certain I am not the only parent that is made to feel that way. My daughter participated in "Girls on the Run" which was an excellent program promoting physical fitness and ending with a 5K - it also taught life skills appropriate for elementary grades. Two teachers volunteered their time after school and they were there at the race. The Principal was also there to cheer the girls on and gave each Island Park girl a "high five". This is a wonderful school. Many family events and opportunities to volunteer at the school if you can.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been thrilled with Island Park Elementary School. Dr. Loorem is an inspiring and caring leader. The teachers are wonderful, the classes small. Island Park has the Hand-in-Hand program which allows one extra teacher per grade. This teacher pulls out children who need extra help or an extra challenge. They help wherever the classroom teacher needs an extra hand. They are outside at all the recesses which means problems on the playground are seen and handled very quickly. The parent involvement is outstanding. From the PTA to in-the-classroom volunteering- it seems that everyone is helping out in some way, and happily. There is a real sense of community at Island Park. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. I would highly recommend Island Park Elementary!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter completed Kindergarten here and is about to start first grade. We are sending her here from out of district because it is such a great school. The large parent involvement allows for more opportunity for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to the school this year, enrolled a child in kindergarten. We are very impressed with the leadership, good communication and caring staff. Bravo, inspires confidence overall.
—Submitted by a parent

Island Park is a wonderful school with a great sense of community and open welcome to all types of children. There is an ERR program and ESL and a full time school counselor. There is a fantastic music teacher and program as well as art. The parent involvement is very high. As in all public schools the teacher needs to teach to all kids in the class but there is plenty of special help for kids of all abilities and children can excel. There are quite a few extracurricular activities and good programs at the school to support working parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Island Park is excellent! They have a great staff, active parent involvement and a rich diversity and breadth of programs.
—Submitted by JB, a parent

This school is just okay. The teachers are great but they can only do what the district allows and provides. That means that teaching has to cater to the lowest common denominator in my opinion. My daughter loved learning and was on her way to a good education when we moved here. She lost all interest in school. Nobody pushes you because they can't. The math program is lacking because they must teach to the level of the lowest in the class. I am sure some students do fine with that but my daughter needed the extra push. The school and grounds as well as playground equipment and such need to be completely revamped into this decade or at least the last one.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student of this school and absolutely love the teachers. Although the principal tries to give support to her students, NO TOLERANCE policy has made her a dictator. I am currently a student of islander middle school and I can't even walk across the street without an adult. There is something called crossing line between discipline and utter confinement. Everytime a new fad begins within the first few weaks there an exuse that allows them to be confiscated. Baseball, tennis balls, mighty beans, top raman, popcorn, jawbreakers, whispering in the lunchroom, currently turning soccer lovers field into a parking lot,taking plast knive because of quote 'saftey against violence', you cant wear masks like you used to at halloween. AND another thing I spent six years and did not learn a single musical note and passed along with countless others. Please send kids elsewhere!
—Submitted by a former student