Lewis & Clark Elementary School

My child has attended this school for three years in the GATE program. This program has been outstanding and exactly what he needed to challenge him. There is a new principal this year (2011), and we've been very impressed with her leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

This school houses the Richland School District's Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)program. They have an incredibly involved team of parents that integrate the GATE students into the rest of the school. The school also houses the district's special education programs for children with various special needs from behavior issues to disabilities. The variety of students makes for a very well-rounded environment. The principle can routinely be seen walking around the halls, talking with students and monitoring activities. The classrooms are set up with pods - a few classrooms can be entered through double doors from a main hallway. The students from multiple classrooms then share cubby space, restrooms and open, decorated hallways. It creates a more intimate learning space and bonds children together beyond their immediate classrooms. The staff is excellent. I always feel welcome when I arrive and someone is always right there to see if I need anything.
--Submitted by a parent

I would really recommend this school. My son attends Kindergarten here and loves going to school every day. The principal seems to be very involved in day to day activities. They have a zero tolerance policy on bullying that they actually enforce! Believe it or not, it happens in elementary school, too. I am given the option of volunteering in my childs classroom any day of the week without notice. My son was somewhat struggling at the begining of the year and was placed in a tutoring program free of charge. He has since learned to read at a first grade level and no longer needs the tutoring.
--Submitted by Pamela, a parent

The quality of education at this school is entirely dependent on the teacher and grade level. The second grade is especially weak. However, the third grade is very strong. The art and music programs are excellent, but physical education is lacking. Student safety and discipline policies could be improved significantly.
--Submitted by a staff