Mead Elementary School

Yuck. We were at this school for five years before escaping to private school. One homework assignment in 2nd grade was "draw a picture of a feeling". ??? What a complete waste of time. My other student's 1st grade class had "alcohol awareness week", which seemed way over the top for a 1st-grader. They should have been teaching the 3Rs. Political correctness seemed more important than actual learning. Add to that that they wouldn't even say "Christmas" during December, it was like you had to pretend that Christmas wasn't a real holiday or actual word, and I got fed up and said "no more". When my kids started at a private school, even my 2nd grader noticed that big difference in academics and told me "Mom, we really didn't learn anything at Mead." The kids at Mead were swearing in the halls constantly, and were ill-mannered to each other. My kids didn' t like that atmosphere; they just wanted to be normal and civil and learn actual information. I do not recommend Mead. Just skip it and go to private school. It will be well worth!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of Kindergartner, I have to say we've had nothing but a first rate experience. My son loves going to school and his reading and math skills have taken off - we're excited at his progress!
--Submitted by a parent

Two of our children have attended this school. The past principal has been extremely difficult to work with for our special needs child. Initially, the school under her direction took over a year to complete an IEP for our child who had a diagnosis.The long-time principal refused to accept the diagnosis, and placed our child in a regular ed classroom repeatedly. It was a miserable experience and very traumatic for our child. She made statements in our child's presence that were detrimental our child's self esteem. Overall our children have had 4 very good teachers and 1 problematic teacher. There is a high level of parental involvement, which is delightful.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is good when the teachers and principal are good. It is also bad when good teachers leave. Too bad there is not better retention of good / great teachers over the long haul at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had all three children attend Margaret Mead and have been pleased with the school and volunteers. I have had reservations about two of the teachers who are no longer there. That may tell you enough. I enjoy the staff and admire the principal for the outstanding job she has done. I only wish the kids who need extra help could get it. I don't believe the no kid left behind rule is working. This school tends to help more with the kids who are accelerated.
--Submitted by a parent

Mead is a very warm and positive place for children. It's academic standards/achievement is high. Parent participation is welcome and encouraged. Mead has many enrichment activities available, including PTSA run after school programs.
--Submitted by a parent

Although it's an old school, Mead is a great school! I am in 9th grade right now, and I attended Mead from K-6th grade. It made my experience as an elementary student outstanding. Mead offers a Quest program for one-day or all-week. This program is for students who want challenging learning usually once a week to expand their curriculum. Mead also has a Boys and Girls Community Club onsite. It has a huge choir with well over 50 students (4th to 6th grade) and had a Lego Mindstorms Robot Club last fall (2003) for 4th-6th grade students run by high school seniors. Mead has awesome teachers. It has brand new playground equipment and state-of-the-art education. It has a yearly jamboree and is a fun yet productive place to learn!
--Submitted by a former student