Christensen Elementary School

This school is like any other public school...the quality of teachers lacks due to the standard of pay, and the sad reality is that many of them forget why they wanted to be a teacher to begin with. The principal of Christensen is a condesending man with an inferiority complex.
--Submitted by a parent

I have three daughters and have been involved with Christensen for the last 6 years. I am very pleased with the quality education my girls have received. The teachers are attentive to the needs of all children, make every effort to help those who excel and those who struggle, and respond to parent concerns and input. I am an involved parent and it makes all the difference.
--Submitted by a parent

My fifth grader has only one more year at this school and I cannot wait to get out of here. The principal has a attitude that he thinks he is superior to everyone. There are some good teachers, but most of the staff seems like they do not know a thing about children. They expect way too much out of young children and set them up to fail, especially in issues of behavior. If you live in an area where you can choose your school pass this one up! I know several parents who have pulled their children out of Christensen the last two years.
--Submitted by a parent

my son went to this school from kindergarten until fourth grade , I belive he had a great experience in learning and having his specila needs met.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a kindergartner so we were new this year 08-09. We have had a very positive experience with full day kindergarten my son has learned to read, do math, even mapping skills learned in a fun way. It has been asked for and encouraged for parents to participate not only in the class rooms but for PTA functions, I have noticed there is not a lot of parent participation. The teachers have been great, I have noticed and appreciated teachers from the upper grades saying hello to my son by name, they take an interest in all the kids not just their class. Thanks Christensen.
--Submitted by a parent

My son went to this school last year and we did not have a good experience. The principal is wishy-washy. He claims to want parent involvement but when he gets it, he complains about parents being there too much. The entire school acts as if parents are a nuisance more than an asset. Recess has been cut way back, behavioral issues have become top priority, and no one seems to actually care about the students. Franklin Pierce School District has continually asked for raising taxes to help the look of the school and upgrade sport facilities, but not to help their failing curriculum. I don't think any child should have to go to a school like Christensen just to be ignored, treated badly, and gain nothing. I am horrified that there's such a school like this out there; if your child goes here, pull them out before it does its damage.
--Submitted by a parent

Christensen is a school that I would not want any child to have to go to if they don't have to. The principal is not supportive of teachers or parents; the teachers are more concerned with making themselves look good than they are about making sure their lessons are challenging to their students. I was forced to pull my son from this school and I would encourage anyone who has a child here to do the same. The only way that I would say different is if your child is below grade level, because that is exactly where the teachers teach. It saddens me to think that there are so many children that go this school who never have the opportunity to reach their potential. I truly feel like the students are academically stunted in this school. I say shame on the school district, principal, and many of the teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent and my daughters 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Balabat is great! The kids love her, and she gets them to learn so much. I WISH all teachers were like her. Overall the school is needing parent envolvment more then ever. The Principle could be replaced. I dont care for him that much, he has a chip on his shoulder.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two grandson's that attend christensen elem. 3rd and 4th grade this school year and they both have been there since kindergarten and will continue till they start middle school,the teachers and staff have done a fantastic job and keep the good work up.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest son has gone to chrisenen since the first grade and is now in middle school. I have been very happy with the teachers he has had he is currently an honor student in math and language arts and I owe alot of that to the hard working teachers. If I would change anything it would be to get more sports. They have track and thats it. They also have a free after school activity called cougar club were they do all kinds of things from playing games to homework help and movie time and even have a bus that will take them home when its over. Another bus can take them to the local boys and girls club after school. I cant say enough about this school. I really love how they bring families together with their family dances.
--Submitted by melissa, a parent