Deerfield Elementary School

I have to agree with the other posts in regards to the town being very clichy. If you didn't grow up here, you do not exist here. My children have attended the elementary school for 3 years now, and even they are still treated as outsiders. It is so strange, I have never experienced anything like it in my life. The majority of the other parents, and teachers as well, won't even take a moment to say hello or smile. My children seem to be receiving a good education, but the town and friendly factor are way off and make us want to move.
--Submitted by a parent

Stay away! i agree with the previous parent, Deerfield in a whole as a community is small and if you didn't grow up here you are always an outsider. I for one am glad we moved away that town in poison! The school is ok..if your child is perfect and needs no additional help...so basically they can teach themself. I have no idea where the parent got the 1:14 ratio my kids classes topped 19+. Do your family a favor and pick another town and school district. The people here live in holes and have never left Deerfield and most don't know there is an outside world outside of Deerfield.
--Submitted by a parent

If you have a child with speech/language delays this is not the school for you. The speech/language pathologists are awful. One of them does not even have their masters degree (which is required in the state of WI for 30 years now) - she was hired only 5 years ago, so why a school district would hire someone who is not qualified The other one is qualified & looks great on paper & sounds very intelligient (she could sell ice to an eskimo she is so smooth) but does not have the kids best interest in mind, She is so condesecending and talks down to everyone (parents & fellow employees). Both therapists are lazy and do not do their job. They slap on 60 minutes therapy time to every child, no matter their severity. Why a school district would want to keep & support such useless therapist is beyond me!
--Submitted by a parent

Although Deerfield is a very good school system, I have also been very disappointed at times with them as well. If you are thinking of moving into this district, make sure you have perfect children that will require no additional guidance or they willbe branded for the remainder of their school years as a trouble maker. Sometimes I and other parents who moved into this district get the feeling that if you did not grow up in this town then you don't seem to be worth knowing and your kids are always the bad ones. It is a very cliquey type of small town, more amongst the adults than the kids. Most of the kids are very friendly , but of course there is always the occassional bully everywhere you go.
--Submitted by a parent

I can not say enough good things about this school and it's staff. I have four children attending currently (1 with Autism and 2 with ADHD) and I can't put into words the fabulous job they have done with them. They honestly care about the kids and it's just such an excelent atmosphere.
--Submitted by a parent

Deerfield is an amazing community. The school district and people who live in this community are extremely supportive and caring. The teachers, parents and administration do put children first! They do believe that it takes everyone in a community to raise well-educated children with exceptional character. I am proud to be part of this district and to have my children attend their schools!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here from Sun Prairie several years ago and our son is in first grade. From his local preschool program to 1st grade, I continue to be impressed with the elementary school and the education they give my son. They focus heavily on reading early on and it is going great! The staff run a tight ship at the school and are very organized with the school day. Class size is amazing with a 1:14 ratio in my son's class....go to Madison right down the road and you are seeing ratios of 1:26, almost double.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 kids in the Deerfield school system. Their educational needs are being met, they are mentally challenged, and are learning every day. I feel the Deerfield School system is one of the best public educational systems available in the greater Madison area.
--Submitted by a parent

The superintendent is all about putting on a face and pleasing parents, but she makes horrible decisions that lead to unhappy staff and the loss of the best teachers. If she got her head on straight, this school would stay on the great track it was on before she charmed the school board.
--Submitted by a parent

We are very pleased with the curriculum. The reading and math programs are exemplary.
--Submitted by Dawn Johnson, a parent