Shorewood Hills Elementary School

We chose to move to Shorewood because of the school, and we could not be happier. We wanted to find a school with a diverse, international, and engaged community (parents and teachers) that would stretch our daughter's mind. We feel that we truly lucked out. Before enrolling this year, our daughter blossomed in a Montessori program where she learned responsibility and the love of learning. She started reading very young, and has a great love for learning. Her teacher who balances professionalism and a caring / nurturing environment has been a godsend. Nearly 1/2 of her students learned another language at home, and a handful of the kids knew very little English prior to the school year. Yet, somehow, she stretches all of them to learn. She encourages my daughter's creativity and regularly demonstrates great patience. Our daughter loves the school. It's not just the classroom. The whole community is incredible, and wildly international. Highlights include International Week and a Variety Show that captures the global diversity. Whether it's a chess club or an after-school arts, it seems the older kids are helping the younger ones. We couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was here for 1 year (kindergarten) and he developed reading skills within 1month after the school started. The teachers are so nice and friendly. The kids get good learning lessons. My son misses this school, his friends and teacher since we moved away from Madison. Best school ever!!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from the SF Bay Area two years ago and found this as the best school that could replicate CA's diversity and acceptance aspects so my kids would not skip a beat by our move here. The music, art, special ed and extracurricular activities offered at this school make it well worth attending and is a wonderful representation of Madison's commitment to educating its children. As a product of Northern California and Southern California public schools, I would recommend any parent considering a move to Madison, have their young children attend Shorewood and raise their children in Madison, WI (of course one would have to brave the long winters).
—Submitted by a parent

Many people consider Shorewood the best elementary school in MMSD. The reason is not because of MMSD or Shorewood - it's because of the incredible students and parents. Shorewood draws kids from a cohesive, well-educated neighborhood and from University housing for motivated international graduate students and visiting faculty. Classes are filled with well-behaved, ready-to-learn kids from more than fifty nations. Parents volunteer extensively, plan superb events, make sure kids are well-prepared, and augment MMSD's curriculum with outside tutoring. Classes rarely go above 26 kids. Shorewood's ESL and special ed support is strong. The art teacher is exceptional. Some teachers are outstanding, most very capable, some below par. The principal is pleasant but an ineffectual leader. The school has all the shortcomings of MMSD as a whole: lack of challenge in standards, curriculum and textbooks; lousy constructivist math curriculum; virtually no support for gifted students; aging facilities; ancient technology.
—Submitted by a parent

I completely agree with the previous post. My daughter was attending kindergarten in this school in 2007. When we came to meet her teacher, the teacher paid a little attention to us, and we did not feel welcome to her class. The class environment was not warm and inviting --- our daughter did not like going to this school at all. After a few months we switched the school --- an amazing change --- our daughter asks us when is going to be Monday so she could go to her new school and meet her new teacher and classmates.
—Submitted by a parent

This school rests on its reputation and its international population. The community has a very high level of education and the kids receive a tremendous amount of support outside of the school. The principal lacks initiative, organizational and communication skills and leadership capacity.
—Submitted by a parent

After 5 years at this school, we still think it is great. The teachers and staff are wonderful and very caring. The principal knows every single kid by name, even the kindergardners. The specials teachers (music, gym, etc.) are dedicated and constantly challenging the students to learn new things and do their best. Parents are a vital part of the school and always welcome, with many ways to volunteer a little or a lot of time. Fabulous school. We love it here.
—Submitted by a parent

Best school so far! Outstanding teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree that the teachers and school do little if anything for kids who are struggling. Many of the kids have private tutors and extra enrichment, or else learn very little. I pulled my son from the school because it was a waste of his time and a degrading environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Shorewood Hills Elementary school is a wonderful school. The teachers are great with the students.Lots of patent evolvement and extracurricular activities.There is a student council that does a excellent job of organizing fun things to do for the school.I would definitely recommend this school.
—Submitted by A.Y., a parent

This school draws from graduate student housing and one of the wealthier areas of Madison so there is a lot of parental involvement and a lot of ethnic diversity. However, there are no resources available if your student is behind or struggling (unless they are ESL or special ed). Most parents are left to hire tutors, many do. Like any school, the quality of student's experience is dependant upon the quality of the teachers. There are some excellent teachers and some not so excellent teachers. The PTO is VERY active.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids at this school one is in 4th grade and the other is in 1st grade. SHES is very well known as the 'mini united nations.'All the students respect each other,and are very friendly.My children have learned a lot at SHES.The staff are very good at matching every child's needs.Sadly we have to move from this lovely school.I would definitely recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I concur with the previous review-excellent teachers, excellent school. My child went to Shorewood Hills for his K and 1st grade. Unfortunately, we have to leave because of relocation.
—Submitted by j t, a parent

Shorewood is known as a mini United Nations. It has kids from all over the world because of its closeness to UW Madison . The school has excellent Teachers and a great atmosphere!
—Submitted by a parent