68 Heald St
Pepperell, MA 01463

The entire school district needs an overhaul, however the high school is the worst. The staff turn around is high except for the ones that should leave. They do not know how to handle general situations and when a challenging situation arises they make absolutely no effort to do the right thing. They look out for their own interests, especially when wrong and when confronted they ignore and put a gag on other staff to not speak with you. Not a good or healthy environment when it should be about the students and their health and safety and it's more about protecting themselves at any cost including trying to convince another child to go along with a lie just to support what actions they took regardless of how wrong they were. This leaving that child to not trust anyone at the school as they shouldn't.

Teaching staff for the most part is amazing. However, the administration seems to be inexperienced and in over their heads. Very weak leadership. Instead of focusing on building relationships between admin and struggling students and focus on mentorship, the school hands out mass detentions for the smallest of infractions. Punishments for small infractions have been known to stay in place for weeks as a means of admin control. it also appears to be an environment where admin picks favorites among staff and students. Lastly, the administration does not appear to believe in transparent, forthcoming communication. Things are hidden and swept under the rug to protect image, rather than pointing out problems and communicating solutions. I would give many of the teaching staff at least 4 stars. Administration would receive 1.5 stars.

I had two daughters go through this elementary school. We've had a mixed experience here. A couple of the teachers are known for shouting at their students throughout the school day (this is did not happen to us, but I've heard it first hand from other mothers). Another teacher would tell me in person how well my daughter is doing, "but she's a bit talkative... it's ok, we'll figure it out." Two days later, she's sending me a note home saying how the talking is terrible, uncontrollable, etc. I'd offer to meet with the teacher in person - and then in person she'd recant her story... this happened SO MANY TIMES. Teachers are inconsistent in their grading from grade to grade or even teachers in the same grade. If your child is not 'special needs' then there isn't much help offered after 2nd grade. I had to push to get a tudor for one of my daughters - outside of school - in the 4th grade. The teacher felt that it was an issue with paying attention, not the comprehension of the math work. After we utilized a tudor, her math work was excellent.School is outdated to say the least.