Preston Plan in Ravenfield by Ryan Homes, Charlotte, NC 28213

As a parent of a student who just completed fifth grade, I want to sincerely thank the entire staff at Newell Elementary for an incredible school year.There are far more positives than negatives, and if you're looking for a school where the teachers genuinely care about their students, Newell Elementary is a wonderful choice.One thing I especially want to recognize is the improvement in communication from last year to this year. I had previously shared feedback, and it was clear that the administration took it seriously. They listened, made adjustments, and improved communication with families. As a parent, that meant a great deal to me, and I truly appreciate their willingness to grow.I also appreciate the school's commitment to student safety and the way the staff partners with parents to help children succeed. Fifth graders are at such a unique stage of lifethey're becoming preteens, navigating friendships, emotions, and growing independence. The teachers understood that. They recognized how much peer interactions can affect a child's day and were intentional about creating a supportive environment where students felt seen, encouraged, and protected.A special thank you to the front office staff, who were always kind, welcoming, and helpful. An even bigger thank you goes to the entire fifth-grade team, especially Ms. Sales and Ms. Berry. The positive impact they had on these students cannot be overstated. They consistently encouraged the kids to be their best while building their confidence and character. I especially appreciated how they supported healthy friendships instead of unnecessarily separating students who were positive influences on one another. They understood that strong friendships are important at this age and balanced that with appropriate structure and expectations. They gave the students opportunities to develop independence while still providing the guidance they needed.The field trips were wonderful, and overall the school created many memorable experiences throughout the year.One piece of advice I'd give to other parents is this: if an issue comes up, don't hesitate to bring it to the staff's attention. In my experience, they truly care and are willing to work with families to find solutions.