5423 Springbrook Drive
Ames, IA 50014

Pros: Safe environment; strong sense of belonging and community; small enough for staff to pay close attention to individual students and their needs; availability of 'specials' like PE, art, computers, and music beginning in preschool; separation of younger and older elementary students in two wings of the building promotes an overall tranquility, with interaction between the age groups for activities like "reading buddies"; dedicated and involved principal who knows the students, families, and teachers well, is open and responsive to feedback, and works tirelessly to serve the school and its students; active PTA with a generally involved parent body; affordable and convenient before/after & summer childcare that includes some of the daytime staff with which young students are already familiar. Cons: Although the property includes a prairie and wooded area, free play is restricted to artificial structures with gravel and concrete which seems like a missed opportunity to me; school utilizes multiple reward systems per grade (often including candy and food treats); teacher quality can vary, but performance is monitored closely with guidance where needed.

Awesome teachers but miserable administration at all levels. So worried about political correctness that they will not back their teachers, and will not AT ALL focus on an effective learning environment for those who simply want to learn. The Ames school system as a whole needs a complete review of discipline policies - student violence against teachers and fellow students is absolutely out of control . EA's are not valued, so help for students with with special needs is also at risk . But by golly - don't mess with our sports programs ( oh yes - not successful either).

They do not recognize Dr.notes to excuse students for absences or partial students especially those with disabilities. Will count a special needs autistic student absent for a whole period even after providing a Dr's note to leave 15 minutes early.