749 X Ave, 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.