Echols Middle School

The staff has always taken care of my daughter and loved her like she was their own.

My experience has been amazing. I tell everyone how much I adore Crestmont Elementary. It is a hidden jewel but slowly their light is shining!

We have experienced nothing but a run around at Flatwoods Elementary. My concern is my child is expected by state standard to be at a certain level. The school average is far below that average but they make it out to be the child. This is a curriculum and/or leadership deficit. Clearly, their "retention" policy doesn't benefit the scores, more or less the child.I'll give it to the teachers for showing up and trying to make sense of what is expected of them.On several occasions my young child will be on a bus, when they should be in an after school program and the adults in charge have no idea where they are. I struggle with the "accommodations" put in place for my child that is struggling. She's come home with a "spelling test" that she has gotten TWO correct but is given a 100 with accommodations?! My child is capable of a 100 when we're provided an actual list but the list provided aren't the actual words for the test?! They'll be tested on similar words.I've been told parents aren't allowed to volunteer in the classroom but it's not an actual policy in the handbook and know of other parents that are allowed.Parent-teacher conferences aren't a thing for all teachers. I've witnessed teachers and leaders bully children.On one occasion I witnessed a staff person in a leadership role escorting a child to the office, telling the child "you are choosing to have a bad day". I got the impression that this poor child is labeled and no matter what the child does it isn't good enough. So it's no wonder he "chooses" to be the way he is.My child told us at dinner one evening that while they were taking a test. A child raised his hand for assistance and the teacher walked over and pushed his paper off the desk. When she noticed my child looking at her she just smiled. This same child was always excluded from field trips and class parties.I would not recommend Flatwoods for any child under its current leadership. Don't get me wrong. There are some awesome people there and they'll going above and beyond for each child and for that I'm grateful. At what point is there accountability to the leadership?

I typically don’t write reviews, but after reflecting on my experience, I felt it was important to share. I attended this elementary school myself back in 2004, so when the time came to enroll my own child, I was hopeful he could have a similarly positive experience. Unfortunately, that was not the case.I enrolled my son in December of last year and ended up withdrawing him just a few months later. As a Black parent, I often felt unwelcome and out of place. During drop-off and pick-up, I noticed a clear difference in how I was treated compared to white parents. Staff members stationed outside rarely acknowledged me with a smile or even a simple greeting, but were noticeably friendlier toward white families. The lack of warmth and inclusiveness was disheartening.One particular incident solidified my decision to remove my son. I was feeling extremely unwell one afternoon and arrived to pick him up slightly after 2:30 p.m. While I was aware of the school's policy requiring parents to remain in the car line, I hoped they might make an exception due to my condition. Some students were already gathered in the lunchroom awaiting pickup, so I approached a nearby staff member to ask if I could retrieve my child directly. Instead of responding with empathy or even basic courtesy, she rolled her eyes and ignored me.I then used the intercom to explain my situation, hoping for some understanding. A staff member came out and, without consideration, told me I had to stay in line. I reiterated that I was sick and asked if this one-time exception could be made. Instead, I was threatened with police involvement if I attempted to pick up my son outside the official procedure. I was shocked and deeply upset by the lack of compassion.The next day, I met with the principal to share my concerns. Unfortunately, my experience was dismissed, and the focus remained solely on enforcing school policy rather than addressing how I had been treated. I left the meeting feeling unheard and disrespected.A month later, I withdrew my son from the school. In my personal experience, the leadership shows clear favoritism, and the environment lacks the inclusivity and respect all families deserve. I would not recommend this school to other parents—especially those seeking a supportive and equitable environment for their children.

Superior. She is being prepared for college while gaining opportunities to be involved with sports, theatre, and other clubs.

Such a wonderful academic space. The school provides excellent learning environment for students of all ages.