John M Andersen Elementary School

This school has sadly become a cesspool of bad culture. The previous school admin built the school into a beautiful, passionate place for children to be empowered and engage. New admin (5 years) has literally destroyed almost every program that the previous principal had put into place. We have never seen something so wonderful destroyed so quickly. Enrollment is down, families and teachers are fleeing. New admin has authoritarian style. I speak from personal knowledge and experience and can promise without any hesitation that the admin here DOES NOT care about what's best for a student. Admin misdirects staff, and will 100 percent retaliate against your child and your family. 1 year into new admin, THE ENTIRE PTO BOARD RESIGNED due to micromanagement by admin. The board was rebuilt and the following year, EVERYONE RESIGNED AGAIN except for the President who is still on board and is still under control of the admin and is just as horrific. WhatsAPP groups were formed for parents to freely discuss topics outside of the schools scrutiny. Admins have been hand selected for each whatsapp group and actively delete comments that could be considered critical of the school and then directed to take it up with the principal. Admin will also lie through their teeth, I used to think it was ignorance but sadly its just flat out lying. So many wonderful options in CUSD. Steer clear of this school if you really want whats best for your child. Knox has very little to offer any student and their family.

We, too, have experienced favoritism, rudeness, and aggressive behavior from staff working at CTA Goodman. In my humble opinion, children this age should be learning academics, rules, proper behavior, etc. Not treated like they are in military school! There are two sides to this school; the employees who care, are kind, and have patience, the other side couldn't care less who you are, prefer perfection out of the children, and are very harsh with how they treat and speak to children. I believe some people just shouldn't be around children. There are more than a handful at this school, including the Principal. I mean "pal" is in her title; however, this is not the case here.

My son transferred to Sirrine Montessori Center as a former Montessori pre-K student, but he had also been at one of the top-rated Kyrene elementary schools for years prior. His kinder and first-grade teachers were amazing, but in the second grade he became very down, lost all his self-belief, and frequently told me he was the slowest and dumbest in his classes at the former Kyrene school. I asked him why he felt this way, or who had said any of that to him, and he would say it was just obvious. We spoke to his teachers and sent him to a counselor there, but no one seemed to know what we were describing. From a teaching friend I have, I learned I could ask to have him evaluated in case he had any learning disabilities or needs. I asked at least three times, and was told it would be arranged, but never was. Meanwhile, every single day when we picked him up he was unsmiling, worn out, defeated. I'd had him on waitlists at public Montessori elementary schools all during his second grade, and when we learned he was accepted at Sirrine I was beyond happy and relieved, not just for the Montessori elements, but also due to the smaller school and classroom sizes overall.He loves this school! (Well, as much as he will ever love going to school.) When I say he literally looked like his old self with the reduced stress, and no more of that completely defeated demeanor that first week, I'm not exaggerating. It was like he was a kid again, smiling, lighthearted, and at ease. As the year progressed, his teachers were both incredibly kind and encouraging to him, and they never waivered in giving support. His lead teacher stayed in regular contact with us (without us reaching out first) and I realized this is what it feels like to actually be partners with his education. He had some rough quarters grades wise, and she gave me tools and suggestions that made all the difference.And then, in the winter when he had the worst repeated/ongoing illness he's experienced by far, not only were his teachers there for him, but his school's office and health staff were incredibly supportive. I was so concerned about him, but not once were they anything but genuinely caring and calm while I was seriously worried.I am eternally grateful for SMC's staff and environment; it is truly an amazing group of people that make it so great.Caleb J's mom

I am an alumni and now parent of St. Mary Basha. The education I received from the school not only helped set myself up for success but left such a positive impression that I am proud to now send my children here. They have made great strides in technology, safety, student support and family engagement since my time there and continue to provide the students with tools they need to be smart and successful in this high tech area. I appreciate that they teach digital literacy from a young age while still maintaining a traditional approach to education. The teachers, staff and admin truly care about each and every student here. The principal knows every student (and I would say every parent) by name and has excellent communication with the families. She has personally responded to every email I have ever sent quickly and with a detailed, thoughtful response. There are plenty of ways to be involved in the school which allows parents to get to know the staff and other parents better and really integrate you into the community. The finance coordinator has been amazing at providing information with options on how to make our Catholic education attainable, especially for the PreK and kinder years. I am grateful to continue to be a St. Mary's family and highly recommend the school to anyone looking to give their student a Catholic education!