Sandburg Elementary School

We have been very impressed and pleased with the curriculum and sense of community at this school.While the facilities are in need of some improvements (the gym is small and dank, there is no stage/theater and the cafeteria is depressing, but the library is updated and cute), the overall educational experience has been great.Kids engage in lots of creative and challenging learning activities that strive to meet them at their level. My son has had wonderful teachers, made steady progress and he runs into school excitedly every day.I do think there could be more opportunities for communicating with parents directly about their individual students, but the school does send regular updates about community events.

My overall experience has been good, my daughter loves her teachers and most of the staff. She’s terrified of the lunch lady because of a bad first experience and from seeing her friends with her. I also as a parent have felt judged by the principle and the front staff. I have even seen eye rolling, sideways looks and experienced snid and short comments and responses from them. I can only imagine what is said behind ones back. If you aren’t perfectly put together and on the surface parent of the year they look down on you. I’m glad my child is at least having a good experience here.

My overall experience is negative. This school is great if you have a perfect, quiet child who exhibits no spirit. If your child is anything less than perfect, I’d suggest finding a different school because Sandburg has no tolerance for diversity.

Had high hopes for our neighborhood school, but never really felt as though it was a "fit" for our kids. Each child had a couple of great teachers and a couple of adequate teachers (and a couple of pretty bad teachers, as well). My primary concern is for students with learning differences, as both of our kids fall into that category. As much as the school wanted to improve in this area (even hiring an outstanding counselor) it simply lacks the resources or the understanding of this type of child, the various learning styles, and sufficient knowledge of the emotional/social aspects that, more often than not, go along with this learning profile. We transferred to another school where the difference is truly night and day. Behaviors and challenges are approached with a constructive/growth mindset as opposed to punitive. We now feel as though everyone from the P, the AP, the counselor, the GT coordinator, classroom teachers, etc. are there to support, love on, and grow our kiddos. Never felt that way at Sandburg. BTW - my wife and I are both educators with over 35 years of experience between us. If your kid is "in the box," you'll stand a much better chance of having a good experience.

I have had two children go through Sandburg K-5 and our family truly enjoyed the staff. We felt a strong sense of community and have no reservations recommending the school to prospective parents.