Runyon Elementary School

Let me start by saying that everyone’s experience is different, so please understand this review is solely based on personal experience. 1. Lack of parent and staff communication. 2. Staff is a priority over parental concerns. 3. Unprofessional and one sided. Incident one, there was a situation between multiple students that was inappropriate for anyone that age, I won’t go into details, but the school brushed it off like it was no big deal & just a fabrication. 2. My daughter was struggling to put her backpack on when I noticed a staff member do absolutely nothing to help her until she realized I was watching her, and then decided she would help. Again, this was how I viewed this situation. 3. I discussed with the principle how a staff member improperly checked my daughter into school and how she handled the situation after, instead of informing me that my daughter needed to walk around. How she spoke to me, felt condescending because I was not aware of the proper process for school check in. Especially, after using this entryway multiple times with no problems. After this incident, this staff member proceeded to call my daughter a “he” when she had on pink attire. Again, this was how I experienced the situation. I decided to call and talk with the principal to talk about my experience, so when I received a callback after she spoke with the staff member, I will just say the voicemail the principal left me was incredibly disappointing! I wish I could share the voice audio here so other moms or dads can understand why I am choosing to leave a review. It would have been great as an educator, for her to be a natural party and have empathy for both people. Instead, she belittled me and made it seem like it was all my daughter and I’s fault for my concerns. In her eyes, due to COVID, the “teachers” could have done no wrong. The voicemail made me feel like she was putting all responsibility on me and expressing that “all the teachers and staff are having a hard time this year”, as if the parents are not. I don’t know if this is fair to say, but I believe COVID has been an adjustment for everyone. My overall experience dealing with Damon Runyon Elementary School has been a huge disappointment. In fact, due to my experience I am considered an “upset person”, her words, not mine. When in actuality, I am a mother who spoke up for her daughter who is too young to know when people are not being kind or treating her with kindness.My daughter’s teacher is amazing!

Love this school for both of my children. A wonderful experience!

I have three kids at Runyon who are all very different, and it has been the BEST school for all of them!!! My older son is very high achieving and has always been challenged. My daughter excels in reading and writing but struggles in math, and Runyon has provided the resources she needs in math while continuing to challenge her in reading and writing. My youngest son was a little behind in Kindergarten because his preschool experience was lacking, but they caught him up in no time. The school focuses on character, and they give students the strategies and tools to deal with real life issues and conflicts. I could not be happier with our experience at Runyon. The staff is experienced, caring, and they have created an environment where my children LOVE learning and school. We have not had anything but exceptional teachers at Runyon. In addition, my daughter had an issue with another student who would not leave her alone, and the school handled it perfectly. The principal knows how to handle student issues and bullying, and I feel extremely lucky to have Runyon as our neighborhood school. I wouldn't send my kids anywhere else!!

An amazing school that truly cultivated a learning culture and makes everyone feel successful. Teachers are easily approachable, reaching out, and constantly looking out for every individual child. Friendships are encouraged and positive behavior noted. All students academic needs are met and given a safe place to shine.

Terrible principal. Thank goodness there was a different principal when my son was there. Unfortunately, he had her as a teacher and although he is in his 20's now, he still remembers the unpleasant experience of having her as an instructor. And few if any of the other teachers are much better. The good ones retired many years ago. Fortunately we had nothing but very good experiences at both Euclid and Heritage.