Henderson Middle School

I am both a parent of a current Evansdale student and an alumnus of the school, and I can say that Evansdale is an excellent school on multiple fronts. It is truly a community school - lots of school events (International Night, Eagle Trek, Hispanic Heritage Night, Black History Month Program, Art Night, Jump Rope for Heart, Book Fair, Spirit Nights at verious local resturants, Career Day, Cupid Shuffle Valentine's Dance, etc.), a very diverse and inclusive student body, many parents whom were students staying in or moving back to the neighborhood, good parental involvent in the PTA, and of course the STEM curriculum and French Immersion program track (Students learn half of their day in French and half in English). There are various athletics offered to students in the upper grades and many clubs including Robotics, Science Olympiad, Kilometer Kids, Chess Club, Dance, and many more. Students seem to be happy and friendly. The school generally handles any issues well. They are doing a wonderful job of providing a well-balanced education. My daughter loves to go to school, and after breaks, she is super excited to be going back to school. I have been very happy as a parent, and I would recommend this school to anyone who would like their student(s) to get a good education in a diverse, inclusive, and active community.

Livsey is one of the better schools at Dekalb, benefiting from being significantly smaller than most schools in Dekalb and an active (if clique-ish) PTO. Students are well behaved and excited to learn. The level of academic expectation is higher than many Dekalb schools, which helps provide students a strong background. Teachers and administration tend to know every student and every parent.One of the areas they have serious struggles with is supporting students with disabilities. It seems like many of the teachers have inadequate training in neuro-affirming best practices. This sentiment is echoed in numerous disability support groups when the school comes up from past and present parents.There are exceptions. For example, Ms Kastner in first grade is beloved by both typical and neurodivergent students and parents for a reason.The school would benefit professional development with a strong focus on both trauma-informed and neuro-affirming best practices and an implementation plan.The parent groups tend to agree that the teachers in upper levels are not as effective as those for K-2. They are more likely to speak harshly to students and have less interesting lessons than Livsey 3-5 provided years ago. They also communicate less, and only input grades right before progress reports.Bullying has also long been an issue for a very long time and teachers often seem they would rather avoid it than address it-- and in cases encourage it or engage in it themselves against more challenging students, blaming them even when they were not at fault. (This is reported from my elder children, who are easy themselves but sensitive due to having an autistic sibling.) Finally, Livsey could improve at supporting all students and connecting families in need with resources to help. Here they fall far short of other Dekalb schools. They are lucky to have somewhat lower need, but when a family or a student has needs, they can be left to flounder.There are inadequate after-school extracurriculars. A number of parents tried to organize a running club but were summarily shut down.If your child is average or gifted with no serious difficulties, and your family comfortable, this very well might be the best school in Dekalb. If you have a child with disabilities or trauma, you might see room for growth.

My kids have loved attending Hawthorne and have learned and grown so much in their time there. The school is continuously improving, and I've only seen positive changes over the last 5 years. The Hawthorne community of parents, staff, and students is special and welcoming.

My child transferred from a prestigious private school, and she and I both prefer Briarlake! Kind, caring staff, lovely teachers, great playground, new HVAC, high level of parental engagement, lots of nice kids. We love it so much!

What y’all did with the kids today for marching band 20 stars

The pre-k program is so wonderful. My child is thriving with these wonderful teachers. The principal cares deeply about the school. The teachers are excited to be there, responsive, and kind. My child has learned so much the past year!