West Newton Elementary School

Livingston Elementary has become a haven for my son. Over the last few years, the school administration has really stepped up and provided a welcoming and supportive environment for all children, but especially those who have special needs. They understand how to handle overwhelming sensory experiences and have staff who excel at making connections and navigating the unique experiences of their special needs kids. Except for his year in kindergarten, my child with ASD has had great experiences. The staff is phenomenal and as a result, my child has blossomed, and even more so this year than expected. School administrators are also top notch. I wholeheartedly recommend this school to any parent seeking a school where students and staff love, laugh, and learn together.

You never know what people are going through and nobody In this school down to the special education bus drivers have no compassion for others.

Allowing my children to attend YACS was not a positive experience. From day 1 I witnessed my children’s decline. Both of my kids were straight A students, & my son was testing 4 grades above average prior to attending this school. I was constantly having to point out improperly graded papers and inquire why 15 points were taken off for a missing name instead of the 5 that was mentioned in the syllabus. After 3 years both children were placed in fundamental/remedial classes, & my son whom was high spirited & outgoing became reclusive & lacking confidence was testing 3 levels below his grade average. I witnessed teachers single him out & recommend I have him put on medication for hyperactivity. I have removed my children for a year & now both of them are academically back ahead of the game testing levels above their grade level. I felt as though the school administrators were too focused on praying about standing for the American flag & inserting their political views into prayer when they should’ve been more focused on teaching our children to kneel before Christ. I prefer my children attend a school that values social & economical differences & values differences. I felt the school was clique-ish and allowed way too much bullying. Both of my children now require physiological counseling from the prejudices they experienced while attending YACS. If you are a person of color and feel like a project make sure you’re volunteering every chance you can & stay on the teachers otherwise your child will be singled out & treated unfairly. Not all of the staff appear to be a part of the good ole boys, but beware!

The school is a nice fun school, but the students that attend are horrible. It’s the students that ruin the school because they don’t behave well. Also the teachers and staff barely do anything about it. The kids there just do what they want and the worst punishment they get is suspension for two days. Most teachers are nice and good at their job except for a few.