Evansdale Elementary School

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.

As a parent, there’s nothing more important than knowing your child is in a place where they feel supported, safe, and excited to learn—and that’s exactly what Pleasantdale Elementary has given my family. The teachers here are truly one of a kind. They respect and support my child, always encouraging them to reach their full potential. Pleasantdale doesn’t just care about academics—they care about the whole child. My child knows they have adults at school who truly listen and understand their feelings, especially the school counselors Ms. Adams and Mr. Moore! Knowing my child is in a safe environment where they’re free from harm and treated with kindness gives me peace of mind every day.

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!