Gatewood Elementary School

I’m reviewing this school for follow up to an interview process. The way candidates are treated and the communication they receive says a great deal about the ethics of leadership in s school or district. I interviewed for an ELL position in February, 2023. My interview was it’s the principal and EL Supervisor. As it turned out, I accepted a position with an urban district and they decided to go with another candidate, which is great, but they didn’t let me know. I called a number of times to find out, and neither the EL supervisor not the principal had the courtesy to call me back and tell me. I finally reached the Principal, who was curt, and very unfriendly as he explained they’d gone with another candidate. That’s great, but how about having the ethics and consideration of informing the candidate, maybe thanking them for taking the time to apply, travel to the site, and interview. Honest feedback would have been great too. I interviewed at four places and received two offers. One who went with another candidate, sent me a letter thanking me for taking the time to meet and giving me positive feedback. The only one of the four that didn’t communicate or return calls or behaved rudely, was Forest Hills Elementary and the EPPS EL Supervisor. (Considering their white majority, snd majority non low income population, you’d think they’d do better at meeting the needs of underserved students, but based on test scores, they don’t to very well at all). This principal reminded me of my childhood principals, mostly white and from coaching backgrounds with little intellect or global awareness. In this aspect I feel like I dodged a bullet. I expect behavior like this from these guys. What I don’t get is the EL supervisor refusing to call back to let me know.

I have 3 children that all attended Prairie View - The teachers are wonderful - This school has a variety of incomes and cultures and it is great to see a school that has a great mix and great students - could ask for a better school setting for my children- very welcoming -

Best elementary school in the state. Principal Radel has lead the school to greatness. Best kindergarten teachers!

This used to be a wonderful school, however the mass attrition of the brightest and most talented teachers due to the incompetent administration has left us with no choice but to remove our child from the school. Mismanagement, lack of accountability and communication, along with operational neglect are just a few of the issues that come to mind.

I would not recommend this school. Notre Dame Academy has ignored student 504 Plans and tolerates bullying. The Music and Performing Arts are very overpowering and intrusive - Music, Band, Choir, and Drama are all mandatory. Because of this, my mental health has suffered dramatically. There were days I stayed at school for 12 hours and our "dinner" was nothing but an orange and a cheese stick.

My experience at the International School was awful. They do not support learning differences. The school only use e-books so there are instances when you can't access the software, and I personally didn't like the idea of a young child on an tablet for more than 6 hours. They do not really focus on writing, since they only use computerized testing. The school is not as diverse as they say they are, and they have been many instances of racism, which go as far as black minorities being physically attacked by other students. Some of the teachers have very little experience, and need training on classroom management. My child was quarantining and had to attend virtually for 2 weeks and I would listen in. I found in her math class that 90 percent of the time was spent chatting, as opposed to going through questions. The school does have small class sizes, great arts program, is very clean, and a golf academy. Their students don't seem to go to very good colleges.