Giant Springs Elementary

The school got its rating up from being very bad a few years back by teaching to test. Their academics are not great or challenging. Advanced students are completely neglected while less advanced students are the main focus to prevent them from dropping the school's test scores. About half the day is devoted to just focusing on materials that will make the school look good when test scores come in. Not a good school if you want your child to learn more outside of tests or if you have a child that you want to experience intellectual challenges. Meadowlark and Sacajawea are much better schools for advanced children, because they prioritize them and go out of their way to accommodate their needs. Meadowlark is very competitive, and Sacajawea is more laid back and friendly. The staff at Sacajawea are incredibly friendly and kind, they genuinely care about the children and actually connect with them personally. The teachers at Chief Joe seem to be disconnected from bonding with students or pausing to understand who they are and how they could benefit as individuals. That being said, it's a safe environment. Children with special needs or who are struggling are the main focus if your child has those needs. It much better than a number of other schools in town with negative environments and openly hostile staff.

Simply awful. The bullying has been a huge problem at this school and that is mostly because of the inconsistency among staff in dealing with their bullies. Most of the time, your child will be dismissed by recess aides and told they are tattling and go play nice. When you as the parent go in and talk with the staff you will be met with concerned faces and they will reassure you it will be stopped. And that's about all you'll get because it doesn't stop. It goes on and it gets worse.

Would never send my children here again. Child was assaulted daily until we took her out and they chalked it up to bullying they didn't want to deal with. If anyone asks me, I'd tell them to never let their kids go here. A lot of undisciplined Parkdale kids in here.

Terrible quality. The food is long past expired, and the work environment is not healthy for children in need. The principal agrees with violent acts and has a sketchy history. Overall, don’t send your kid here.

An absolutely outstanding school. It was great before it changed into the CORE school and now it’s amazing. We feel so great about sending our child here and recommend it to anyone with elementary school age kids. Everyone there is happy to be there. The most positive, supportive environment you could ever hope for.

Whittier Elementary is one of those rare schools where you can feel the heart of the community the moment you walk through the doors. The staff shows an incredible level of dedication, not just to academics but to the whole child; confidence, curiosity, and kindness are nurtured every day. Teachers go above and beyond to make learning engaging and meaningful, and you can tell they truly know and care about each student as an individual.The school culture is welcoming, supportive, and full of positive energy. Families are treated as partners, communication is strong, and there’s a real sense that everyone is working together to help kids thrive. Whether it’s the thoughtful leadership, the creative classroom environments, or the way students are encouraged to grow socially and emotionally, Whittier consistently shines.It’s a place where kids feel safe, valued, and excited to learn, exactly what an elementary school should be.