Willow Springs Elementary

We've had a great experience at FVES. They really care about the students and put alot into making them successful.

We absolutely recommend this school. Our kids have been here for about four years, and we’ve seen such a positive change, especially since Mr. Hackman became principal. The environment feels more supportive, organized, and welcoming.You can really tell that the teachers enjoy being there. They are respectful, engaged, and genuinely care about the kids. It also means a lot that many of them know the students personally. Mr. Hackman is present every morning, welcoming students at the door, which says a lot about the culture of the school.Academically, we’ve been very happy, but what stands out the most is the strong focus on social-emotional support. The teachers do a great job creating a safe and positive environment for the children, which is so important at this age.Our kids enjoy going to Ballentine, and we’ve had a consistently great experience.

Both of my children have attended or are currently attending Banks Road ES. My oldest started in 2016 for Kindergarten and at this time the Great Schools rating was 9/10. During the past 3 years, the school environment, staff and administration has declined immensely. My youngest and oldest have been the victim of bullying. Most recently my youngest has been on the receiving end of physical and sexual violence at the hands of another student. The solution: separate the two students in line. Administration and staff have lost control of the children at Banks. They are running the school with no repercussions. Students fighitng in hallways, students yelling at teachers, students standing on urinals to peek over stalls at other students, bullying, fighting, staff who seem to be barely hanging on -- and Banks Road adminstration and Wake County Public Schools adminstration have not been able to curtail the issues that continue to occur. I have heard so many stories similar to my children's stories from other parents in the past 6 years. What has happened? What is WCPSS going to do? If I had a choice, I would not send my child to this school. Protect your children because Banks Road ES and WCPSS will not at this school.

South Lakes Elementary is truly a wonderful school with caring teachers and a very supportive environment. The staff are kind, patient, and genuinely focused on each child’s growth — both academically and emotionally. The teachers communicate well with parents and make sure students feel encouraged and confident.