Watervliet Elementary School

Went to this school my entire childhood, K-12. If this were being written back in the 80's, 90's or even early 2000's I'd recommend the school. It was different back then. You had teachers who wanted to see kids learn, grow and succeed. Yes it was a small school but it made learning more intimate. They kept kids in check, disciplined and motivated. The superintendent, principle and guidance counselor were leaders and you knew when you crossed the line back then. Now, its the complete opposite. Perhaps its just an era thing but teachers go too easy on kids. There's no control, kids don't want to learn, they talk back and do whatever they want. Fights are a normal thing with almost no discipline attached. Look at the news, the school had to shutdown due to fighting. Kids wear pajamas to school on a normal basis. The place looks like a slumber party between the way kid and staff dress. Most of the people working there graduated within the past 10 years and have minimal experience. The place needs a better leader, bigger budget and guidance. Enjoyed it when I went there a long time ago but shocked how much its changed. Friends of mine have all reverted to moving out of the town and pulling their kids from the school. One of them saw their kid declining in learning ability. He thought his kid was just goofing off in school. He'd ask him how school was and what he learned (elementary). His kid would respond with 'nothing' or 'no much'. After continually getting this answer he was positive his kid was becoming a bad student so he set a meeting with the teacher to correct it. Come to find out the teacher told him things are different now, we don't force education upon kids. We don't want to stress them out so we don't teach new things every day. If they want to learn, then they learn, if not, its not forced. He was stunned and no longer in the district.

I am a former student at the great carol hill school, (Care for ALL!) is the way we used to pronounce the name because that what makes a good elementary school. I myself was a bit hyper and had trouble focusing with my ADHD. But back in the 90’s things were a lot more simple…teaching was always great it was me that was the issue, my parents always played a roll in my school work. My father even used to come dressed up as Santa every year. Boy did that make me feel special. You Always you get out what you put in to this school just like anything else in life ! Yes this is a big diversity we’re you have working blue collar family’s mixed with family’s who may not be as fortunate who live in the Griswold heights apartments, of course you will have a couple knuckle heads but above all everybody was nice I had alot of friends from both my neighborhood and within the apartments and most of us now are productive members of society. Do not hesitate if you live within the district go to carol hill and CARE FOR ALL!

My child is genuinely excited to go to school everyday. The school is doing a terrific job retaining qualified and passionate teachers and staff that are actually happy to be there.

Great school for smart kids. I love the school.

This school has significant issues with leadership, integrity, and inclusion. A few years ago, a child with autism was excluded from kindergarten graduation simply because of his diagnosis. That heartbreaking act caused multiple families to leave—and the harmful culture has only continued.While students with disabilities are technically welcome, families should know that if a child isn’t performing at a level deemed “acceptable” by the administration, they will be excluded from school performances and public events. Tutoring or academic support is not offered—even when directly requested. Extra help is virtually impossible to obtain.The administrator rules with fear. She does not tolerate being challenged, and families or staff who raise concerns often face consequences. Teachers are leaving due to low pay, lack of support, and the toxic environment. One beloved teacher was fired mid-year with no notice, and the administration falsely claimed she retired—simply because she stood up to the administrator.Parents are not allowed to be involved unless they’re affiliated with the church. No parent-teacher organization is permitted, and school board meetings are closed. Communication is poor, often last-minute, and there is little to no opportunity for feedback. The school focuses heavily on memorization and academics, with no meaningful effort to support social or emotional growth—and leadership does not reflect the heart of Christ.The administrator runs the school alongside her parents, with no oversight. It’s our opinion that the lead pastor, whose housing is paid for by the church, has little control over the school. With his own family to consider, he appears unable or unwilling to confront the administration, leaving the leadership family in total control.This is not a nurturing, inclusive, or Christ-centered environment. The culture is one of fear, exclusion, and control. Many families and teachers have quietly left, heartbroken and disappointed, in search of a healthier place for their children to grow.

I attended Redemption Christian Academy. I started in Pre-K and graduated from high school in 1994. Redemption has taught me so much. I have learned discipline, and to give 100% in whatever I do. I am currently a nurse and in-spite of my schedule I always find time to volunteer and give back. Redemption is a great school and program to prepare anyone for the real world.