Lookout Mountain Elementary School

As the mother of an autistic child, I don’t recommend Rossville School. They haven't experience with autistic children and don’t follow my son's Individualized Education Program (IEP) regarding how he should be taught; they treat him as if he were a neurotypical child who understands everything. It doesn't matter if the teacher has an assistant or not, the result is always the same: they exclude my child from activities and don't address his needs, as everything remains only on paper. By law, an autistic child is enrolled in these schools with typically developing children his age so that he can be included, not excluded, and so that he can participate in and progress through the general curriculum alongside the other children. But at this school, no matter what you say, do, or who you talk to, the teacher will always say there isn't enough time or support to teach him according to his IEP. At this point, I still don't understand the purpose of the IEP if they don't put it into practice.

An excellent school with a caring staff and administration. The teachers and administrators bring academic excellence to every part of the school.

Community members who don't even have children attending this school are involved as well as parents and businesses who believe in the children and teachers at Calvin Donaldson. The atmosphere is upbeat and positive and while they have much to overcome, they are doing it, one day at a time. Budget cuts? They push forward. You can't stop them.

No school is perfect, but I have been impressed by the genuine attempt of the school to handle issues appropriately, both with grace and with consequences. I have worked in the MS for six years, and I believe the school is heading in the right direction as it seeks to challenge students academically and spiritually. Come take a tour and I believe you'll see the heart we have for your students.