Castleberry Elementary School

Both of my kids went through A.V. Cato Elementary School. The first impression I received was from their front office staff. The staff was welcoming and immediately stopped what they were doing and turned the attention to helping me. Always attentive to parents at the front door. Keeping it safe for all by ensuring safety checks for all who enter this public building. Teachers are encouraging and supportive. This is evident in my kids when they see them at local parades and football games. They acknowledge them and my kids faces light up when the teachers wave and or approach them to say Hi. Top notch education and supportive material to help them be successful within their individual needs. Technology is top tier! STEM activities are top tier!Early Readers and skill development in their age group/levels PK-5th is unmatched!They also have given my family great family events to attend at the school. All FREE! I would choose A.V. Cato elementary school again and again!!

This is an amazing example of a neighborhood school. Joy James Academy is part of the Leader in Me community. Students have a voice and are true leaders within the school and community. Parents, teachers and community members work together as a team!

Very happy with the quick response to any inquiry made. Very engaged school community. Love the opportunity for the kids to learn Spanish with peers. Love that good teachers are always applying whenever there is an opening. Love that’s it’s a neighborhood school.

Won’t include details in fear of retaliation. My child attended here last school year (2023-2024). Our experience was really overwhelmingly bad. The bus was often broken down leaving kids stranded at school. They would call and say that I should have been at the school 20 minutes ago (how was I supposed to know?) they then threatened to call CPS on me because the bus broke down and they didn’t notify me to pick up my child. The principal was also extremely condescending towards me, asking me questions about my marriage whenever my child would be late (usually doctor’s appointments). I did not feel supported as a parent and I often felt like my child was targeted because he wasn’t receiving enough support at school. Even though we have IEPs and 504s in place. My child is also disabled, so he did have a special class he went to. This is in no way an attack on his teachers. They were amazing. This is a review about the office staff and primarily the principal. No one that unprofessional should be in charge of hundreds of students and staff members.

This school is a gem. Our daughter regularly reminds us that she loves her school. The school leadership, teachers and staff are all committed to serving every child. My daughter is in 3rd grade and has grown both emotionally and academically in a very supportive environment. The community of parents have been wonderful as well, driving great programming through the PTA like the fall festival, movie nights, chili cook offs, and so many more. Additionally we have great extra curricular activities for children like the Shovels and Whisks group, which both learns about planting food (i.e. shovel) and making fun, nutritious recipes (i.e. whisk). All around a great educational environment both academically and emotionally.

Terrible school unless you want the principals and leadership in district to violate your rights and fall victim to the school violating the law against your child. The administration is not willing to have the child’s best interest rather than to throw your child under the bus to save their face. No accountability or responsibility.