North Hi Mount 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!!

The school staff do not care about the children. From being left with no supervision after school during sports practices involved with the school, teachers singling out children who score lower than others - photos included of kids who “meet standards” while other kids sit and watch - feeling lesser than, kids being left alone on playgrounds with zero supervision next to highway 30 - the school blames the soccer organization that they hired to work with - this is not the school you want your child involved with. My kids self esteem has gone way down.

This school is not accredited by any organization other than the Lutheran Church. It does not require their teachers to have teaching credentials and the teachers are paid $20 an hour. The school caters to Church members and uses non-members children (who pay double the tuition rate) to subsidize their budget without making them a priority. They do not address bullying unless it is the child of a Church member or a parent threatens to take legal action against the school. There is no support for special needs students and communication between the teachers/administration/parents is erratic. I would strongly discourage any non-Church member from enrolling in the school.