Buffalo Trail Elementary School

I would not recommend this school. Communication between teachers and parents is very poor, and it often feels like important information is not shared until the last minute. The classrooms are overcrowded, and students don’t seem to get the individual attention they need. The building and facilities are outdated, and maintenance issues go unfixed for weeks. I also felt that the administration was not very responsive to concerns, which made it hard to trust that student needs were a priority.

We’ve called Little River home for about 5 years now and we love the support of the staff and administration. Each of our children’s teachers have loved them and pushed them to grow and solidify their love of learning even when things have been tough.

Great school with a great PTA that has a lot of events to raise money for extra things at the school. My son has been here a few years and enjoys going every day.

I sent both of my boys to Monarch for their preschool experiences. There’s no greater comfort than to know that your kids are loved, nurtured, prayed for, and being taught with excellence from Bible stories to basic math and reading skills. My boys also learned so much basic life skills and made great friends during their time there. Ms. Grace is also extremely understanding, personable, and accommodating. My youngest received outside support from the county for his speech needs once a week and they were able to provide a space conducive for these private lessons. Hands down, this place is the best and I recommend it without any reservations.

This is truly a wonderful school. The care and dedication of the teachers and staff shine through in everything they do. Some of the most exceptional educators I’ve ever encountered are here. While I can’t speak for every classroom, my children have been incredibly fortunate to learn from teachers like Ms. Pitzen, Ms. Mixter, Ms. Bennett, Ms. Capayachi, Ms. Kimball, and Ms. Esposito... each one outstanding in their own way.Even after a full day of teaching, these educators continue to show up for their students during extracurricular activities, whether it be a soccer tournament, taekwondo belt ceremony, robotics competition, ensuring every child feels seen and supported. And they do all this while balancing families of their own. That’s not just dedication, that’s love.The office staff have always been warm, welcoming, and open, like an open book to me. They genuinely value family and community involvement and work hard to highlight the school’s strengths and unique character to the broader public.The principal is a remarkable leader and human being. Despite the many responsibilities she carries (both as a mom and as the head of the school) she makes a conscious effort to be present in the lives of the students. She’s not just supervising staff; she’s connecting with her scholars (as she calls them). Her presence and commitment make a real and lasting impact on the school’s culture.