Dower Elementary School

As a former student, it is a great school, just a few complaints.1. Many of the staff seem to have a condescending attitude towards students who did nothing2. The new counselor seems to halfheartedly address issues such as bullying, and has even laughed at bullying reports.Other than those two problems, this is a great school to go to.

It’s important to note that there is a new Principal at Park Lodge Elementary. I’ve read several reviews about someone named Mrs. Muzzulo, that sound terrible, but she is no longer there. The new principal, Mrs. DeShields, is wonderful. I’ve spoken to her several times, and she is always positive and, I think, does her best for the students. My daughter says the she even drops by the classroom occasionally to have lunch (covid year, the kids ate in the classroom) or just say hello. The teachers there are absolutely amazing. Every single one I’ve interacted with have been kind, supportive, attentive, and genuinely interested in what is best for every student. During virtual learning I’ve overheard the classes at times, and I’m so impressed with how patient, and effective they’ve been throughout this stressful year. During in person days (hybrid) every teacher I encountered during drop off and pick up, knew my child’s name, and they always had a smile on their face and a kind word.My child has never had a problem with bullying. She considers all of her classmates to be her best friends. I would definitely recommend this school to everyone.

There is a reason that Google reviews of this school are disabled. If I had to guess, the principal or administration of the building somehow got them turned off because of the overwhelming negative feedback the school was getting. I was a substitute here in a 3rd grade class for one day. The negative energy radiated the second I stepped into the office. The secretaries looked at me like I had done something wrong. I was treated dismissively at first, and then when I later asked about an issue with the attendance software (my class didn't load up) I was glared at. I was also not given the password to sign in so I came back and asked for it and the distain was palpable. All the secretary had to do was print a new sheet for me but she was so annoyed while doing it. So, before class even began I was already wanting to leave. Also, a teacher in the staff room also asked who I was there for and when I told her, she rolled her eyes and said, "good luck!" Great first impression....Class began and immediately there were major issues. Students cursing (F, S, B, MF, etc.), aggravating each other, fighting, not listening, having to ask students five times to get lined up, and the list goes on. One major issue I have with this school and others like it is that it provides students with an unlimited amount of trips to an alternative room where they can "calm down". Essentially these rooms, in this school's case the "Den", let students come in whenever they want and let them play and eat snacks. Students learn quickly that they do little to no work in there so they return often. The purpose for these rooms is good in theory but in reality they are a place for students to escape responsibilities. The students here wouldn't ask to go there either, they would TELL me that they were leaving, which to me points to a bigger problem of students having too much sway and power in the school. The phone was constantly ringing all day with questions from the rude office staff about things I didn't know. "Do you have masks in you room?" (How would I know?), "After (student name) left the counselor did he go to gym?" (How would I know?!) All day with questions like that. The principal came by a few times and it was obvious to me that she was in way over he head and not a strong disciplinarian which was clearly needed in a place like this. Anyways, this place was a nightmare. Terrible office staff, terrible administration, and terrible student behavior. Don't go here!

This is my daughter's first year in the Pre-K (4) program. She had a difficult time with transitions during daycare, so I thought the jump to a school program would be almost impossible. The teacher assured me that within 2 months, she would be fine with drop-offs. I am so happy to report that within 1 month, she was handling drop-offs like a little champion. I attribute this to the teacher's experience with children her age, but also her confidence. Fast forward to 5 months later, my daughter is absolutely thriving, has comes leaps and bounds in her ability to be a student. What I love about St Francis is that it feels like a community. All of the staff I have had contact with show genuine care and interest in my daughter. And I can tell she knows she is loved there. Another bonus, they've added Spanish lessons for her age group which is absolutely fabulous. She's proud to be learning a new language. All in all, I am very thankful for this experience, the community and all of the opportunities St Francis Cabrini offers. I believe she will have a great school experience, thanks to their values.

I attended HCS as a student from Kindergarten to 5th grade. Let's just say when I entered Drum in 6th grade I was above and beyond in all areas of academics. If you want a real school that isn't the normal hum drum lamentations of public school and actually cares about a strong curriculum, small class sizes, and family engagement in a faith based setting raising strong, critically thinking little humans; there is no better option in the UP area than HCS.

We have had a wonderful experience at CWA over the past 6 years both in the Lower School and Beginning School divisions. Both divisions have leadership and teachers that amazing. Our children are prepared both socially and academically for their journeys ahead. This school has been a wonderful choice for our family.