Magnolia Elementary School

Special education teachers are very passionate and supportive. My son feels loved by every teacher and staff member. Great experience! I only wish there was more room in the budget for weekly music classes

Magnolia ES's student body is too small with insufficient funding, leading to issues adequately supporting high or low performing students. My 5th grader was placed in a joint 4th/5th grade class where math was taught at a 3rd/4th grade level to bring low performers up to standards. However, that meant no time or challenge for my child who went nearly a year without substantive education. We continuously addressed our concerns with teachers and administrators who admitted the issue, said they were trying, and nothing was done. Discipline was also an issue with 3rd-5/th graders having a level of foul language that would shock seasoned Navy sailors. We were never exposed to physical issues, but there was a consistent them of emotional abuse from some of the students. Administrators and Teachers knew of the situation, but their only response was that there was nothing they could do without parental involvement. Sure, these are broad SPS issues (insufficient funding, no differentiated learning, and a lack of institutional control), but the lack of communication and ineffectiveness of the school was appalling. We've since moved our kids to private school and despite the significant cost, are much happier.

I have two children at Magnolia elementary and our oldest is now in grade 5 having started there 5 years ago. We are very glad that this is our family school. The teachers are very kind and engaged with the students and as parents we are included members of the school community. We really feel that our children's teachers care about their academics and emotional well being. They communicate with us regularly through electronic means and 1:1 meetings. Our daughter was slow to pick up reading and her teacher rallied around her with extra support, take home help and three times a week focused reading support in a small group setting. This, plus our extra efforts at home made a huge difference for our daughter. Finally the PTA is very engaged and does a good job with gathering financial support and extra school activities. Our children love going to school each day, have made lasting friendships and we have seen no signs of bullying or any other bad behavior at Magnolia. As parents that have the ability to put our children into private school, we are very glad that instead we have them at Magnolia Elementary.

Magnolia Elementary struggles due to lack of adult oversite. At times like lunch and recess, the children don't always have the necessary supervision. This leads to lots of moments for bullying, and unchecked behavior. That energy carries over into the classroom. Leadership seems uncertain about changes that can be made to benefit students other than waiting for more resources and other school closures. I want more from a principal at a new school who is in charge of building school culture.

Our son has attended Magnolia Elementary for the past two years and has had a great experience so far. Extra resources for special needs students are very good and the instructional assistants and teaching staff are kind, attentive and have the needs of the students at heart. Significant focus on fostering diverse perspectives. Well managed with a top notch new principal and office staff Would highly recommend.