Springdale Park Elementary School

Excellence, all around

One word Racist! They will look at your child as a super predictor! They will question your child about where they live... let's not leave out how the staff has no interest in the important meetings they will send another teacher to relay messages

My daughter completed her first year at SPARK. She transitioned well from a small private school. We like the facility, the involved parent's association and enthusiastic teachers. While we plan on sending our daughter back next year, we do not believe that she was challenged academically. This is mostly due to a rigid public school system that doesn't allow for individual lesson planning and teaches to the middle. While her teacher understood our concerns about keeping her challenged she had 24 other kids to plan for as well. We understand it is our job to manage our child's learning and we supplement SPARK with outside enrichment to keep her challenged.

Spark has great kids, great teachers and a great admin staff. We have 2 boys enrolled in K and 2nd grade.

Communication may have been an issue when the school first opened but is now excellent. There are various channels through teachers, room parents, electronic newsletter, social media, standard mail and phone messages. Principal holds a Principal’s tea every few weeks to communicate with parents and PTO board members.

Concerning curriculum, APS has adopted the common core standards in all schools, which is a great improvement. For specific educational programs at Spark, until now, focus was given to reading and writing with programs such as Saxon Phonics and Accelerated Reader. Children are encouraged to read every night as part of their homework. We have seen excellent results on our 2 boys. When it comes to Math and Science, it has not been so challenging, so far, for our children, but we think this may change as the school is focusing more on this and even looking into STEM. Yeah!

Enrollment growth and APS bureaucracy are day to day challenges for Spark’s admin. With Race to the Top, there also are growing pains with the introduction of new children and teachers assessments. But Ms. Brown is a very effective leader who can handle the challenges (with a smile!).

Because the school is well managed, the attitude triggers down from the top. All the teachers we’ve had so far have been experienced, motivated, and eager to make a difference. There is a counselor teaching kids socialization and conflict resolution skills. Specials are music, Spanish, PE (twice a week), garden.

I see a bright future for our school and APS in general, with the election of a new education board who seems dedicated to give more autonomy back to schools when it comes to hiring, budget and curriculum. We're very excited about the young and talented Matt Westmoreland representing our district 3.

Our family could (barely) afford going private but so far we have not been able to justify the switch considering all this, the fact that we are part of a great community and that our children are happy. And not to forget the cafeteria and bus service which are a big plus when compared to private.

The principal was part of a school that was closed before CRCT investigation could be conducted on it.

Not sure what the previous reviewer is referring to regarding the principal. I googled her name and found nothing scandalous. I would welcome any information they might have. My daughter attends SPARK and we couldn't be happier. A wonderful experience thus far.

Another APS mess. This school has a serious management problem, be sure to google the principals history before enrolling. If you value your child's well being be careful with this school.