Ashford Park Elementary School

We moved to this school district based on its 2018 rating. However, after my child started Kindergarten, it was very apparent to us that this school was nowhere near a 9/10 as it was rated. The first red flag was that my child was given a teacher who has only ever taught special arts classes and at last minute, was forced to teach primary studies. This is at an age and grade that are so essential to their learning. I can completely understand that students' progress have been stunted and they are not growing at a level compared to other schools. The teacher was extremely unorganized, and completely out of touch with the students. For my child to start bringing books to "read" alone in kindergarten when done with classwork, says everything. For my child to finally tell me they cried (more than once) when they didn't understand directions, but when I asked the teacher and they had no idea, says everything. Instead, the teacher defaulted to what they were comfortable with - many special arts class activities instead of fundamental learning.I initially assumed we came from an incredible Pre-K and maybe this was normal "school." However, after my second child entered into Ashford Park in Pre-K, this solidified our initial concerns. I originally thought it was a "one off" and the experience with my first child wasn't a systemic problem. I was and am very wrong. There is a lack of dedication and well prepared teachers at this school. The principal is a problem. The front of the school has been extremely helpful and responsive, which is very nice. My children have had great specials' teachers. However, the new ranking is a reflection of the minimum standard of leadership at this school and lack of well prepared and dedicated teachers. The leadership at this school doesn't set teachers, and ultimately, students up for success. Based on actual experience, the principal's teacher selection is very questionable. The lack of progress in our students will continue to exist until there has been an overhaul in leadership and certain minimum standards are set for teachers at this school. The school's current focus is not based on the overall benefit for the students. They are focused on other non-related issues that do not benefit our students' long-term.

Staff is very unprofessional they should all be replaced. I feel door for the kids that go there and the parents who have to deal with them on a regular basis

The school is "rated" highly but in real life I would rather quit my job and home school than send my child back there. The education experience is highly lacking with the only focus being on testing an how things "look".

If I didn't have to send my kids to school here, believe me I wouldn't. They are completely disorganized. This school is supposed to be the "cream of the crop", always posting their accomplishments. Try going in there on a testing day, they tell at the kids in the cafeteria like they are in a prison. They teach to test because they need to keep their test scores high so they can keep their reputation up. The principal is a joke. Past and present. The secretary is awful. She does the bare minimum to get through the day. There are a few teachers here that care. Extra curricular teachers are the best. The counselor is a complete joke as well. Don't send your kid to her. She acts pleasant but if you have a real problem she will brush you off. That's what the whole school does. If you can't smile and look pretty, come to school dressed to the nines, act like a perfect parent, and don't forget to donate all of your paychecks to the Ashford Park foundation, or else you are worthless.