Addams Elementary

This is our third year at Addam's and we are extremely pleased. There are several activities held throughout the year that get students, parents and teachers involved as one big 'Addam's Family.' I am thankful that I am always welcomed to volunteer in the classroom and on field trips. The teachers have been easily accessible and truly care about the children's best interest. Parent network is very supportive. We are blessed to be a part of this wonderful community.

My son attends GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program-4 year old pre school) at this school. The Early Childhood center is on an opposite end of the elementary, ultimately, keeping it separate from the other elementary students. GSRP follows the Royal Oak learning curriculum and policies. This I really like as RO schools have a great reputation for Education. Any time I've had a problem, as the kids are 4 and still learning to share and socialize, it's been handled in a very professional manner, and I've always gotten calls and updates on situations. The field trips through GSRP have been amazing and educational. The last one was to Cranbrook Science Museum- AMAZING! The only reason I gave this school a 4 star rating is simply because of the district wide decision to impliment late start days, which is generally EVERY Wednesday- School starts one hour later. Yes, they do have programs to send child to school at the normal time, but they cost money. Now, unless you have reduced or free lunch, which then you'd qualify for free program, otherwise you'll have to pay. Gsrp children have this service for free. This late start nonsense causes so much grief for working parents. The other reason I gave this school a 4 star rating is because GSRP starts at five minutes to 9 AM. Seriously? Again, a pain for working parents. Clawson, Madison Heights, Roseville, etc. RARELY have a late start day. But, overall, yes, I'd recommend the school to others. But I don't see late start days dissappearing any time soon.

Here were some of my issues: 1. 29 students in the class and basically zero assistance. I found out they had an assistant coming at one point, but it was while children were out for lunch and recess. They also did not welcome parent volunteers in the classroom. 2. Very limited outdoor recess by comparison to other schools. There were very limited toys in the classroom so indoor recess classroom recess was not sufficient in my opinion. 3. Way too many movies! My kindergartener watched Frozen, Toy Story 2, The Lorax and countless other smaller shows (not educational enough for school) AND You Tube videos in school.

We have been extremely happy at Addams. The teachers are great, and very accessible after school hours.