Doherty Elementary School

Our child just finished Kindergarten at Doherty elementary. This school is diverse, vibrant, and truly cares about creating a safe, educational place for all the children who attend. The leadership from Principal Scott Long and the commitment to inclusive education from the teachers is superb. Parent involvement in the classrooms and at events is encouraged and welcome.

I love that parent involvement is encouraged and welcomed not my my daughter's teacher but the entire school. I love that Ms. Samuilow is very nurturing, and affectionate to her students. She's never to busy to answer a question, and I have many. I absolutely love the diversity of the student body. To have my child have friends of many different cultural backgrounds makes me happy. I love this school.

The teachers and staff are great and very dedicated. The cirriculum is challenging and there is great school spirit. That said, the PTO IS TERRIBLE. I have never seen another school where the pto controls everything, from how many parties each class is allowed to have, down to what kind of cookie and juice will be served, to how every dollar collected during the constant fundraising over the year will be spent. They make all the decisons and there is no outlet in place for the staff, parents and students to have a diferent idea or pov. Theyre going to keep doing it the way they want because thats how its always been done. Its a power trip for them. I love my daughter's teacher and many things about this school but I am seriously considering moving her to a private school next year because I dont think I can sit silently for the years to come while the PTO runs--ruins--this school.

Doherty offers exceptional educational opportunities for all of its students. The principal and staff are remarkable. I was particularly impressed by the K-2 music teacher, Mr. Beddow, who shares his professional performance abilities and finely honed teaching skills with his enthusiatic and adoring students.