William A. Walton Elementary School

This school does not care too much for their students. Some of the teachers, guidance counselors, and principle needs a new career because their current profession isn’t benefiting them nor the students!

My daughter had a fabulous experience at Walton. All the fifth grade teachers have prepared her well for middle school! The teachers go the extra mile to help all students succeed no matter what their struggles may be.

I really am in awe of so many negative comments! We love Walton! The school buildings are old on the open campus; there is no getting around that. The care, maintenance, and cleanliness, are all above average! If you are not feeling a warm friendly environment, then you're missing out on something. Every time I step on campus, I'm greeted with smiles and good mornings galore. The staff are all amazing, genuine and caring folks. Most go way above and beyond the call and are there for the kids! I have witnessed, as an involved parent, the same treatment and expectation for all students no matter background. We've seen tough love, celebrations for accomplishments, and a hope for making a difference! I hope that others will experience the same wonderful Walton we have experienced.

My daughter came in at 4th grade. She was in the gifted program at her last school, and I requested she be assessed for it. It never happened despite my having asked several times. The curriculum is way below what we have experienced at other schools. Some of the 4th grade spelling words were 'magnet', 'finger', and 'afternoon' and in math they were doing rounding. My child was beyond bored. I asked the teacher to work with me to get her more engaged, suggested having her help other students who were struggling with concepts she had mastered, and the teacher said no, with no explanation as to why. The teacher did not offer any suggestions or try to help in any way, but did complain that my daughter was daydreaming in class. I would be daydreaming too if I was sitting through hours of material I already knew. PE is only twice a week, which is terrible. When I asked what they did at PE, I was told they play on the playground. That is not PE, that is recess. Come the end of the year, they drill SOL preparation every day for a month, to the exclusion of the other subjects, including PE. The whole point of the SOL is to ensure the students are learning what they need over the course of the year, not because they have it shoved down their throats for 8 hours a day for weeks! I understand the school wanting to get good SOL scores, but this is insane. It is stressful to the children and, I feel, cruel. When I asked when they could get back to science and music and art, I was told after SOL testing is done. I was very glad when we moved and got away from this school.