Van Gorder Elementary School

Mr. Whisler is doing a great job as principal and feel like he has dramatically improved the school. The last principal Ms. Van Tress was barely seen and you could tell she was "checked out" as principal. She created a climate of mistrust and allowed certain teachers (her friends) do what ever they wanted to do. My daughter is in 5th grade and many of those teachers need to retire. These are the same teachers that were the past principal's friends and act as though they can do whatever they want at the school. I hope that Mr. Whisler will hold them accountable as he gets comfortable at the school.

Safe school, experienced teachers and cooperate. Teachers care about their students and career. Students have a wide range of activities to choose from.

My child had a teacher at this school that was just awful! No matter how hard I tried to cooperate and "play nicely" I just could not deal with her! She always demanded answers and never gave him time to think and every time I tried to talk to her about ANYTHING she was so defensive! One time, I went into the classroom to talk her and was just looking around and she snapped at me, "What are you looking at?"

This is a wonderful school. My daughter has excelled here due in large part to the teachers who love what they do, and care about kids. They don't just focus on the all important academics, but they also focus on helping kids handle life issues, get along with one another, and learn how to conduct themselves when conflict arises.