Koontz Intermediate School

305 Overlook Road

School District

Buncombe County Schools
Grade

5-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by other on January 16, 2023

We have had children in this school before COVID, during COVID, and after COVID. While there are some good teacher I have to say there are more teachers who should never be in a classroom. Lessons are listed and the students do then on the computers. If they don’t understand the work and need help they are given a site to go to the find the help they require. The teachers are not in the front of the classroom teaching instead the suggested site is doing the teaching. Grades are no posted on a regular basis and frequently not posted at all. There is more indoctrination being done in the classroom then teaching in many cases. We have have teachers complaining about the low salaries, talking about their emotional issues and how the students are causing them stress. Band, chorus and string orchestra are outstanding. Transportation is horrible. Twice a year when the count is taken for funding, students are encouraged to ride and ALL routes run AM and PM, but the very next week many routes don’t have drivers. Some times there is notification on the route not running but many times parents receive a message between noon and 1PM that they need to pick their child up at 2:45 as the route will not have a driver. Bullying has been an ongoing problem and is getting worse. There are really no consequences for the bullying and the students no it. Safety is an issue as a result of the bullying.These are problems not only at this school but thruout the district. It is about time the district gets back to education instead of indoctrination.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2022

So far my sons experience has been horrible. He has been repeatedly bullied. From name calling to being hit. I got appropriate response feedback in regards to my concerns however nothing ever got any better despite my constant involvement in speaking with the administration. Possible excuses made for my child’s repetitive bullying included Covid. Yes this may have changed some kids behaviors negatively, however I will not have this be used as an excuse for what has been happening to my son. I never received some type of policy re: bullying. I was explained that every situation is grey, which I can understand, but I have serious doubt that their management is effective for the most obvious reason including that my sons bullying persist and the year is soon to finish. There was a fantastic counselor however that was involved and has much empathy. I can say the least for the assistant principle who raised his voice at me in a meeting because I had interrupted him. Something is not right at that school. Be careful, stand up for your child, and be their advocate.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2022

My son went to Koontz and now my daughter is in her second year at the school. They have both had great experiences and we are very impressed with the school, the teachers, staff and administration. The principal and vice principal go above and beyond for the students and their families. My kids have had awesome teachers and the school is a great step before heading to middle school. Our family is thankful for Koontz Intermediate!
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2022

I am a parent of a child at Koontz Intermediate. This is our 2nd year at this school. The staff is caring, inclusive and energetic. The teachers offer clear, organized instruction and provide constant updates. Administrators are very hands on and make it feel like a family. We are grateful to have our child at this school.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2022

Koontz was a great experience for my older son, and currently a great experience for my youngest. My boys have had wonderful teachers who saw their gifts and personalities, rather than just a test score. I appreciate the efforts of staff and administrators to communicate frequently, openly, and be flexible with unique needs. Both the principal and assistant principal are fantastic and very approachable and caring. We've been very pleased as a family with Koontz.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2022

My daughter has had fabulous teachers and a great overall experience at Koontz. She is challenged academically, but not stressed. This is a tough balance to achieve! Her homework is manageable and meaningful.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2021

Principal and staff are engaged with students and parents. Great teachers and safe, clean school.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2021

I am the parent of a 6th grader at Koontz Intermediate School. My child has had a great experience in her two years there. Everyone on staff always does what is best for the children.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2021

I would highly recommend Koontz Intermediate School. My student has attended 5th and 6th grade and the teachers and staff have been consistent communicators, caring mentors, and creative teachers. The school is a blend of 3 elementary schools and my child has made some best friends from other areas outside of the elementary school circle, which is welcoming. The principal and assistant principal are very involved and engage parents. I applaud them for how they have navigated the pandemic and the changes they had to make so quickly. Oh, and uniforms are wonderful! They make your morning routine a no-brainer.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2017

Our school experience has been pretty miserable. There is so much bad behavior and bullying that it's not addressed, many of the teachers we've encountered do not seem to care, the principal does not seem invested or really concerned. It is disorganized and no one seems to know what the learning plan is for our child. Communication is all about school events and fundraising and little about what's going on with your child. It's truly and unfortunately been a miserable experience for us and our child. Huge disappointment. The only positive for us is the school uniforms.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2017

5th grade was a very good experience, but so far the 6th has been dissapointing. Our child has good grades, but has been stressed by the work load. One teacher in particular seems to have nothing but complaints and is very unhelpful. The excuses tend to be about class size, but this year is about the same number per class as last year. It's frustrating when a teacher has a bad additude towards their job.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2017

I feel safe knowing that my son is in excellent hands.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2015

We have had a great experience at this school. Teachers are caring and work very hard to provide differentiation for all student levels. Many different extra-curricular opportunities and a top-notch fine arts department. We are especially pleased with the diversity in this school. Our children previously attended another Buncombe county school which was predominantly white, so this difference was refreshing.
Submitted by other on June 18, 2015

I have seen over the last year how the students at this school get involved in their community. This school develops leaders!
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2015

Fifth grade teachers, AIG, Mr. Jones, Mrs. Rice and Mr. House go the extra mile to provide a safe and enriching educational environment.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2014

I am truly sure that 90% of the schools teachers truly do care and I'm happy that the other parents that commented their children got those teachers. fifth-grade experience the guidance counselor is wonderful and has no tolerance for bullying or gossip. But the sixth grade experience has been atrocious..Teachers that are/were extremely rude and impatient with almost all of their children and have belittled their intelligence ;also the bullying in the gossip is not well-managed..my child has came home too many times crying repeatedly over such instances..there are just too many students for this school!Many of the teachers are overworked and the classrooms too big(not their fault by any means, I can appreciate that there are students that act horribly, but it spills over to the innocent ones)Dr. Gibbs is an amazing principle on the other hand, but cannot obviously watch all of her staff and watch over them to see who is being exceptional teachers and which ones are not.. If your child must go to the school I would research the teachers thoroughly and make sure that your child gets a pair of the good teachers and have tough skin,otherwise they're going to have a miserable year!!
Submitted by other on December 14, 2012

This school is great. Probably because it's very new! There are also great and motivating teachers.