Meadow View Elementary School

3700 Butterfield Crossing Drive

School District

Douglas County Re 1
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Douglas County Re 1 School District

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 parent on October 17, 2017

This is my second year at Meadow View Elementary. We had moved from California, and I never heard of Artful Learning before. I wasn't sure if it would work, but once I found out more about it, it helps students learn the same curriculum just through different mediums. During my daughters first year here, there was a new Principle Lacey Dahl, reading previous reviews of the school the old principle seemed to be an issue. However, the new principle has been recognized by Douglas County as an outstanding principle. She greets children, knows most by first and last name, she has the leadership qualities and truly cares about her staff, students, and the students parents.Teachers are involved with the students. For example my daughter knows all the teachers and she likes them all and she was only in kindergarten now 1st grade. The school seems to be like a family, which is a total different vibe than California. The school could use a makeover, but I see they do try to make an effort at rebranding and they try to make school a fun experience for all the children, while keeping it a learning facility. I think the biggest problem is that most parents don't like the Artful Learning program and the school is rated lowest in Great Schools, so it turns people away. I hear a lot of families choosing Charter schools or academy's rather than staying at Meadowview, its sad but who can blame them. Its not a bad thing they choose to do this, but this cuts Meadowview's enrolment which I think would effect the schools budget to keep above water. This effects how the schools budget is handled with staff members (teachers), the programs offered, and beyond. A cut in enrollment is a cut in abilities to succeed. I am happy, but others are not as pleased with Meadowview's performance. I know that test scores have risen in areas like math, but if I remember correctly they are still below average in the district for writing and reading. Is it artful learning that is bringing them down??
Submitted by parent on December 29, 2015

Was highly skeptical of enrolling our kids here based solely on this website rating and test scores. I'm glad I dug deeper! Despite this info I kept hearing over and over from parents with children here that it was an amazing school with amazing teachers. In the end we trusted the actual horses mouth and I couldn't be happier.Bottom line we are THRILLED with this school, they have aced all of my "mom" requirements, aced my learning expectations. I can't say enough about the environment and the Artful Learning curriculum. It is truly an unprecedented avenue of teaching that is so engaging and creative the kids actually LOVE learning the material. It isn't plain art and doodling all day, which is kind of what I was envisioning, it is purely a method of delivering the SAME state material as all other schools with the SAME state requirements in a manner that the kids actually retain and enjoy. Imagine that. It couldn't be a more perfect fit for my active boys who would likely struggle in a rigid typical school environment, or in a charter school environment (which we highly considered). The kids are thriving and learning leaps and bounds more than their prior preschool/school environment. The teachers are so loving and caring and EXPERIENCED. They are passionate about what they do which translates to the best delivery of information to my kiddos. The administration caters to a "small town" type of feel, they know all the kids by name, they recognize you when you walk in, they CARE about the students and their success. I was tempted to enroll them in one of the newer fancier schools in the neighborhood, I assumed this was a better place for my kids, top of the line. I was so wrong. Bigger isn't always better, 800 students in an elementary is crazy, half the teachers don't even know one another, there is surely no "family" environment. Meadow View has been a pleasure, the parents, the teachers, the involvement of community. We were just given admission to one of the neighborhood charters and have passed on it. We won't be leaving MDVE any time soon! Highly recommend it to others out there who are researching just like I was and questioning the quality. You seriously can't go wrong.
Submitted by parent on December 28, 2015

My daughter is in her second year at Meadow View and we could not be happier with our experience. Her work is challenging, and she is learning larger concepts than I have seen in other children her age. She LOVES going to school each day and can't wait to tell me about what she learned that day when she comes home. She had some behavioral issues at her last school, and those have completely disappeared as they have a straightforward system of consequences for behavior, as well as positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2015

This is our daughter's second year at Meadow View. We moved here from Las Vegas because of the school systems and have been very pleased. My daughter hated Kindergarten in Nevada and her teacher made sure she hated reading as well. At Meadow View, she has been able to excel and learn to love school and her teachers. The Artful learning program is perfect for my daughter as she loves art and being able to incorporate that in to her learning has been wonderful. I have volunteered in her classrooms both years and I am very happy with how her teachers run their rooms. They allow the kids to be kids, but reign them in when necessary. The curriculum this year is tough, but the kids are enjoying it. I am glad we chose this neighborhood and school to raise our daughter in.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2015

Meadow View's teaching model is exceptional. It's very hands on and experiential. My boys have learned so much since we've moved here and they LOVE going to school now. The teachers give 110% and are always willing to have a conversation with me.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2015

My son began attending Meadowview in second grade. After 2 years in this school I can say that he has learned NOTHING. He has been bullied and mistreated on more than one occasion by both staff and students. When we were forced to transfer to this school I was anxious because my son has some social/emotional issues that we have worked hard to help him overcome. His previous school was wonderful and his teachers were very responsive and informative in regards to his daily needs. I assumed incorrectly that the teachers at Meadowview would share this teaching model. I was WRONG. When transferring we were promised a transition meeting would happen. I called and called and got nowhere with Meadowview. I finally reached out to higher powers and we had a meeting with the principle, the director of special ed services for the county, and his new teacher. Everyone praised how great she was and that our son had to the right teacher. Again WRONG. This teacher graded on a curve. Kids would get 5 out of 20 right on a test and that was great because most of the kids were getting fewer correct. How is this good? That says to me you are poor teacher. In our so called transition meeting the principle dismissed all of our concerns with our child who was a flight risk. “He’s been perfect. I don’t see a problem so we won’t worry about it until it is a problem”. 4 months later we get notice that not only is it a problem but it apparently has been a problem for the past 4 months and now my child is behind the other kids and needs an IEP and testing for the SED program. By the time all this is done the year is almost over and we can only start getting help in the next grade. All year I get nothing from these people about my son’s behavior because they really just want you to think it is all great, so they can collect the money for having you child in their school. In his second year at Meadowview I again ask for updates and receive NONE. I have to ask and ask then I finally get feedback. Even at his IEP meetings everything is glowing and great but then you try to move your child from this school and suddenly he is a severe special needs case? Stay away from this school if you can. The teachers and the principle are not held accountable for your child’s education or lack thereof. I honestly do not think any of the children in either of his classrooms learned anything.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2015

I love this school! Meadow View teaches in a way that all kids can be successful. My kids love their teachers and the administrators. They are excited to go to school everyday to see what the day brings.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2014

Meadow View has a good core group of teachers and parents that make the school a positive learning environment for most students. The Artful Learning curriculum is fantastic, but it is unevenly applied through grade levels, as it relies on individual teachers to create the units and not all teachers are created equal. Student safety is a big issue and the number of incidents seems to grow every year. Their policies for handling problem kids are not working, and there is no transparency to parents when something happens. A child can be seriously threatened and the parents are not informed. I agree that they need more engagement for gifted kids, because there is precious little differentiated instruction now. The Principal really is awful. It isn't a difference in style, she does not have what it takes to run a school. She doesn't supervise her staff evenly, she has almost no engagement with parents or students, and is unprofessional and does her best to disappear when issues come up. My family is struggling this year with the decision to move to a school outside of our neighborhood. This school has many positives but having an incompetent leader is huge problem.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2014

When we moved to Douglas County, we took our time deciding between all the options this school district has to offer. After touring our neighborhood school, Meadow View, we knew we didn't have to look any further. We are beyond pleased with our boys' experience. The school has high academic standards and the Artful Learning model means that the school takes a whole brain, whole child approach to education. They definitely don't 'teach to a test' at this school. The staff is very caring and our boys are very happy here. A few of the negative reviews on this site focus on the principal. While I don't see her out-and-about when I pick up my sons, I have found her to be very involved with the PTO and the School Advisory Committee. I think perhaps she has a different leadership style than what others are accustomed to, but I don't think it means she is any less concerned about the welfare and success of her students. The involved parents I know seem to really like her.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2014

We moved here this year, our district school had a horrible reputation, so we chose Meadow View- 30 min away for us. I am appalled at the 5th grade curriculum. First of all, my 10 yr old son was sent home with a CUT AND PASTE worksheet on the "hard g, vs the soft g"!!!! My daughter mastered this in Kindergarten!! There is NO homework other than constantly doing flashcards for basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division that they have to do on the computer, get 100% 3x in each, before they are allowed to move on. First they have 3s per prob, then have to repeat the whole process in 2 s per prob, then again repeat the whole process in 1.5 sec! A total waste of time and absolute absurdity in the 5th grade! They have yet to start any science- this is still unclear to me...and finally, the principal is a ghost- never there. I have tried 2x to make appts. with her to discuss the situation. The staff assure me they will set up a time, and yet never call back, Instead I'm shuffled back to teacher- about my concerns, after I have already spoken to her. Kids are not grouped by ability- a detriment to all kids! I'm hoping to move him for this next semester. VERY DISAPPOINTED!
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2014

When you open the cover of the current Meadow View year book, you will see a cute picture of the staff dressed as minions for Halloween. The saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words" is so fitting here! The glaringly obvious person missing from the pic, is the principal. This is no mistake, as she is not ever around. You don't see her greeting students at school before the bell rings at the beginning of the day or saying goodbye at the end of the day. She wouldn't even know your child went to her school, unless they have had to spend time in her office. in my opinion, she lacks integrity. "The supreme quality of leadership is integrity" D. Eisenhower I agree with the recent post about safety too. Teachers are on their cell phones or talking to one another when they are supposed to be watching our children. And while kids are just being kids, and having fun, with loads of energy, the teachers treat them as if they are little menaces and scold them harshly. I am so saddened that our neighborhood school is such a scary place to send my children. There are some amazing kids (and parents) at the school, but lots are leaving. And thank goodness, so are we.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2014

This was our first year at MDVE and thankfully, our last. A child's safety should be of the utmost importance at a school, but it certainly isn't a priority here. The students are supposed to line up on the playground before school everyday, but there is absolutely NO supervision, other than the parents, outside in the mornings. School crossing guards are at their post no earlier than 2 minutes before the 1st bell rings and 2 minutes after the last bell at the end of the day rings. Children cross the busy parking lot and street by themselves! You will NEVER see the Principal outside of her office, or outside of the building for that matter. Recess is a complete joke. Of the two or three staff outside, they are usually standing on the black top chatting with one another or using their phones, completely ignoring the children. We have had several incidences this year with kids in the primary grades punching, choking, threatening other children. The communication between faculty and parents is terrible!! The school has a lot to fix. I think under a new principal, it could be better. But, we are not going to stick around to find out!
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

We love the school and the environment. The safety is of course high priority and well done. So far we have had one tough teacher. But overall a great experience.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2013

This was our first year at Meadow View & we had a great experience. The teachers are genuine, and the while the class sizes are a little larger than we'd like, the school itself is nice & small. The principal does not seem to know the students by name, but she does make herself very available to parents - all you have to do is ask.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2013

I have three kids at MeadowView. Our experience has been excellent. The teaching staff is great and it obvious that they work together for success. Whenever we have had an issue, we bring it to their attention and it is addressed. I have always felt that they care for all of the students and their families. The VP could work on her bedside manner, but other than that, I love MeadowView and would recommend it to any family.
Submitted by parent on March 01, 2013

To the 1/20/13 review responding to 1/10/13 review: I did not write the 1/10/13 review, but please re-read it, as it appears that you misunderstood. The reviewer was indicating that CSAP scores for this school include those of special needs children, thus, the school is as at times at a disadvantage to other schools, who don't have a special needs program, tend to score higher. In regards to spelling, you typed "though" instead of "thought" when referring to "thought process". This is a very reasonable mistake but not a basis for a school review.
Submitted by other on January 20, 2013

Wow, in response to the review posted on 1/10/13. I should guess that you are glad your kids go to a good school, but to knock kids with learning disabilities and think they don't belong in your child's public school? You spelled course wrong (coarse references the texture of something, your welcome). Needless to say, you sound like a complete snob and I would hope that the other parents of this school do not have the same though process as you do. Very glad I read the reviews before bidding on a home that feed to this school in the very old part of the Meadows.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2013

I love this school! The teachers, Principal and staff are amazing. We have two children there and have yet to have a bad teacher. Let me also say that the parent involvement is exceptional! I am surprised that we don't have a higher rating but I have always heard that all the scores of the CSAP of children with learning disabilities are averaged into that total. If this is true then it is not a good guide on how schools are performing. Some schools (i.e. Charter) don't have to accept kids with these disabilities so of coarse their average score are going to be higher. Bottom line, we love Meadow View and find everyone that works there has the best interest of our children in mind.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2012

The teachers are Great but the principal has issues.The principal has problems with communicating with parents. Overcrowding is a big problem. My daughter was in 5th grade and she was 1 of 36 kids. Crazy! I love the teachers and office staff except the principal.