Excelsior Elementary School

441 Oak Street

School District

Minnetonka Public
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Minnetonka Public 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 February 24, 2020

Our children are very happy here. There is a very warm welcoming vibe.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2018

Not perfect, but a fantastic school. Our children are getting a fantastic education.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2018

0. Very poor school. Teachers talk and they discriminate based on race.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2014

I find this school substandard in so many ways. Huge, impersonal, academically lacking. After only a few months I realized that this school was not good enough for my kids and enrolled them in nearby catholic school where they are blossoming. I'm sure it was excellent at one point in time but now it feels like a third world school, so depressing, with huge class sizes and lackluster teachers.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

As a new kindergarten family at Excelsior Elementary we were nervous. Sending our oldest off to a new school not mention into a Chinese immersion program was overwhelming. The school has had many opportunities for us to familiarize ourselves and be comfortable with the atmosphere as well as the staff. The immersion program has exceeded all our hopes and the teachers have been fabulous. My favorite though has been how involved the principle has been. Taking the time to introduce herself and acknowledge students at every opportunity. The best part about her is that she brings her dog in for students to read to!
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

Excelsior Elementary is the tops! It is not just a school, the whole staff are a wonderful community of caring adults that make learning fun. From our first school visit, my husband and I turned to each other and said, " I wish I had gone to elementary here."
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

While entering the parking lot you notice there is something different about this elementary school. The emotion is palpable. Kindness, devotion laughter and happiness...numerous adults greeting children, guiding traffic, and acting as a safety patrol for walkers - day in and day out. Principal Lee Drolet, runs her school like one of the best run businesses in the world. A fair but firm CEO. She knows all 600 +/- students by name, speaks to them often, and hand delivers birthday cards to them. Class size seldom exceeds 20 children; all classrooms are equipped with smart boards, microphones and computers. Music, art and PE are mandatory. This public school offers all students the option to learn to speak and write Mandarin in the Chinese Immersion Program. There is also classrooms for gifted children and adequate staff for children with special needs. The playground is safe, clean and has updated equipment, running track and a music area. The number of parents that volunteer is remarkable. There are numerous activities that create a special elementary school experience: VIP day, boat excursions, movie night, class parties, field trips and walks and parades down main street.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2013

The best School you can Ever imagine. Great teachers, great programs, great support for the kids. It is just amazing!!! My daughter is in Chinese immersion and is incredible. They pay attention to every small details in my kids. It's an awesome school.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2013

If I could give this school a zero I would. They are great at sweeping things under the rug. I had an issue with a teacher who I find to be highly unprofessional. I don't understand how someone can become a teacher only to disrespect and mistreat a child. I wonder if other parents have had issues with the same teacher. The principal did address the teacher on the matter but it appeared to be no consequence for the action.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2013

I can't believe how unprofessional people can be when their job is to work with people. I had an issue with a teacher and had to notify the principal on the matter. While the principal did claim to take action it appeared to be no consequence for the teacher actions.There was no justified reason for the level of disrespect on the teachers behalf. There was no apology to me or my child for the belittlement and embarassment that was caused. Hopefully some type of training can be implemented to improve the level of professionalism needed to properly work with children.
Submitted by parent on December 28, 2012

My son has a terrific kindergarten teacher at Excelsior Elementary. She personally escorts all of her students to the bus after school. She is a really fun teacher that has been a positive role model for my son. There are also two wonderful helpers in the morning who unload kindergarteners from parent vehicles and make sure they get into school okay. These two ladies always put my son at ease with their personal comments to him about his hat, haircut, clothes or backpack. It makes my little guy feel so special and puts a smile on his face. Pretty hard to do at 8 am. The principal helped my son find his class during the first week of school. He felt pretty special walking hand-in-hand with her.
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2012

Excelsior Elementary is the Best!! The teachers work very hard to provide a variety of great learning experiences for ALL learners. The principal is a strong leader and supportive of the teachers.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2012

Excelsior Elementary is a fabulous school! We live in another district, but open enroll to Excelsior because of the quality of education that our children receive. Excelsior is a wonderful blend of a school with top- notch strategies used by teachers and a variety of activities for all children, but also maintains the feeling of a small school with individualized attention. The principal is a very strong leader and the teachers are amazing. This staff truly cares about my children, challenging them to learn and grow as people. We are thrilled with Excelsior!
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2012

This school is really lacking. The only reason this district has a good rep. is due the wealth of the families. Which allows the important focus of what matters overlooked.My child was bullied by a teacher.A teacher should be a role model in the school day to not only their class but to all students.The teachers don't actually look at the work.My child received a good grade on a paper when clearly there were errors. There was no correction in errors made in the assignment.This was not the only time my children came home with work like this either. If a child gets injured at school it is not always reported to the family unless you really communicate with your child. You would be suprised in the things that go on luckily I speak with my children. If a student misbehaves in class I found that the teacher does not respond appropiately either. I've taught to children myself and just find it to be a shame on so many levels. My children will be attending another school next year. It's of great importance my children are in a safe enviornment when I'm not around and EES dont cut the cake for me.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2011

we love excelsior elementary. we live in the wayzata school district, but open enrolled our child into the chinese immersion program at excelsior. the teachers and staff have been communicative, responsive and top notch. my child loves going to school and has had a fantastic first year experience. bravo bravo. could not be happier
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2011

I'm not sure what the a previous poster is referring to, but Excelsior is a fantastic school! Regarding the math program, yes, new methods are taught, but my children are taught traditional methods as well. They then have the choice of which methods to use. The principal supports both parents and her teachers, cares about kids, and is definitely dedicated and accountable! Not sure what the comment about immersion students is about. My children are not in the immersion program and do receive gifted services. There are differentiated services for both traditional and immersion students. Excelsior is a wonderful school with a terrific staff and my children are thriving there!
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2010

Our child is not only keeping up with the other classmates but with special ed over the past few years starting to even advance more, along with outside additional efforts, and our child now is excited to go to school.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2010

As a very successful professional (engineer), I can tell you that the 'new math' program really falls short of meeting the mark if you're hoping for a good math program. Don't let the test scores fool you! Count on having to teach your kids all the traditional method yourself. On the plus side, I spend more time with my kids. The homework helps teach the kids good study habits outside of the normal school day. The teachers are nice, but the principal isn't accountable for her actions. The school is totally caught up in all the liberal indoctrination rather than teaching the basics. It is assumed that all the 'smart' kids are in the immersion program and thus get advanced placement. There are too many days off during the year!
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2010

Excellent teachers and staff! Fantastic principal! Involved parents! Impressive Chinese Immersion program! These are just some of the reasons why my family moved to Excelsior so that we can attend this school.