Viola L. Sickles Elementary School

25 Willow Street

School District

Fair Haven
Grade

PK, K-3
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

public

School Map for Fair Haven 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 other on June 01, 2023

What is my experience: I have had three children go through/currently at Sickles. We have absolutely loved our experience there so far; the staff is kind - the principal goes as far to remember ever child's (parents and siblings often too!), the offerings are wonderful (lots of stem incorporated, and if you need special services, such as speech, the staff is wonderful). The PTA in this town is incredible and the events are coordinated are top notch and very family oriented! We highly recommend this town and school district to all of our friends!
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2022

Really enjoyed the faculty and teachers. The culture and education are as good as it gets.
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2022

We love everything about the school and town. Fairly idyllic!
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2022

Tremendous on every level. Culture, education, resources, traditions, student care, etc.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2019

The teachers are teaching what they are supposed to and the kids are learning. As long as your child fits into the mold then it is fine. If your child needs any special attention or assistance, then you will not be happy. I think I even questioned why some of the people decided to work with children in the first place.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2018

Sickles is more than a school, it's a learning experience focused on developing kind, compassionate, confident learners. The school leadership and teachers, together with amazing PTA volunteers work so well together to create a fully rounded out curriculum that is challenging and fun at the same time. Communication with parents is fantastic and the school and district leadership is incredibly responsive to parent concerns. Our principal knows and greets every student by name and is outside rain, snow and shine with a smile helping kids into the school. We've been in the school system for 3 years and every year gets better. Aging out of Sickles certainly is bittersweet ! On to Knollwood!
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2013

This is an excellent school. My oldest has just moved up to the middle school and my two youngest are still in Sickles. My oldest entered the school in kindergarten, so my experience with the school goes back to fall 2009. The complaints about the engagement or approachability of the administration, in other reviews here, seem very foreign to me. Similarly, I'm suspicious of the recurring complaints about the everyday math curricula. I sit with my kids during their homework most nights of the week, and I'm impressed by that program. My kids have an intuitive sense of math concepts that I attribute to that program. The bottom line is that my kids head out to Sickles excited for the day, for real, and they come home better educated, every day from a place that I know first-hand to be encouraging, warm and mission-driven. As I think about it, it really is a model organization.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2012

The last principal was only there a couple of years and quit, so there's an interim principal. Some great teachers, poor administration. You have to teach all math on your own or get a tutor, since they use everyday math program. The curriculum is not challenging for any kid who attended preschool. If you have the $, do private school, but if not, just plan to do alot of outside educating on your own.
Submitted by other on March 16, 2012

I am considering this school for my children. We are moving in from another state.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2011

Where do I begin?? I believe whole heartedly the principal of this school has no people skills. On many ocasions we have come face to face at the entrance of the school and not once has she ever said a hello. She only is concerned with meaningless dribble and projects a negative disposition to those she is not palsy-walsy with. The teachers have no clue at resolving problems between students. They push everything onto an unqualified school counselor who has good intentions but is not able to make an impartial decision without the principal's final judgement, even though the principal heard the problem not first hand but third hand. This school is all about appearences and not about really bringing out the best in the students.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2011

Teachers are very poor at communicating with parents. Clear separation between working mothers and stay at home mothers. Principal caters to stay at home mothers and their children. School environment can sometimes feel sterile. Looks can be deceiving @ Sickles. Expectation that parents make many financial contributions to the school. Education my child received was average. Did not feel the teachers make extra time to help.
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2011

I have had my two children at other private and public schools and we fortunately landed at Sickles due to a professional relocation. The school is excellent in regards to its educational programs, special assistance programs, and classroom and outdoor environment. The Teachers, Principal and Volunteers are great to work with and the kids feel safe and motivated to do their best in the classroom and community. Bottom line, excellent school, excellent community and finally we feel we can see our tax dollars going to good use!
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2011

The students are not challenged at all. They have a 0 tolerance anti bullying policy but the students are treated differently, not matter who was the bully. The principal and teachers are rude and with no people skills. They don't make you feel welcome. Writing and reading programs are very good. There's practically no Science or Social Studies. There's also discrimination and racism. The staff does not accept diversity. It is very sad that they are not teaching the students what tolerance, respect and racial diversity is.