Ponderosa Elementary

311 Bonanza Drive

School District

Cumberland County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:8
Type

public

School Map for Cumberland County 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 April 03, 2020

This is without a doubt the WORST school I have had the misfortune to have to enroll my child in. No communication to parents regarding ANYTHING. If school is let out early due to inclement weather, no notification. Leaving students walking home to a possibly locked and empty house in bad weather. Teachers are limited to the number of copies they are allowed to print leaving students without the necessary supplies to succeed. I could go on and on but nothing will change as I’ve already brought these and other issues up to leadership at the school and nothing has been done. We will be SELLING our house and moving only to get out of this awful school.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2018

My experience with this school is horrible and would not recommend.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2015

My child went to this school for several years. We loved our experience there up until fifth grade. Fifth grade was very frustrating and greatly disappointing. Two of the teachers were extremely harsh with the students and that was obviously okay with the principal as they were allowed to be this way all year even though several students were frightened by them. As long as the test scores looked good the principal did not care that students did not feel safe and had no desire to be in this school. Several parents voiced their concerns, but were each told that it was only them who had issues.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2014

This school has teachers that don't have time to communicate with parents and can never give a clear and honest answer what's going with your child. My child attends this school and I am not at all pleased with the teacher. The teacher is rude and feels that it's a nuisance to discuss anything with me. She never knows anything that goes on in the classroom with my child and her response to everything is I didn't have enough time to give you any information about your child. She belittles my child by talking down to them and Ponderosa has failed to do anything about it. Ponderosa is in a rude awakening because I will not let this go.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2013

I have autistic children that went to ponderosa in 2009 and I was very happy with the school. They went to cliffdale for the next two years and I was happy with that school also. This year they are back at ponderosa and boy has it changed! There is a new principal and when my child came home with bruises that were obviously hand marks of an adult ( the doctor, social worker, and police said so) she acted like I was crazy and did nothing! The police investigated and everyone denied seeing or doing anything. Since there are no cameras in the special needs classroom or in any classroom, nothing was done. I did not yell, and I was not rude, but the principal just looked down her nose at me and pretty much implied that it must have happened at home. She is always rude to me and the other parents. I am not the only one with children that came home with bruises. Other parents have had the same experience with their children and the principal. The teachers yell ALOT and they do not speak proper English. Since my children are non-verbal, they cant tell me why they cry when they have to go to school. Avoid this school!
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2013

This school has greatly improved. I love the program here as well as the teachers and staff. They are on a new curriculum for the 12-13 school year and it has been wonderful for my boys. There is a new principle and she is awesome! I see her every morning and afternoon at drop off and pick up. I feel like the staff takes time to know the kids. My son knows all the of staff and they know him by name. i feel like THAT is awesome.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2012

I think this school is horrible. I would not recommend this school to no one. The teachers don't care for the kids, the cafeteria workers have attitudes towards the children, and you can never find the principal. My kids attended a great school before this one where they were welcomed every morning by the principal. As soon as my kids attended the first day at this school it was apparent that no one liked their jobs. I just know what a great school is capable of and Ponderosa just fails in comparison. I read the other parents reviews and I am so happy I not the only that felt this way for Ponderosa. I thought it was me being bias for their old school, but I actually have to deal with my kids crying about the teacher yelling at them or confused about some instructions their teacher gave them and they didn't understand (but the teacher never gave clear enough for them to understand). And its not just the teachers there, IT"S EVERYONE including the principal and the staff. I am so happy we moved from the district within the same year my kids enter that school, I don't think I could take much more.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2010

My child recently started going here, and I have not had one problem! His spelling words are a little less difficult than his last school, but he homework that he has is age appropriate and he's actually having more to do than spelling (unlike his other school). The principal could use a slight attitude adjustment, although I've only dealt with her a few times. All in all, I think it's an ok school!