Lawson Elementary School

5450 Northwest 62nd Avenue

School District

Johnston Community
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Johnston Community 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 29, 2023

All my teachers were great, except for one. You know who you are.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2017

Our experience with this school was disheartening. We moved our child to an expensive private school and our child thrived. Now our kid's around smarter, more affluent kids and loving every second of it. I feel bad for the families who can't afford to leave because a lot of kids are being bullied and scarred here and their parents are helpless to do anything. The kicker was we paid way too much in taxes to support this school when across town the schools were so much better.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2017

I am truly sorry for the poor experience the other parent had - we have had two boys go through Lawson (still one in 5th) and it has been a terrific experience all around. I have been welcomed to be involved in the school, with their education and, when needed, behavior issues. I strongly disagree with their assessment of the principal - she is heavily invested in the well being of the students and staff at Lawson and it shows daily. It sounds like the reviewer's frustration is with the assistance program which Lawson has no control over. As for the 2nd grader who brought a gun to school - the students reported it to the teacher which took a lot of guts to tattle on a classmate. It was then dealt with quickly and effectively.
Submitted by other on February 08, 2017

If given the opportunity to change districts, I would NEVER send my child to this school, again. I can not accurately convey my immense dislike of this school and it's principal. If your child has health issues or disabilities, do not attend this school, as the principal has no intent to provide the educational assistance needed to a child outside the mainstream for educational needs. I can only describe the treatment my 5 year old child received as bullying by her teacher and the principal.
Submitted by other on September 11, 2015

Don't purchase a home in this school district. Everyone who knows better will tell you that Horizon and Beaver Creek are the places to be in Johnston. Here you will find a pervasive atmosphere of bullying -- for both boys and girls -- starting around 2nd or 3rd grade. (In 2013,. a second graded brought a gun to school and not for show-and-tell.) Roughneck parents and inarticulate staff make the place pretty much unbearable if you want to raise your kids in a middle class lifestyle. Here, norms are right out of a truck stop or biker bar. In reputation and performance, Lawson is consistently one of the worst of Johnston schools. Over and over again the corporate families removed their kids from my child's grade (citing the reasons I just mentioned) and then, finally, we did too and haven't regretted it for a second. Don't become a Johnston "East-sider" -- homes on the other side of town cost more per square foot but, ultimately, you won't regret it. Realtors won't tell you this, but now you know.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2015

I swear they put aerosol Prozac in the ventilation system for the staff. They are consistently positive and extremely knowledgable. As foster parents we bring kids in on short notice and they often have a number of learning deficits to address. The staff is quick to respond and very helpful. they've done amazing work!! We've purposely not bought a different house so we can stay in this school's attendance boundaries.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2014

Lawson is a great school with teachers and administrators who clearly care about their students. While I haven't always agreed with the classroom management philosophies of each teacher, administration and teachers alike have been receptive to my concerns and have taken the time to respect my thoughts as an educator in another district. I love that there is diversity within the school and that it is a safe learning environment for my daughter. The school is large, but takes the time to get to know students and families.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2010

My son is in kindergarten and really enjoys going to Lawson. The teachers are warm and caring, and do a great job. They really make learning fun and engaging for the kids. The school itself is a very warm and comfortable environment and I really feel like my son is in good hands when I drop him off in the morning. They teach the kids about character and have many great programs for them to participate in.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2009

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