Ferndale Elementary School

100 Dartmouth Avenue

School District

Ferndale Area
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

public

School Map for Ferndale Area 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 August 30, 2023

Al principio tuve miedo cuando cambie a mi pequeño hijo a esta escuela porque la escuela anterior tenía mejor rating, pero mi hijo no era feliz y tampoco estaba aprendiendo cómo debería, (hay veces eso solo es una calificación basada en demasiados parámetros que no son tan importantes) pero fue la mejor decisión el es tan feliz con sus amigos sus maestros que me dice que no quiere que su día termine porque es muy divertido, ha aprendido mucho y cumplido las expectativas con éxito esta escuela se caracteriza por tener una buena comunicación con los padres y se enfoca en los niños más necesitados, la escuela cuenta con una variedad de niños de todas partes con diferentes idiomas religiones y culturas lo que en mi opinión la convierte en especial todos se respetan y se ayudan, aprenden a empatizar y a seguir reglas básicas escolares.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2018

Id rate this school at best a overal rating of 1 because of the lack of actual teaching responsibilities,the school even still holds people back (no child left behind act) the refusal to work with parents and children, and finally falsifying paper work and not accepting written notes for when children have sick days
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2014

Our kids have gone to Ferndale Elementary for 5 years now. We have been extremely happy with this school! I've really felt that each and every teacher they've had, has genuinely cared about my kids. The teachers, staff, principal, PTO volunteers...all great. And I'm not on the PTO, so I'm not biased. They are just really caring people who truly want the kids to do well and have a great school experience. Of course any school has its issues. I'm not a fan of "silent lunch" either. And there is a definite reason my kids went elsewhere for preschool. And I think the music program could really step up its game - please no more "kids bop karaoke 'concerts'"...we can't take it any more. Teach our kids actual music and real singing! Hence the four stars instead of five. But I would still recommend Ferndale Elementary to anyone. Yes it's a small school. That's one of the things I like best about it - the kids can get so much more individual attention in class. My kids are above average academically, and their teachers have always made the effort to make sure that they stayed challenged in the classroom. You just don't get that in a larger school. Keep up the great work!
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2014

the school really does need to consolidate with another larger school. The academics really lack in depth. They can't meet the needs of their students. If your child is academically advanced, their solution is to push that child a grade ahead, ridiculous! The children are not emotionally ready for it. I think of a child who will attend high school next year, because he "skipped" a grade with the emotional maturity of a 4th grader. In terms of bullying, the staff won't even listen to the students, no wonder the "reviews" are good. A child is deemed to make poor choices, the school ignores the taunting (bullying) other students inflict on that child, who often can't help him/herself. Yes, I reported it, yes I tried to address it. They make me feel crazy and I'm an adult. I can't imagine what they do to young people. Silent lunches? They exclude children when they can barely field a team, let alone actually win. In terms of involvement, it's a nice thought, but the groups are not welcoming in fact they are RUDE. I tried to get involved in the PTO. I tried to get involved at football and cheerleading, I have clearances and was told "we don't need help." The school fails on every level.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2013

Bullying: FERNDALE DOESN'T DO ANYTHING FOR IT!! Yes, they stress about how important no bullying is, but that's it! They don't give good punishments, if there was a fight at the school (like there always is) then the bully would get one day of ISS, but the person who is getting bullied would get a greater punishment!!! What's up with that?! My child has been going to cyber school because you guys don't do anything about bullying. Now... for the school in general. It's small, the teachers are too hard on the students. (ESPECIALLY THE ELEMENTARY ONES!!!) Miss one question on a homework in the elementary and my 4th grader gets a quiet lunch? REALLY? Back in my day it was NOT like that!! My 4th grader complains about how cold it is in Ferndale! When my 9th grader that is currently in cyber school's friends come over to my house, they say they absolutely hate Ferndale! One of her friends said she wore two hoodies and she was still freezing, and shivering in each class! Seriously, either "level" up with the whole school... or you might as well just shut the school down.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

1200 characters is not enough-I come from a family of Ferndale Alum and I am a proud parent of a student at Ferndale. You can choose to live anywhere, so if you choose to live in and send your child to a school district you do not like, then shame on you. Yes, Ferndale is a small school but that s what makes it so great. The teachers and administration know the parents and the students. If you have a concern, they ALWAYS make the time, even if you just walk in unannounced. Perhaps if there was more parent involvement at the schools, they would be able to offer more extra-curricular activities. As far as the PTO is concerned, there are only a handful of parents that volunteer. I have been to numerous football games this year. Spectators make snide remarks about the team not doing well, the cheerleaders, the band -loud enough for everyone to hear. How about some positive encouragement? The kids put their heart into the game. If they didn t care, they wouldn t even show up. If your child is a victim of bullying or you know someone that is, report it! It s easy to sit back and complain. Instead, be a positive role model for your child. Become involved in your school. Make a difference.
Submitted by principal on October 21, 2013

Parent reviewers. Thank you for your responses. I am surprised from the negative reviews! Student surveys indicate a steady decline in bullying and very few reports are made by students. I am also concerned regarding concerns with the PTO. Please feel free to contact me regarding any issues or concerns.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2013

small, time to take a serious look at consolidation. The school offers few extra curricular activities, the school fails to sustain the ones they do offer. The school is failing at meeting the state and federal benchmarks to ensure a qualify education. The PTO does NOT welcome parents, I attended in the past and they only welcome those they know. The same clique is always together and they don't welcome outsiders. I tried to offer help to my children's activities, the coaches, especially cheerleading, look at you as if you were an alien. I possess the appropriate clearances, told them so and nothing and you wonder why your groups are failing or falling apart. Time to hang it up and close, Ferndale.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2013

needs to close.. it's so small it barely can support a football program, much less an education..... the bulling is ridiculous. Parent involvement is shunned and refused. what an awful experience for my children!
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2013

in a sorry place. They try to support the "at risk" students, at the failure of the thriving students. They foster bullying and support the process. The school does NOT welcome parental involvement, nor does the PTA or other school groups. It's no wonder the children bully, the parents engage in the same activity. The previous poster is correct, the school needs to consolidate and close.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2012

My daughter is in first grade at Ferndale Elementary School. She has had health issues since birth which have led to some physical and academic problems. She recieves PT and OT at the school. Her therapists are wonderful, and her teachers have always been very understanding and helpful when dealing with missed class time. She has been fortunate enough to have three wonderful teachers in her short time at Ferndale Elementary (she was held back in first grade). The compassion and care that they show her is amazing. They are truly great teachers and wonderful people.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2012

I'm sorry, but I totally disagree!! This school has the best staff!!! All schools have their problems but nothing like what is being described below!!! The PTO (not PTA) and the district does not do alot of fundraising compared to other schools. The PTO is FOREVER looking for parents to help out. If more parents would come to the meetings and volunteer, maybe you would actually see how much time is put into the school. Box Tops and "soup" labels earn the school thousands of dollars a year in cash and equipment for the school! No one has the right to criticize if you are not helping out!
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2008

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Submitted by parent on July 23, 2007

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