Amherst Elementary School

5101 Schaad Road

School District

Knox County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Knox 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 February 22, 2025

As a former educator, I was nervous about sending my kids here based on scores and reviews. I have been nothing but pleasantly surprised. The communication via teachers and staff has been consistently outstanding. Every time a scheduled fire drill, or other safety measure is practiced parents are notified. I get weekly updates about scheduled events at the school, as well as weekly reports about my child’s behavior.The school has a family feel, especially when the kids bring home notes from special area teachers that my children did a great job in class. Other staff members know most of the students name and take time to say hello in the pick up line. Every question or concern about my children’s learning has been answered via the app in a timely manner. It’s disappointing to see such poor reviews here, but I can only assume that people only write here unless something happened they didn’t like. So take that into consideration.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2024

I was hoping that I could write a good review at this school because honestly their are so really great teachers at this school. Unfortunately however they are teaching at a school that has rude, mean, disrespectful, harsh, and discriminative individuals who only cares for the Caucasian children! I didn't want this review to be about race, however they leave you with no other options. If your child is other than caucasian be prepared to deal with the constant crying and let downs. If you can manage to take your beautiful child/ren elsewhere please do so and never look back...
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2024

My experience with my child attending this school was awful. Their 'free' or reduced cost lunch included slimy processed food my dog wouldn't eat. The curriculum barely meets federal and state standards. My child is attend specialized summer school to bring her math skills up to basic multiplication and division before going to Jr High. We already read with our child regularly so I feel bad for most of the other students as the level of reading in the fifth grade matched that of my other friends kids in the 2nd and 3rd grade from other elementary schools. I wish I could share pictures to show the comparison. Most parent involvement is reduced to messages via an app that changed in the middle of a school year. This caused a large disconnect as both parents and teachers had to learn another app. By the time questions were answers it would be 4-8 days at which point the kids were on to the next assignment.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2016

I have two children that attend Amherst. As new students this year, I was very grateful to see the staff be so welcoming and helpful. My children love their teachers and all of the special areas such as art, music, PE, etc. I am impressed by the parental involvement as well.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2013

I have two children in this school. The staff and teachers are wonderful. I have been very pleased with the school and area.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2012

I have 2 children in first grade at Amherst and we love the school. The school just got a new principal this year so I don't know a lot about her yet, but the principal last year was wonderful. She spoke to my children on the way in the door each morning and was always so nice. So many people at this school take the time to know each child and seem to really care about each one. In both of my girl's kindergarten classes there was amazing parent involvement. This is truly and amazing school.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2011

My daughter is finishing up her first year at Amherst as a kindergartner and I could not be more pleased with her teacher, the principal and the rest of the staff. She has been placed in 2 different accelerated programs to keep her challenged and I love that they were willing to take the time to make sure she was excelling where ever possible.
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2010

While we absolutely love the facility and most of the teachers, I have to agree that the Principal is not the easiest person to work with. I have had 4 children go through the school, all of them students who excel. My issues with the principal began early with one of my children being bullied and her lack of effort to stop it. I have had one teacher there who was not concerned with my child's progress and decided in the first grading term that he wasn't worth her efforts. That became another issue between us. All of the other teachers we've had have been great and very concerned about the children and they are the reason I haven't removed my children from the school.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2010

Amherst is by far the greatest school that we have had a child in. We have 5 children from ages 5 to 22. I just wish we had a school as effective when our 22 yr old was in elementary. We have experienced every setting from small county to big city schools. Amherst is a wonderful place that empowers the children to be the best they can. The on-site after school program is second to none as well. Wow! What a school!
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2009

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Submitted by parent on August 28, 2008

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Submitted by student on April 21, 2007

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