Lowe Elementary School

210 Oxfordshire Lane

School District

Jefferson County
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

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 January 28, 2025

We LOVE Lowe! We feel it is a hidden gem inside JCPS. The teachers care deeply and put so much of themselves into what they do. They are responsive and make learning engaging. We have loved each teacher our kids have been blessed with and appreciate their unique teaching styles. The principals and staff are friendly, smile often, and use positive behavior reinforcement to encourage kids to make good choices. There are clubs and sports each day after school that students have the opportunity to join from K-5th. There are also monthly family involvement opportunities such as Spirit Nights, family dances, talent show, 2 carnivals, and open house. We love that Lowe encourages parents to come to parties, events, and lunch and welcomes family involvement.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2021

I am new Lowe parent and have not had a the best experience or impression thus far three weeks into the school year. Some of the staff are very impersonalable and unpleasant, didn't really get a welcoming vibe or "fluff" from some staff you think would be equated to people that work with children and families. In addition for a school that is heavily into PTA involvement some parents and or staff (uncertain of who's who at times-no one says hello or introduces themselves) did not even speak when approaching or walking past tables at Kindergarten camp a few weeks ago. Guess you just get stares if you are not white, Middle Eastern, pretty, and carry yourself well. I have been inside of many schools across the district and all corners of Jefferson County, and am aware that Lowe is one of the more distinguished higher performing schools. However it seems like some staff just lack tact, formalities, and congeniality- areas where many lower performing schools have attained. Even though thus far I like and have not had any adverse interactions with my child's teacher having positive interactions and welcoming staff is equally as important.Hoping things get better. Was really excited to have my child start here. Had communicated with Mr. Allain (the prior principal) while registering my child for Kindergarten and he graciously answered all my questions. Met him years before I had a child and he was really nice; was looking forward for my son to attend under his leadership. I should add the new principal is responsive to concerns.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2020

We LOVE Lowe. We're having to move out of state and its heartbreaking to leave such a wonderful school. It's the gem of the JCPS school system. I would recommend this school to anyone especially to parents with child who have special needs. I just can't say enough how much we love this school.
Submitted by student on June 05, 2019

This school is a 4.7 stars for me everything about this this school is very distinctive. There are tons of extra curricular activities and events you can attend. Also there are alot of fun days like field day and holiday parties. Only thing that doesnt make me give this school 5 stars is the food and water. Some water in some classrooms have rust and most likely led in it. I would definetely recommend bringing your own lunch from home rather than the school food. Other than that 10/10 school best elementary in jcps. Send your kids there.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2017

Lowe Elementary is THE BEST Elementary public school in JCPS. We are lucky to have such an exceptional school in our community.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2017

Students are treated according to the tax brackets their parents are placed in. If you have deep pockets and can heavily donate to the school, your child will do fine. Otherwise, your child will be discriminated against and will not be provided with the same opportunities as the students with parents who have a more flexible discretionary income. They do not care to break regulations as long as doing so means more donations for the school. If you can’t afford to pay outrageous donations, choose another school, because this school will only send your child home in tears because of their blatant discriminatory practices.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2017

The administration is very hands on and consistently work to develop innovative ways for improvement. Have never witnessed any drama. Both of our kids love the school and have excelled. Very active base of parents. I did not have a great public school experience and 'swore my kids would never grace the halls of a public school,' but Lowe has turned me around.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2016

We started at Lowe 2 years ago in 1st grade. Mrs. Finley really took the time to change my 1st grader's view on learning. Kindergarten for him at Wilder was rough and fraught with trips to the Principal's office for behavior problems. Lowe's whole environment was a 180 from where we were. They still include PE, Music & Art in weekly curriculum. The change in my kid by the time the year was over was astounding. HE LIKED SCHOOL! phew!I think this is attributed to the team atmosphere from parents, faculty and staff. Mr. Allain (the principal) works hard getting to know the kids and parents. The PTA is supportive and big which was good for me because I have a very limited amount of time to dedicate. They are always welcome to any and all parent participation when and wherever you can. It's always welcome.I look forward to the next 7 years i'll be there with all my kids. If you couldn't tell, Lowe comes highly recommended.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2016

Lowe is a family! We love our school. The staff and teachers are just the best there is. Our principal Mr. Allain welcomes our children (by name and with a smile !) in the car rider line every morning. I can't think of anywhere else I would rather send my children.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2016

We have been a part of the Lowe Elementary community for 5 years now. Next year we will have a 5th grade & Kindergarten student enrolled. Lowe was our first pick of elementary schools.Over the years, the school has gone through leadership changes. We've experienced (3) principals - one was a long-time figure at Lowe and left for Chicago, another entered our school briefly and quickly returned to middle school, and now we have Mr. Allain. He is a shining star in the school and very focused on its culture. Any time I am in the school, he is walking the halls and knows every child by name.Lowe offers a variety of activities, some through school and others through community partners that conduct programs on-site. More is offered as your student reaches 4th-5th grade. I've seen a few mentions about the office staff. Yes, they've been in place for a long time. Yes, they can be stern because they deal with the "trickle down" others do not - but mainly, they care about our kids and take good care of them, holding a sick bucket in one hand and the phone in the other trying to call a parent. We've always had great communication with our teachers as well, which makes us excited to start over with our Kindergarten student. Conferences are offered 2x/year but I've found the teachers are available any time - in person, phone and email. I've been a room parent for several years and have always been treated warmly and with respect.Lowe also has a strong PTA. It is working hard to get more parents involved - not just with fundraising but with the programs it sponsors throughout the year. The PTA contributes funds from field trip buses to family dances and math/literacy nights. These parents work hard behind the scenes because they love the students and teachers at Lowe. Lastly, Lowe is located in a great neighborhood. Several local businesses support the school's efforts - whether it sponsors a spirit night or donates landscaping supplies for campus beautification.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2015

We recently pulled our child out of Lowe. We have had oddball issues since Kindergarten. None behavior related. Children need to be children. They need to be able to talk in lunch. They are forced to eat quickly without any time to get the chatter and wiggles out. Classes are overcrowded, and while some teachers communicate regularly and are ready to help, I believe they have their hands tied due to the current administration. Some of the office ladies could use a class in manners, especially for the new incoming families. We went into Lowe with the greatest of expectations only to to be let down. I hope others share their reviews because I know we weren't the only family to leave. The only good thing to say is that Lowe is in a great neighborhood.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2014

I have had children attend Lowe and while I must say Lowe has high test scores the staff at Lowe is unpleasant at best they are rude and i have observed the staff yelling at the children on numerous occasions Lowe is an "in crowed school" my advice if you send your children to Lowe be ready to volunteer many hours and open your pocket book if you want your children to have a good experience at Lowe also if your child is social this is not the school for them Lowe expects children to be seen and not heard even while at lunch and if your child misbehaves they will be scolded in front of others I have witnessed this from teaches to the principal yelling at children to the point they were in tears while making a decision on where to send your child keep in mind that while test scores are important so is your childs experience in school and if your child is not being taught in a pleasant environment how much will they truly learn
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

My wife and I have both been extremely pleased with Lowe Elementary. We have two children enrolled and are lucky to be within the school district. The teachers have been great so far and the PTA does an amazing job.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

We have one child at Lowe now in his second year. While I cannot speak for our friends and I can tell you that there are several of our friends whose children are also enrolled at Lowe and we all discuss the same recurring issues. First thing you should know is that there is a new Principal (David Armour) who is doing his best to get dissolve the "in-crowd" atmosphere. He has his hands full... It starts at the front door. The office ladies need charm school desperately! I understand they have been there several years, and while I'm sure that position becomes very frustrating dealing with upset and entitled parents, you still have fresh parents yearly that expect you to have a smile on your face. We have, however, had teachers that have communicated VERY well with us There are still some "old school" teachers assistants that just flat need to go! There is a lot of pressure at Lowe for children to be quiet at 5 and 6 years old (even in the cafeteria). If your kid is a talker, this isn't the school for you! Your child will receive a top notch academic education, but might lack in social relationships because they are NOT fostered here. There is more to education than academics!
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2012

I have had 2 children go through elementary school at Lowe. While they are both very successful academically, partly because of the education they have received there, there are a few things to know while considering Lowe for your child. There is a group of parents that has a sense of entitlement for themselves and their children, which this principal readily feeds. There is a bit of political play. We have had some wonderful teachers, but they are very limited in this atmosphere. I have seen this school lose at least 2 amazing teachers because of it. While the student population has some diversity, the viewpoints of these students don't seem to. One of my children has been bullied, called names, and ostracized for being different. Which seems to be a product of the neighborhood demographic. Both of my children have since moved on to a school where they can be embraced for who they are. Your children will get a good academic education at Lowe. That is not disputable. But if you are looking to cultivate a deeper experience for your child, to teach your child that academics are only one facet to education, then have some other schools on your list to explore as well.