Clinton Elementary School

27 Berkshire Road

School District

South Orange-Maplewood
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

School Map for South Orange-Maplewood 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 March 15, 2023

Clinton is a fantastic school with a vibrant, multi-cultural community, excellent teachers, and a proactive administration. There is definitely a sense of pride and a welcoming community. The inclusion classrooms are a HUGE plus for parents of students with special needs. Our son is thriving in his inclusion class and we have seen a major improvements in his development across the board.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2022

coming from NYC and considering how low the rating of the school is, i didnt have very high expectations. But, WOW. my child is special needs and is thriving. i am shocked. drop off and pick up are delightful, teachers are so loving ( its almost gross). My child told me "i love school because school loves me" the other morning. i dont think i ever liked school ebough to talk about, she's right. this makes all the kids feel like they are important. again, completely shocked
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2016

I am writing this review out of gratitude for this school - which is fantastic. Don't get distracted by the 7/10 score which is a result of test scores and doesn't capture the spirit, care, connectedness, and individualized support that exist at Clinton Elementary. The responsiveness of teachers, principal and vice principal to parents' questions or concerns is outstanding. For instance, after challenging the common practice of giving homework to kindergarten level kids, homework was eliminated for K and reduced otherwise. Kids experience an impressive level of personalized learning support and challenge. Parents are relatable, interesting, and gladly rarely at all type A - which makes pick-up and drop-off more enjoyable. Our son loves to hang out on the playground after school. Once, he and a friend dug up rocks and build an obstacle course right in front of an exit when Ms. Bodnar (the principal) stepped out of the door and stepped over the rocks laughing and saying "great play - exactly what they should be doing". One of many incidents that captures the spirit. On the other side, yes, I have concerns about Common Core and standardized tests and I do think some rest rooms need a paint job. Other than that, it's public schooling as good as it gets. Keep it up.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2016

When we first moved to Maplewood from Brooklyn in 2013, it felt like the realtors mostly pushed the status of elementary schools like Tuscan and Marshall. When we realized we were zoned from Clinton, it felt like we received polite words from parents in other zones who said (a bit condescendingly), "Oh, I've heard Clinton is good." Now I feel like we TOTALLY LUCKED OUT with being zoned for Clinton. I really don't have one complaint about this school, and I could go on about how wonderful it is...We have a new principal, Ann Bodnar, who was Asst Principal at Clinton for years. She is smart, lovely, warm, and is very interested in making Clinton a leader in child-centered, child-empowered education. She is incredibly open to feedback, too, which I understand stands in stark contrast to some other area principals. Her new asst Principal, Mr. Beaumont is also wonderful; he is authentically interested in connecting with the kids and he even shovels snow on wintry days, suggesting that he's not above any role in taking care of the school.Our experience with our Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hellthaler, has also been tremendous. She is an excellent, skilled instructor and has created a sense of responsibility, community, learning and play in her classroom. The children adore her.And finally, the Clinton parents and families. This is exactly the down-to-earth group of people we were seeking when we moved to Maplewood. The parents are smart, kind, humble, and fun. I never feel like there's some subtle competition between us (or our kids) the way I have in other parent circles; rather I feel like we are in a true community together, looking out for each other's kids and sharing the truth of the joys and challenges of parenthood on the playground. This school is the bomb. And I think within just a few more years the narrative about Clinton is going to be that once upon a time this was the school that wasn't as highly regarded--and NOW this is THE PLACE everyone wants to be. We love it!
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2014

We bought our house in this district thinking we would upgrade to a "better" elementary when we had kids. We ended up staying in our house, sending our daughter to Clinton and I am so glad we did. Graduating this week, she has been at Clinton all 6 years of elementary school. The community at Clinton can't be beat. Admin, teachers and parents are engaged in the emotional and academic growth of all children. My daughter is a good student, well behaved and performs well academically. I was worried she would get lost in the public school system since she is quiet and neither extreme. However, she has lots of support and encouragement to expand into involvement in student government, a love of art, music and theater and getting accepted into a competitive summer science program at a local college.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2013

This school is the best kept secret in Maplewood. The staff and teachers are so creative and caring. The curriculum is rich. The community is amazing. It is like a private school.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

The most amazing community of Administrators, Teachers, Parents and Families make Clinton School a 5 star educational institution. I love this school, I currently have a 1st grader, who is able to be himself and he is learning so much more than I expected in a very strutured, comfortable environment. Keep up the Great Work Clinton
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2012

I am surprised that I am the first to refute the 5th grade 'bullying' episode as our school doesn't have (nor did it have in 2010) a male 'guidance counselor and this episode, I fear, did not happen as the poster has reported. In our experience at Clinton for the past 5 years, any bullying, 'mean girl' or other social issues are dealt with swiftly and effectively - especially when parents choose to partner with rather than presume an antagonistic relationship with our dedicated, professional, and talented staff and teachers. Our sons have had a variety of both younger and more experienced teachers and have made wonderful friends at Clinton. The school nurse, social worker, administrative team, parents, and teachers work hard to create and support great learning environments for all children. My sons love going to school, are engaged and enthusiastic readers and thinkers, are encouraged by their teachers every day to wonder and explore, and are truly learning how to be lifelong learners. The school's environment is one of high standards, best practices, and warmth and caring for all of our children and we are proud to be part of it.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2012

Clinton is a nurturing, child-centered, and professionally run elementary school. The educational methods are WONDERFUL, and my kids reading, writing, math and logic have exploded to impressive levels each year. There are social events throughout the year, and an active award-winning PTA. The school also puts great efforts into developing cultural maturity, while recognizing that these are also children who want to have fun. Clinton is a diverse school in many ways: a wide range of languages, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and areas of expertise/professions. Part of the diversity is due to Clinton being the English Language Learner school for the district. This may contribute to Clinton s lower scores on greatschools . But there is a high level of involvement, and I have met and become friends with many other parents. The principal is fantastic, seems to know all kids and parents, and works hard to unify the school while embracing individuality. There are many wonderful facets that make this school greater than the sum of its parts.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2012

Love it! Realtors may look at the 'greatschool' rating without understanding it, and try to steer you away. But Clinton is a 'parent favorite' in the district, and those of us who have kids attending know it is amazing. The educational methods are top-notch, and my kid s reading, writing, math and logic have exploded to impressive levels each year. There are social events throughout the year, and an active award-winning PTA. The school also puts great efforts into developing cultural maturity, while recognizing that these are also children who want to have fun. Clinton is a diverse school in many ways: a wide range of languages, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and areas of expertise/professions. Part of the diversity is due to Clinton being the English Language Learner school for the district. This may contribute to Clinton s lower scores on greatschools . But there is a high level of involvement, and I have met and become friends with many other parents. The principal is fantastic, seems to know all kids and parents, and works hard to unify the school while embracing individuality. There are many wonderful facets that make this school greater than the sum of its parts.
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2011

Clinton School was a great environment for us as a new to New Jersey family and for our daughter as a Kindergartener. The principle is an amazing woman who really cares about the students and the school. Our daughter's teacher was wonderful and nurturing. We think that the PTA provides great support and resources to the school and helps parents become more involved in their child's education. One of Clinton's greatest strengths is it's international student population as the English as a Second Language magnet school for all South Orange and Maplewood Elementary School students a multitude of languages and cultures are shared. As the ESL school obviously standardized testing scores do not reflect the true value of the Clinton experience so don't let them dissuade you from joining this great community.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2011

Clinton is a nurturing, child-centered, and professionally run elementary school. My kids have both had amazing experiences during their time at Clinton. In addition to an incredibly awesome and pro-active principal and assistant to the principal, the teachers are outstanding and the school community is exceptionally dedicated, creative, and passionate about their school. Contrary to what the poster below has said, I have found a no-tolerance policy for any kind of bullying and have seen situations dealt with directly and successfully. The PTA is also one of the most active you will ever find. The events and programs the PTA has created are amazing and the parent involvement is huge.