Dowling Elementary School

3900 West River Parkway

School District

Minneapolis Public School Dist.
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Minneapolis Public School Dist.

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 December 15, 2014

This school is not what it seems. Beware of any school where the tours are like a drive-thru McDonalds. You don't get to really dwell and see the quality of instruction. Teachers very old school at the front of the room. Not progressive by any stretch. The environmental is trivial or almost non-existent. It was there for a few years and was really a great part of the day. Now it's gone rather mysteriously. They had this incredible greenhouse and that is not running either. Lots of smoke and mirrors about kids going outside, blah, blah, blah. They don't go out much. Kids are sequestered in their rooms- hardly mix with other classes. Bummer for the kids. Principal and other administration are routinely rude and dismissive to parents that are not valuable to them. It's pretty white bread. I would not put my child there if you value creativity, academic excellence, joy of learning. The place exudes a stay away vibe. Notice the windows to classrooms are papered over. Vice principal is absolutely lacking in social skills. Sent me packing to a charter school.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2011

I have had two children attend Dowling and our experience there has been nothing buy positive. Their environmental focus has strengthened over the past 3 years to include a composting/recycling program, environmental education classes for all grades, a working greenhouse, outdoor classroom and frequent outdoor nature walks and activities. In addition, children swim once a week in the pool, cross country ski and snowshoe in the winter and do bike safety in the fall The teachers are fantastic - from the music and art teachers to the classroom teachers and aides. There are many field trips, resident artists and fantastic parent involvement. The principal is involved, approachable and responsive to needs. The school is very diverse which I feel has been a great benefit to my children. I cannot say enough about Dowling!
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2009

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Submitted by parent on September 16, 2007

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