Goodwin Elementary School

18 Poplar Place

School District

Aurora West Community Unit 129
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

public

School Map for Aurora West Community Unit School District 129

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 13, 2024

It is an OK school compared to its location. The administration will provide no support for new ideas and more parent-engaging activities. They are never interested in improving the lives of the students/parents. Their #1 priority is to keep everything the way they have been. The teachers that we had over the years were disengaged and completely burned out, waiting for retirement. One of the reasons we moved out from the district is this school and the people that work there.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2021

My kids are in grades 3 and 5 during the 2021/22 school year and have been attending Goodwin since Kindergarten. We have been very pleased with all aspects of the school - from academics, intervention ('WIN' program, 'What I Need' tailored to individuals), SEL (Social-Emotional Learning), community engagement and clubs/sports. Goodwin is the only elementary school in the district to host a performance for each grade level. Class time is structured to provide small group learning opportunities, challenging gifted students and supporting those who need extra help. Teachers and staff are kind and thoughtful, many of whom have decades of experience. The district supports professional development and over 70% of teachers hold masters degrees. Goodwin has earned Exemplary Status 2 years in a row, meaning it ranks in the top 10% of schools in IL. We feel very fortunate our kids are receiving such a great education at Goodwin.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2019

My son has only attended kindergarten at Goodwin, but we have been very pleased with the school and the staff. The majority of any child's experience is going to be directly related to the teacher they have for the year, and our teacher (Ms. KB) has done an excellent job with the kids. My son come home and I am surprised by the things he is learning and understands. She also helps the kids understand consequences - my child has brought home a ticket (for some minor misbehavior) for which we had to discuss what happened and come up with a plan to avoid that behavior in the future, we the parents and our child had to sign it and bring it to class the next day. Besides that, all the staff have been friendly and helpful. You get the sense that they genuinely care about making school fun and enriching. I also see both the principal and vice outside during school start and end of day to help with the transitions from buses and cars, and they always have a friendly hello and will chat with you if you need.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2014

We have two kids that go to Goodwin my daughter is in 2nd grade and my son is in 5th grade. My kids are in and out of class all day because they work with Miss Wojnowska she is new this year as the Special Education Teacher. My kids love working with her. Last year they worked with Mrs. Ferrell who retired at the end of the school year. All of the teachers are wonderful at working with my kids and their special needs in class.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2014

My child loves Goodwin. This is her 5th year here. There are many great teachers (including Ms. Groom for the 2nd grade) and staff members. My child loved the art teacher Ms. Hovden and missed her after school art club! She was sad to see Ms. Hovden leave. The great principal Dr. Detrich left after two years wtih this school. Hopefully the new principal will continue to improve the overall quality of education here. The running club (free) after school for 4th & 5th grades is very nice. Hopefully there will be more like this and the art club (for a small fee) available. The down side is that students' lunch time is too short (about 20 minutes) and the computer lab is small so students' access is limited. It seems that the school is making effort to ensure safety and avoid bullying, hopefully these will be kept as top priorities. Overall we are satisfied with Goodwin and glad to see the rating goes up from 5 to 8!
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2014

Before my child started here I was very skeptical about him getting a great education here. But since then I have been pleased. They have lots of caring teachers and staff, after school programs (free or cheap), fun events throughout the year, very active PTA, it's like a big family. Unfortunately, the wonderful art teacher Ms. Hovden is leaving and won't be back next year. Also a new principal starts in the fall, the third principal since starting here. My child has gone to this school 4 years. One way the school could improve is a stronger gifted program. Either have the gifted program start in the lower grades, before the current 4th grade start or some how challenge the kids more who do above grade level work.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

This is my sons second year at Goodwin and they have been two great years. Last year he had Ms. Donash who was an excellent Kindergarten teacher. It was said to see her go. My son has Ms. Testone this year and so far I am extremely pleased with her lesson plans. He is engaged with the activities given by the teacher and comes home with something new every day. Thank you Goodwin team for a great experience so far.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2012

Goodwin Recently had a change in Principals, the last one did great things for Goodwin Elementary. It seems that the new Principal is continuing in maintaining a high standard for Goodwin. It has a great atmosphere for the Children and has excellent Parental involvement. There is a strong focus on Reading and Math.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2011

This is my 3rd year with children in Goodwin, from the outside they boast on antibully policies with signage with I guess makes outsiders and parents feel good. But if your child is bullied and they ask for help little to nothing is done about it, even so far as the child being ignored. Children get 20 mins for lunch and with an already over crowded lunchroom. I have children who have taken only a few bites of food at lunch and have had to throw away the rest and told they could not take home the packaged left overs bought and paid for by their parents. Other school districts offer so many more extra curricular activities at lower and higher grade levels. The interior of this school is very unwelcoming. It is in my opinion that this is a bottom of the barrel Elementary School. Even the teachers seem to just 'get' the kids through the day.