Walnut Creek Elementary School

720 Fenwick Street

School District

Papillion-La Vista Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Papillion-La Vista Public Schools

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 17, 2022

Overall, this seems to be a good school. I wanted my children to get a quality education so decided on the PLCS district. However, I will say they do not do a great job at fostering kids’ emotional intelligence and I have noticed that bullying is typically “brushed off” as something kids will outgrow. While that can occasionally be the case, children will typically grow into a behavior rather than “out of it.” That said, if a behavior is not investigated and corrected then it tends to continue. Bodily autonomy is another thing they are not great at enforcing, but that again stems from the lack of investigation into cases of bullying. If a child were to ask another child who is bullying them to leave them alone, and the bully uses “entrapment” to ensure their classmate cannot be rid of them, but the child being restrained by the bully kicks or hits them; who is ultimately at fault? Ideally, the situation would be handled and a multifaceted approach used to determine consequences for all students involved. This does not happen. The child who protected their right to space would not be treated as such, they would receive consequences while the bully gets coddled for being hurt. This is an oddly specific complaint since I am a staunchly new age, modern mother and want the absolute best for my children. Their right to a bully-free environment is the same as any one persons right to a hostility-free work environment. Kids can’t learn if they are being picked on. They’re anxious because, in a sense, they’re being hunted after. The adults at this school do not have a modern approach to bullying and I feel that they could use more training surrounding child psychology and how to effectively handle bullying to ensure that everyone involved is heard and dealt with properly.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2021

Walnut Creek is a hidden gem. A smaller group of students with excellent staff. Our children have loved every teacher, paraprofessional, and staff member they have come into contact with. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is very active and constantly enriching the lives of the students and staff.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2020

My little one loves this school! They have done such a fantastic job, especially dealing with the challenges of 2020.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2019

Our two children, ages 7 and 10, have absolutely loved going here for the past two years, so it disheartens me to see such a low GreatSchools rating! Our youngest had an incredible kindergarten teacher who fostered a love of reading in him! Our other child’s 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Carey, was incredibly kind, thorough, and planned fun events like Market Day and Immigration Day! This school also has a number of community/family events throughout the year that we’ve enjoyed going to- most recently Pizza and Bingo night! Oh- and the principal- Ms. Bizal- will greet every student with a smile and a cheerful “Good Morning!” In the drop off lane! She even makes my day better as a parent!! Pay no mind to a low score, this elementary school is the real deal.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2019

Horrible , my child is forced to attend this school since they closed the district . Teachers try to encourage parents to drug up their kids with ADHD meds because they can't handle kids having minds of their own
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2018

Our child is in Kindergarten and absolutely loves going! His teacher is great with the children and our child has learn so much already this school year. Interaction with the staff has always been helpful, friendly and caring. We are lucky to live in this neighborhood.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2018

Overall our experience has been very positive. If you are involved in this school on a regular basis, learning who the teachers are and helping out, you will see this is a great place for your students!
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2018

Such a great place to send my kids! Awesome principal and hard working staff. They are really focused on growing each kiddo as a person and a student.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2018

Walnut Creek is an exceptional school. The teachers are highly qualified, care greatly for their students, differentiate instruction appropriately, and go above and beyond to ensure ALL students are learning.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2018

This is a very friendly and welcoming school. Everyone always has a smile and a kind word for you. Learning comes alive when students are able to immerse themselves in lessons that allow them to apply what they have learned.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2018

This school has a great staff that go above and beyond for all students. Students have may opportunities to join clubs that are geared toward the their interests. Teachers take time out of their day to supervise these student interests. In the classroom, the teachers also go above and beyond to come up with fun ways to teach lessons. They accommodate for the different learners in their room and make sure all students reach their full potential.Walnut Creek is a GREAT school!!
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2018

Walnut Creek is a great school with wonderful teachers!
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2017

Great school with dedicated teachers that support students.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2017

As a parent who has sent at least one child to Walnut Creek every year since 2005, I'm quite satisfied with the education my kids have received there.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2016

The school building, facilities, and grounds are nice enough, it is the teaching staff that fails on most levels. After having my children attend this school for 3 academic years, I have found the teachers lack of enthusiasm and initiative to be systemic and discouraging. If a child shows an ability in subjects ahead of where the slowest child in the class is, it is like pulling teeth to get the teacher to challenge the child with more difficult or additional material. Some teachers will actually segregate a high performer to keep them away from the rest of the class and FAIL to provide any material what so ever to the child they segregated. Experiences with several different teachers leads me to believe this is must be policy driven. I'm sure the teachers are nice people, but I don' necessarily want nice people that can't teach. I would much rather a system that can challenge all students in their own way not this monument to mediocrity.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2014

We have been a part of this school for 2 years now, and absolutely love it! The teachers are outstanding. We only have 1 year left here, and will be sad to leave this school when we move.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2013

This school is one of the best in the Nation. We have had 9 different teachers and they have all been wonderful. There are many opportunities to volunteer in the school. The principal and staff are amazing, and they are dedicated to each child's educational experience. I have 4 children at this school, a masters in education, and I could not be more impressed.