Stough Elementary

4210 Edwards Mill Road

School District

Wake County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

School Map for Wake County 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 teacher on October 16, 2024

I can’t speak to the rest of the school but beware if your child is on special education. The administration treats the teachers like dogs. At the end of 23-24, the entire CCR and self-contained teams left and so far this year as of mid-October 2024, 4 of the 6 CCR and self-contained teachers have quit, so students will not be receiving the support they are legally required to receive. The admin will tell you it was the teachers, but that is not true. A new principal was just announced, so I hope she is able to turn it around, but be aware and ask questions if your child is in sped.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2024

We like the school overall but are disappointed in the current administration and likely wont stay. This year, strict guidelines have been enforced which prevent all kindergarten and 5th grade graduations. The current administration has also prevented families from walking to school because they live 0.01 miles outside the 1 mile recommended distance to be a walker. The homework for has also felt excessive for grade level.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2022

Stough has a wonderful, caring atmosphere! The staff seem happy and enthusiastic. All of our interactions with teachers, admin and office staff have been positive.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2022

We have loved our six years at Stough and would recommend it to everyone. The admin are professional and capable and the staff are energetic, caring and enthusiastic. The PTA is very active and engaged.
Submitted by other on October 12, 2021

awesome school and amazing staff . loved it
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2021

Stough is a hidden gem in Raleigh in a beautiful new building. We ended up here through the (extremely stressful and nerve-racking) magnet school selection process. My child is in the Mandarin Immersion program, and I couldn't be happier. The entire school uses the Positivity Project to build a welcoming and consistent school culture. The teachers and administration are very competent and accessible. The pandemic school year had the potential to be an absolute disaster, but the teachers and administration constantly communicated the changes that Wake County had made to the calendar and modes of instruction. My child's classroom teacher, English teachers, and specials teachers have all made an effort to reach out to families. Any time I've called or emailed faculty/staff, I have received a helpful response. The parents of my child's classmates have also been a great support system by forming a group chat where we can really navigate the school year together. My child is enjoying school and learning a second language on top of that. The 4 rating on greatschools.org really does not do this school justice whatsoever! My family does not have any experience with this school in terms of support for learning differences.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2021

We moved my child to Stough because our year round school had declined. I was disappointed to have bullying right out of the gate. It continued and continued despite my efforts. So, finally I had to get the counsellors, Asst. Principal and finally the principal involved. I was told my child was friends with the bully. They made me doubt my own child. It finally stopped after grandma decided to report it to central office. Almost 8 months later, the bully was suspended. I was irate that they made me second guess my own child! Teachers are average. They do not communicate very frequently. The virtual school is a nightmare! We are leaving for a private school. BTW -- private schools have had students in the classroom for the ENTIRETY of the pandemic. Also, private school will permanently expel a long term bully. I always thought private schools were expensive and unnecessary but now I see the light!! I am sad to say this, but I at least want parents to know so they can prepare themselves for these challenges if the have to attend WCPSS.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2021

My son's K experience at this school has been wonderful.He's in the Chinese immersion program, and all of his teachers are TOP NOTCH. It's obvious they care about him and want all the students to do well, while being patient and encouraging them to put in the effort needed.My other son is at another nearby school (Pre-K). His experience has been difficult to say the least, and he's the smartest of our 3 sons... I'd hesitate to give that school even 2 stars...Teachers do make a world of difference and Stough (the kindergarten teachers at least) has the best teachers IMO. Unfortunately, we won't be at this school next year due to moving to TX.Thanks Mrs. Karena Zhang and crew! Jed will miss you dearly!
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2019

We love Stough and the amazing staff! Stough is the best kept secret in Raleigh. Great school, great teachers and great administrators. Stough will be in a brand new building next year.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2019

excellent school, all my 3 kids went to this school, love the teachers and administration staff
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2019

It's been wonderful so far. My kid is going in to 1st grade so I am hoping she stays on the track she's been with them.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2019

The grade of this school does not reflect how good it is and that it is on an upward trend. The immersion program is awesome and the non-immersion part of the school is great too. The school is relatively small and has and a wonderfully diverse and welcoming community.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2019

I see great effort from our teachers and a great Chinese immersion program. It’s very exciting.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2018

My two children got Stough Stallions reward every year , all the credit for that go to their teachers miss ponder and miss Rieder
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2017

This school has such a positive vibe to it, and in our 2 years there, much has changed. If you're evaluating the school based on community reviews, I'd urge you to use the dates as a factor! We are participants i the Chinese Immersion program and LOVE our Chinese teachers. My daughter loves what she's learning as well. The new principal, Mr. Cox, is amazing. Kids love him and he even ends the week with a rap for the students on the PA system, and a voice memo to the parents in english and Spanish. The specials are also amazing, Art and Music especially. This school has a lot to offer and is getting better every day.
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2015

My son goes to the Autism class, and Ms Dixon is absolutely an amazing teacher. She truly cares about her students and she calls us on summer to check on him. He made a huge progress, since he moved to this school. He went to many other schools before. We love Stough.
Submitted by other on August 15, 2015

Principal is mainly interested in fundraising and EOG testing. Front office staff are nice but teachers are apathetic at best. Communications with teachers and principal are good as long as you don't complain - about anything; or offer any suggestions. Very good school for absentee parents and those wanting a sub-par education for their kids
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2015

My children have had great teachers so far at Stough. I have been so impressed with the music performances as well as the art projects that I have seen at school activities. At the talent show last year the kids were extremely supportive of one another and enthusiastic. The staff at the front office is friendly, helpful, and they quickly learned the names of my children. I can tell that they truly care about the students. I wish there was more parental involvement and parental volunteers in the classroom. There are a few families who are very involved but the majority of parents rarely volunteer, if ever.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2014

We have been a part of the Stough family for 5 years. My two children love the school and we are proud to say they are Stough Stallions. Over the last three years, Principal Stidham has made significant changes in the school. I have seen it grow from a basic traditional school to a true global learning environment (and the Chinese immersion program starts in 2014!). The administration and teachers have high expectations of themselves and the students, and they know how to make learning fun and interactive. The administrative staff has an open door policy and is available to answer questions, to welcome families to the campus, and to discuss concerns and new ideas. The PTA is active, strong and committed to supporting the students and staff. Volunteers always are welcome, and there are more family events at the school now, more than ever. Simply put, we feel like a true part of the school and active participants in our children s learning experience at Stough.
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2014

My spouse and I have been very pleased with our children's experiences at Stough (7 schools years so far for 3 kids). They are challenged with high expectations, encouraged to excel, and taught well. The front office is as committed as the teachers; it is clear to us that teachers and staff love the students and want them to be successful. The PTA is engaged and well-led, and it adds another dimension to the school of community-building and fundraising. All things considered, we would recommend Stough to any parent seeking an excellent learning environment for their kids.