J. Ackerman Coles Elementary School

16 Kevin Road

School District

Scotch Plains-Fanwood
Grade

PK, K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Scotch Plains-Fanwood 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 June 25, 2023

My son has been attending the school for 2 years now.Our experience is great so far. Education is great and teachers are very caring and go above and beyond for the good of the students.I am glad that my son is part of the school.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2020

I really can't recommend Coles School enough. My daughters have been here since Kindergarten and love being part of this community so much. Dr. W is great Bout listening to concerns and working with staff and students when they need support. The Kindergarten teachers may be Disney princesses in disguise they make learning so magical, and now that my oldest is in 4th, I've seen how the school supports the students every year. Even the parents are so great and it feels like everyone is involved one way or the other. However, what has really set Coles apart from other schools in the area is how they responded during COVID. I can't tell you how impressed I am with the teachers, especially after the horror stories from other towns. The teachers Are on top of EVERYTHING. They even have the kids point their cameras at the papers when they write or draw and comment on their work as the kids do it. Hybrid learning has been so painless and the kids are thriving and this is purely bc of the amazing teachers. I really can't tell you how happy we are here and I wouldn't change it for anything!
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2018

Meh. Coles does have some fabulous teachers but I was disappointed by how quickly teachers are to label and categorize a child in grade school. I felt Coles was all about meeting a quota. Sometimes it's not always about "the best 5 star rating" school district, but about school spirit and how families are treated by staff and principal. Unless you pull up in a nice suburban, don't expect much. While there are some very good teachers here, I was not overly impressed. However, it's a breath of fresh air to be in a new district with teachers and staff who choose to see all the positives in your child.
Submitted by other on June 15, 2016

The special Ed. here is a nightmare to say the least. The SPF school district is unreponsive and apathetic when it comes to dealing with children who need special ed. We have had a terrible experience. The teachers are kind and understanding, but we have a case manager who is casual about her work, and responds once to every 10 requests we send her. We are actually considering moving out of the district due to the complete lack of inetrest and un-responsiveness of our case manager. So if your child is in special ed, please stay miles away from the SPF school system.They have minimal services.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2015

Coles is a fantastic school. The teachers work with each of the kids as individually as possible, and there is amazing parent involvement. The new principal is supportive and positive, and I believe she is responsible for the consistent maintenance of a positive learning environment. My kids (my 3rd child is now at Coles) love waking up in the mornings and going to school.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2015

Coles is a great school. Teachers and principal are very supportive. Excellent teaching. My daugther love her school.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2014

We love Coles Elementary. It's a school with a dedicated and caring staff. It's a safe and child friendly setting. Not on a main road, but easily accessible from Terrill Road. There's a playground at the back of the school, and a field to the left of the school for sports and games. There's a path behind the school that connects with Allenby Lane so children from the cul-de-sacs off Cooper road can walk to school without having to go all the way around via Terrill Road. It is surrounded by fine homes on one acre properties. The school is exceptionally well maintained, the classes and hallways are always spotless and nicely decorated with student work and art. Coles Elementary is wonderful!