Carl J Lamb School

233 Shaws Ridge Road

School District

Sanford Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

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 January 30, 2023

After a very last minute housing crisis, we had to come stay in Sanford. The district enrolled my first grader very quickly into Sanford Pride. Based on the very very small bit of academic information from her painfully unhelpful school in another district, Pride passed her to Margaret Chase, after a tour of her almost classroom and a long interview with both the principal and guidance and special education services, they also said they couldn't provide what she would need. I admire this. She was moved to Carl J Lamb that day after the tour. The principal called me that night and the next day to get her all set to start the following week (my request because of routines) which she agreed would be good. Her first day she was a mess because she had left the friends and what used to be home behind 2 weeks prior. Her world flipped and she relies heavily on structure constantly and routine. We were greeted to teachers and the principal with kids dancing to music playing on a speaker out front of the school while they got off the bus. I was told they start the day this way because who doesn't love dancing before going to sit and do school. Already in love at this point but my kiddo was still a bit hesitant, definitely WAY MORE relaxed though. After a brief talk outside with the teachers and principal, she went with a nervous look and glared back at me. She didn't throw herself down and melt like the entire morning beforehand though. 6 months later she hates if she can't go to school, cries about it actually. She tells me every single day about what they do and what she learned which is also something she didn't do in the other district, she is turning in 10 times the amount of finished schoolwork then she did in the other district too. They have given her every single thing she needs to succeed and more. Carl J Lamb Elementary can tailor to her every need including her disabilities. The school has been nothing short of life changing for both of us!
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2021

The teachers are overall good. The principal is fantastic. There are some amazing teachers and some you prefer to avoid. The biggest issue is that the district administration is chronically overloaded and very slow to respond, IF they respond at all. IEP's pass deadlines, Triennial reviews pass by unnoticed, communication on progress is only when demanded. They have their hearts in the right place, but they are beyond overworked and as a result services do not get provided.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2017

I have 2 boys in CJL school and have had nothing but a great experience for them both! The teacher and staff are all friendly and amazing! The communication is great! I have 1 son who needs special services. What he is receiving at the school is top notch. His teacher truly loves him! The PTA is very active with lots of activities for the kids.
Submitted by other on February 28, 2017

Quality facility, teachers and administration! School is located in a Great community.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2014

I am very disappointed with this school. I have had 5 children go through this school, 16 years so far. I wish that I could afford private school. Our school district is terrible. Parents concerns are not addressed. Children are nothing more than numbers. This school in particular pushed relentlessly to medicate my son's ADD and kept pushing for higher doses. I found out that my son was sleeping 2-3 hrs. A day. After talking to our pediatrician and having outside testing done we found that he has an I.Q. At a genius level. He was BORED! Our pediatrician took him off the meds and the complaints of bad behavior came flying in, backed all the way to the superintendent. Our pediatrician advocated for us and was ignored, using his advice we lied to the school and told them we were using the meds again. ALL complaints stopped. Did you know that schools get extra funding for special needs children, including those with ADD only while on meds. There have been 3 teachers that I would recommend out of 15. Pray that you don't have a sickly child, this school is NOT supportive and the nurse is incompetent. Offering Popsicles before taking temps. No calls home after head injuries or 104 temps!
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2014

My son just got out of kindergarten from CJL school and we loved it! The teacher and the teachers aide were both wonderful! The teacher was always very accessible and open to as many parent/teacher conferences as we wanted. They have an active PTG that hosted multiple school functions including a movie night, bounce carnival, friday fun nights, a fall festival and ice cream social. No complaints so far!
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2014

This school is horrible! My son has attended 2 years and has high functioning autism. The school provided no support and did not follow his 504 plan. My son was bullied ruthlessly by peers and the teacher and principal did nothing for months until I demanded that they switch his class room. His teacher before we had his classroom switched made fun of the way he wrote and moved his desk away from other students because his desk was messy telling him it was to disgusting to sit near other students. This school is a disgrace and I am pulling my child and would never send another child to the school.
Submitted by teacher on February 08, 2014

This school was okay it is a big school so I wouldn't recommend it for younger children. The student that go there call people names and bully and the teachers don't do anything about it. The ptg there offer some school dance that are fun. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone if anything I recommend Willard school .