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 October 16, 2024
The preschool program was amazing! We had no issues at all. The issues we ran into was kindergarten. The lack of communication from the staff. They also lack helping the kids when needed. Kids fall behind. We left this school and the district and found out how far behind our kid is. He learned almost nothing he should have in kindergarten. We never were informed about how our child was doing. They only do parent teacher conferences in the fall to tell you where your kid is at the start of the year. There was no updates or parent teacher conferences in the spring to give an update on progress. The school has bullying that the staff doesn’t take care of. The bullying even comes from other parents.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2020
My son attended Star Elementary for 4th and 5th grade after moving from another state. Everything about the school is amazing, from the teachers to the administration. We highly recommend Star Elementary !
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2017
My son attended Star Elementary in 5th grade after having attended k-4 at Prospect and Hunter Elementary in Meridian. He loved Star, and thrived in the less crowded environment. I'm very surprized by the low scores, because he did very well academically and has gone on to advanced math in Middle School. He did have some issues at first adjusting to a new school. When we went and spoke with the Principal, she was excellent at helping us game plan to make adjustments. Within no time, he was doing great! I really appreciated her compassionate attitude.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2015
I have had two boy at star elementary, before they attended Paramount. Although Star does not seem to have the funding that Parsmount has it makes up for it with the wonderful teachers and administration. The teachers have set up seperate math programs to make sure my kids were challenged. One review mentioned bullying, I have not found that at all, I have found that there is a real since of community at Star and that the teachers and the principal go out of there way to make sure that the kids are safe and happy. My only complaint is that with the growth in Star the school district has not kept up and the school is experiencing over crowding.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2014
This school has truly exceeded my expectations in providing a valuable learning environment for my children. They use technology tools with engaging teaching instruction that truly surpass other schools which makes me question the GreatSchools Rating that Star Elementary has received. I think it needs to be re-evaluated. The principal and teachers truly care for their students and it shows. As a parent that has always been concerned about my children getting an excellent education I have not been disappointed at all. Great job to everyone at Star Elementary!
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2014
I have lived in two states and when looking for a school decided to see what this site had to offer. Using the tool you provide I took notes and checked off all that Star had to offer and looked for missing items. Star met and surpassed the evaluation sheet. I observed teachers engaged in working with students using a variety of materials and groups. As I looked at this and a few other schools the climate at Star and the evidence I witnessed of relevant instruction and positive interactions made it clear that this is where my children belong. I also viewed the video on this site and find it interesting that you put such emphasis on testing when materials you promote for evaluating a school point out that tests are a very small and often inaccurate view of a school. The rating is misleading and not very meaningful.
Submitted by other on April 29, 2014
This school is amazing. Why is this rating so inaccurate? Under test scores form 2012 it uses only 84 students? This makes NO sense. PLEASE know this school is a wonderful place! The kids coming from here are very well prepared students. The more a parent is involved with their kid and teachers...the happier everyone is. Keep up the great work staff and students.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2014
Star Elementary is a fantastic school. They utilize technology in an effective way, the teachers engage the kids in creative projects. The P.E. program and music offerings are great. We are new to Star Elementary this year and in comparison to our prior school, Star is exemplary and has been an amazing blessing to my kids lives and education.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2014
Star Elementary is a diamond in the rough. Though the building itself has been around for many years and portables are necessary to accommodate all the students, what happens inside the buildings is a treasure! Star began utilizing technology before it was "the" thing to do. Classrooms are equipped with iPod touches, iPads, document cameras, and the school has Apple TV as well as a "magic room" equipped with interactive smart boards. Though the technology is awesome, what truly sets Star apart are the staff who make it all possible. The teachers seem to work as team and collaborate. The Principal appears to be intimately involved in the day to day workings of the school and has always had time to discuss any concerns or questions I have had as a parent. Star Elementary also fosters a sense of community for the students, not just by school sponsored events but by partnering with the City of Star through the Parks and Rec department. There are several choices for schools in our area, charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, etc and though many of them have a good reputation, Star Elementary truly represents the community of Star and is a great choice!
Submitted by other on April 28, 2014
Both of my children attended Star Elementary from Kindergarten through 6th grade. I now have childcare children who attend Star Elementary. I have enjoyed the group effort with each teacher/teachers. Star Elementary is a good learning environment.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2014
We have felt honored to have the teachers our children have received. Children are challenged, technology explored, and a sense of community is felt. The PE teacher is phenomenal and she has even created a track club on the new track. The music teacher is dynamite and donates his mornings before school to teach band to fifth graders. My child has a new love for music. Many teachers spend either mornings or afternoons on their time to have tutor clubs. I'm so glad that my children have had the opportunity to have Star be a part of their childhood
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2014
Our family moved to Star last year, from out of state; We have two children attending Star Elementary. We were pleased with our prior school, but I will tell you that the care, attention and involvement of the Star Elementary Teachers, Staff, and Principal is second to none. In very few places will you find teachers that work well beyond the "bells", weekends and welcome parent involvement. Our daughter's first grade teacher even set up time very early in the morning to help a few children read more proficiently. Our other daughter's third grade teacher consistently finds new ways to challenge her class, keeping many inquiring minds interested and engaged. Overall, we have been so happy with the level of education, attitude and sincerity. Schooling is a partnership, and we have certainly found a great partner in Star Elementary .
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2014
Very disappointing! Moved here in the beginning of the 2013/2014 school year. The safety of children is very concerning. As you walk in, the office is on one side and classrooms are on the left, just 6 ft from the front door. As a new parent, I was able to walk right in on numerous occasions, and walk all the way to the other end of the school, no questions asked. I have 2 children enrolled and I am not impressed. The teachers they have are enthusiastic and patient, but do not seem to know how to keep my kids challenged. They are VERY bored. Worse than that, the bullying is out of control! I have one child (along witha few other kids in her class) who have been bullied by not only a couple of trouble making girls, but by their moms as well, for the last 6 weeks. From what I understand, these bullies have quite a track record. The advice we have gotten from the teacher and counselor is to "ignore them". The administration here really needs to be more proactive with SAFETY, including bullying. Also, being able to challenge students of all learning levels.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2013
I have to admit I was worried about enrolling my children into a small town school but like the saying goes, "never judge a book by its cover!" The principal and teachers are an awesome, hardworking team! My husband and I have never seen a more involved, patient, and kind principal. My kids struggle a little in the academic arena and there were meetings with my husband and me on a consistent basis to make sure both my children were excelling. The teachers and I were in constant communication which made me feel like they cared. I agree with the parent comment before me, Star Elementary IS the best kept secret!!!!
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2013
Star Elementary School is the best kept secret of the Meridian-Joint School District. We have been to other Elementary schools within Idaho and the Seattle area and have found that Star is our favorite and the best. The teachers are refreshing with their love for teaching and the energy to keep all their students happy and learning in a wonderful environment. The best thing about Star Elementary is the smaller community that feeds into the school. The school is small which gives all the children a very personable feeling when they enter the school doors. The feeling of family and community is very strong and we are happy that we have stayed with this school instead of feeding into the magnet schools that try and make the parents "think" there children are getting a better education. The Star staff and principle go out of their way with each student and the overall atmosphere of the school is that of quality, kindness and achieving the best.
Submitted by teacher on March 19, 2013
It doesn't seem like this website iss very current because Star Elementary is ROCKING IT! It is so awesome having all this technology to help us teach. It really motivates the students in their practice of important concepts. What I like most is that we, as a school, set a goal to get technology and then made it happen. Way to Go-What a TEAM!
Submitted by teacher on March 17, 2013
The highly qualified staff at Star Elementary strives to maintain a well-balanced community atmosphere. Teachers collaborate consistently with each other, students, and families. We expect great achievement and support each student in growing academically as much as possible. In addition, teachers work to secure many grants and community partnerships to enrich the learning environment. One major benefit of this extra effort is the recent implementation of the Star Technology Project. Students enjoy access to computers, hand-held devices, and web-based programs at home and at school. These serve to enhance learning and instill critical 21st Century thinking skills. This is a school which values progressive ideas, while maintaining high expectations for all students.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2013
Such a disappointment. We transferred to a MUCH better school after my oldest son's 4th year, and my youngest 1st year. Both had to work extra hard to get caught up from not learning what they should have at Star..... If you child is a robot, you won't have any problems. If you child doesn't fit the expected mold of a Star student, they probably won't do very well or get the assistance they need. Of the 4 years my son attended, he only had 1 excellent teacher who truely inspired him. If you have the opportunity to go elsewhere, do!
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2012
I have had 4 kids at this school. My oldest has been there since 2nd grade until going onto middle school. We have had some fabulous teachers and a few not so great ones, but I believe every school has a few to deal with. I have approached the principal a few times about issues and she has been more than willing to help me out. The office staff and school nurse are so kind and caring. They know the kids by name and they know many of the parents by name. (At least those that show up and the school here and there.) Get involved with your kids education and you will not be disappointed at Star Elementary.