Olmsted Elementary School

7110 Prairie Avenue

Urbandale, IA 50322

4 Reviews

School District

Urbandale Community
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 27, 2024

TERRIBLE School. When we first moved to Urbandale, we did a lot of research to determine where we wanted to live. Since having the new Principal, we have started looking at new places to live. The district won't let you move to a different school unless you are outside of the district. I know several families who have open enrolled their kids in outside districts to get away from the principal and the school. I would NOT recommend going here. The principal says she cares for the students but then her actions does not show it. My one student has no idea who she is, and my daughter says she makes her feel uncomfortable. If you don't mind having your kids get hurt constantly without admin caring, then this is the school for you! My son is constantly getting hurt at school by other students and there is no urgency or care for staff that it keeps happening. We have had to start advising our kids to defend themselves when they are getting hurt, since the principal has made no effort to help. I moved into a house I absolutely love and now have to move for the safety of my children both emotionally and physically. This is the first time this principal has been in this position, and you can tell. She was interim last year, this year she has tried to cancel passing out friendship cards, stopped allowing desserts in the classroom for parties, I heard she has restricted what the PTO is allowed to do for staff, has tried to dictate where parents can park. I honestly am not sure I would recommend the school district as the super intendant is always late to get information out, there was an active shooter in another district and one school (outside the district) sent an email right away of what they were doing right now, ours waited almost 4 hrs. later and only had info about what they are planning on doing. As a parent, I don't necessarily care what's being done in the future at that time, I care more about what's being done now. Oh and you won't find out if police are in the school unless your student tells you. The staff seem great. Although, another parent told me that they had to request a doctor's note in order for their students to go to the nurse and bathroom, and when asked the principal why, they were advised that the student has to ask several times before they will let them go, well as a elementary student, they may not know to ask again and may just assume the answer is no and it wont change. Absolutely terrible school!
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2024

Principal Donnelly at Olmsted is the worst Principal. When she became Principal in 2023 was she determined to make Olmsted a joyless school and take away all the fun and memorable thing from our kids. She is not friendly and welcome to parents to at Olmsted.
Submitted by other on January 23, 2024

I’m in 7th grade and I’m trying to sit and three Karen’s told me to stand up while sitting outside whorst teacher care ever
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2017

This is my child's 2nd year at Olmstead. He came from a very small private school and we were a little worried about the transition. The principal at Olmstead is great and very involved. The kids loved her! The teachers are easy to communicate with and respond quickly to emails and phone calls. Even with the few issues we have had, overall this is a very good school and the diversity of the school is wonderful. I love the fact that the special needs children are integrated in the mainstream classrooms as much as possible.