D.J. Montague Elementary School

5380 Centerville Road

School District

Williamsburg-James City Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Williamsburg-James City Public Schools

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 03, 2021

The administration and teachers at this school go above and beyond. My child was in the special education program and as a former teacher myself I cannot express how impressed I have been with their organization and accommodations. Teachers care about the students. My child loves school and has grown academically and socially.
Submitted by other on July 29, 2019

We have had a wonderful experience with this school from Kindergarten. The principal is nothing short of the kindest and most attentive and compassion person. The teachers truly care and seem happy to be there. There is a really sense of community at DJ and we are so happy that our children have had such a nurturing an positive environment to grow up in.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2018

My experience has been tough. I feel like I have had to fight to be understood at times, and at other times I have been supported without question. I have had really bad experiences with certain individuals, but not the majority. So, I would say overall the experience has been good.
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2017

Amzing experience here, change an improvement due to excellent principal who is on top on everything, previous reviews do not reflect recent staff and awards
Submitted by other on September 12, 2016

My kids enjoyed the school. To this day, they have kept in touch with their Elementary School friends. Communication between teachers and home was very good.
Submitted by other on February 21, 2016

This is our child's second year here. We chose our home SO that she would go to this school, and we've had a hard time warming up, and that is being polite about it. Our child is undoubtedly smart, scores above average (the highest score kindergarten and first grade can make) on almost everything, but to see the attitude in notes sent home, and to speak with the teacher in person, they'd like to let on that he is a bad student or something. Teacher is always in a bad mood, they do not want to hear your questions. What exactly do they treat low scoring kids like??? My goodness. I just don't understand the attitude. Current teacher, and the kindergarten teacher before her, obviously don't personally like us. That's fine, that's the way the real world is; but why is my child scared for me to read notes coming home? Why does he cry if I write a note to the teacher? What happens to my child when I ask this teacher a simple question? To always protect my child's school experience, I have NEVER been rude or condescending in a note, but the teacher sure has with me. You can't question anything. DJ teachers are "above" being asked anything, so don't risk your child's popularity with them by trying to be involved or anything, as the one who gave birth to and raises them.... And to save my blood pressure I won't even get deeply into the way we were completely ignored on bullying... The school might be above that existing...
Submitted by parent on July 30, 2015

My child just finished their first year at DJ Montague. When we first moved to the area we had read not so great things about this school. Those things could not be further from the truth. My child had the best year they have ever had in elementary school. Her teacher was amazing, the office staff was really friendly and helpful, the PTA events were so much fun, both the principal and assistant principal are visible and very friendly. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a great place for your child!
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2014

Both my children attended DJ Montague, one starting in third grade the other in fifth. They both have had excellent involved teachers, who have used creative and engaging ways to encourage a safe, fun and respectful environment. One stellar program is music: fourth graders begin reading music and playing recorders, and in fifth grade children can choose between band and orchestra. Choir is also available. The other stand out program is Visions, the gifted and talented program. The teacher, Mrs. Strawn, is amazing! She challenges already high achievers to reach new heights. Children participate in Visions as a pull-out class until fourth grade, and then remain in Visions almost all day for math and/or language arts, while returning to their home room for science and social studies. Mrs. Strawn made certain that my son was challenged in class, even though that meant seeking out higher level materials just for him. If you have a gifted child, good schools can be hard to find, but this is one of them!
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2013

We just moved to the area. All of the teachers, office staff, nurse, and principle - everyone at dj has been nothing but a true joy & blessing! I am so glad my child is a student here at dj!
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2013

We moved to a great neighborhood in JCC thinking the schools would be excellent. I had to pull my kids from this school mid year due to several issues with teachers and safety. My child was actually bullied by her kindergarten teacher and brought in to a room where several adults were standing over her telling her how terrible she was (I actually witnessed this act). I would be very careful about sending your child to this school. If you choose to do so, I would be present in the classroom as much as possible. Moving to JCC was the worst decision we could have made for our children's mental and academic well-being. We are now living in York County and extremely pleased with the school system.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2013

This school is improving, but still has a ways to go to get up to par with its neighbors.
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2012

My son attended this school for 2nd grade. Unforeseen circumstances led us out of the area. Mrs. Korabek constantly gave my son positive reinforcement. My son was and still is very quiet in class. She was able to identify that his quietness was self discipline and respect for learning. Ms. Awad introduced my son to the sounds of Louis Armstrong and enriched his love for jazz. In a time when reserved and polite children are being ignored or misunderstood I look upon our experience at DJ Montague as one of the best thus far. My son constantly misses and talks about this great school.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2012

My experience was awful. My child's first grade teacher called her a Kate bloomer and would crumble her art work up and throw it into the trash while my child stood their crying. I also reported that a boy in her class was touching in a way that was not ok me or my husband. Afterwards, I was told that my volunteering duties were no longer needed. We were treated awfully. We then later turned to homeschooling till we could move to a better district. It appears half of the population homeschools their children there and now I see why. Today my daughter is in an top notch school and us doing well but every now and then she mentions her 1st grade teacher and laughs and says oh mom I am in the honour roll again but be because I was a late bloomer! It is never never never ok to say such things to a child and than god she told me so I could help my child. If your a parent if influence down there...your be fine they seem to pick on children whose parents can't fight back.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2011

Lynn Turner, DJM newly appointed principal, is absolutely fabulous! She is a natural born leader, educator and advocate for our children, their education and success in reaching their full potential in school. The staff, faculty and administration are also a reflection of her leadership and skills. DJM is a great school!
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2011

DJ prepares children to be successful in the future. Both my children attended DJ Montague and I thought other parents might want to happen to students after graduation. One graduate college with a BSN and is a registered nurse and my second child is at MIT.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2011

Great things are happening at DJ Montague since the arrival of the new principal and assistant principal last fall. The new principal, Lynn Turner, is a leader and had changed the culture from the teachers to the bus drivers. Both of our children love DJ. It is well on its way to back to becoming the wonderful neighborhood elementary school that it has historically been.