Elementary School recommendations in Duluth

[aluminumpork]

Lakewood School is (I believe) the newest school in the district, being built in 1992. I went there the first year it opened and continued K through 6th, but they've knocked it down to K-5 now. It was a great school, but is a little farther out in the country, technically in Lakewood Township. It's about a 10 - 15 minute drive from the edges of Woodland and Lakeside. If you're going to be a little out in the country or at the edges of those neighborhoods, I would definitely look into. I don't really know anything about Lester Park Elementary.

As far as Magnet schools, as far as I know they focus more on one topic. Each magnet school has a specialty. For a short period in my 2nd grade year I went to Nettleton Elementary, which is a math magnet school located in central hillside above downtown.

[jaycheryl]

Thanks, that's good to know! I'm still struggling with the private vs. public. I've talked to many of the Christian schools and while I love the fact that they say the pledge of alligence and talk about God, I'm a little concerned what they do with talk of evolution, Darwin, etc. Anyone ever go to a private school and know how they get around the evolution thing? I want my kids to know that the theory of evolution is around b/c they'll sound really dumb when they go off to college if they've never heard of it, kwim?

[taysantanamama]

My son went to Congdon in kindergarten and I did not like it at all. We lived in Lakeside but his daycare was in Congdon, so that is why he went there. His K teacher seemed to just not like him. He could do no right. I was a single mother(college educated, working full time, not on welfare homeowner)and I don't think she saw past that, like "those kinds of kids don't belong in Congdon". I am not one to make up excuses for my kid's behavior, never have, but he was not a bad kid, in fact he was quite good, polite, kind, smart, but he was a bit squirrely, I admit. My got just told me she had an issue with me,and took it out on him. He went to Lester Park after that, and we were very happy with the teachers(he still keeps in touch with his 2nd grade teacher and he is 16!)

We moved to Denfeld so he went to MacArthur when he was in 4th grade, she was horrible, but his 5th grade teacher was great, and though it was an old school, low income, still liked it.

I worked at Lowell, also think it is a good school. Haven't lived in Duluth for 5years now, and really don't know much about the other schools.

[jaycheryl]

Thank you for your input! I always like to hear the good and bad side of what ppl think of the schools. I really appreciate it! Thanks!

[bbtrips]

Hello!

I can definitely fill you in on Lester Park. I just love, love, love Lester Park. I went to a few different schools growing up, and I definitely think LP is one of the best. My son goes there, and he just loves it. The kids are friendly and generally come from nurturing environments. I think the world of all the kids there, and if you like to be involved, you can definitely do that there. They have an active PTA, and we do a lot of fun things (Fall Carnival, Prime Time Friday Night, Silent Auction, etc).

It is a very old school, and is definitely showing its age, but with the new Duluth School's plan, it is slated to be demolished, with a new school built on site. A person I know that has seen the plans said it looked wonderful.

Now, there is something you might find a little unusual! Your Kindergartener would not be going to Lester Park right away. Lester Park is a 2-5 school, and K-1 is at Rock Ridge (in upper lakeside). What I loved about this is that when my son went there, there were only the little ones there. It is sooo cute and much less intimidating. Rock Ridge and Lester Park have the same principal and she is amazing! Very loving and nurturing...

From what I have heard Rock Ridge and Lester Park are within the top 5 percent in the state regarding testing. It goes to show it's not just about the fancy buildings. Both schools have top notch teachers, and I think the world of all of them. There are a few that are not as popular, but those teachers are PERFECT for some kids, and they thrive in their classes.

Rock Ridge is set on a dead end street, and is one level. It is absolutely perfect and I love it so much. Lakeside is the neighborhood of choice for us, and boy am I glad we are sending our children to Rock Ridge and Lester Park!

Let me know if you have any other questions.

OH! And about Pre-Schools - Lakeside Prespbyterian is A W E S O M E ! !

I can't say enough about it - they have three teachers, with three different classrooms, and EVERY teacher is outstanding!!

Talk to you soon...