Decorah Elementary

The teachers here are helpful and will make sure your student gets the attention they need.

I’m giving this review mostly on what I’ve experienced as a stranger in the school and seen from my experiences with kids who attend here.
Security: I was allowed to enter the school (after ringing the bell to get in) and could have continued through the school had I wanted to. Given what has happened at Sandy Hook, I’d say this is shocking. I stopped by the office to ask where a particular classroom was so I could pick up a child I babysit (this was my first time getting her here) they did not have my name on the list for pick up so they did call the mother and check I was able to pick up the child. She had forgotten to let the school know, so she was glad they did confirm that for her.
As to the children who attend here. They seem to have real homework, not just busywork and the kids enjoy their classes and teachers. The teachers also make sure that each child is accounted for as they leave, which is great to see. Each child needs to high five the teacher and point out their adult picking them up before they can go. This way no child is ever unaccounted for. They go directly from the teacher to the parent.
There are also after school activities, such as Girl Scouts available right in the building, so if you are a parent who has girls who would be interested and you need a little time after work before you could get them — Girl Scouts is a great option available to you without needing to worry about a babysitter or transportation!