Research Elsie Collier Elementary School public Schools in Gautier, Mississippi

“Collier is a fabulous place where children eagerly attend and learning happens! The facility is immaculate and intellectually stimulating. The principal and faculty are not only professional and focused; they are also innovative, energetic, and deeply concerned about the children. Kudos for the new PE program and teacher, Mrs. Hammons. She is an outstanding motivator!! The extra curricular activities are wonderful including, among others, a Reading Club for K-5 students meeting before school weekly!! Where else can you get that? The PTA is very hard working, open, and friendly. They have achieved impressive results consistently, year after year. A well organized PTA may be perceived as controlled by some. I personally see it as simply very effective. Parent involvement is very high and supports higher expectations from each individual - student, family member, faculty, and staff. I couldn't be more pleased with Collier! Collier receives an A+++.”

“Collier PTA does a tremendous amount of work to help make Collier an exemplary school! These ladies donate countless hours of time to help make Collier a place where children love to attend school. I kindly ask those of you who think any differently, to volunteer to serve with PTA. You'll be a great help and make friends you will cherish. Also, the principal has a tremendous amount of love and concern for Colliers' children! She works extremely long hours. She will be retiring soon, and it will be difficult if not impossible to replace her with someone who so effectively leads Collier. I have a son and daughter who attend Collier, and they start the day off happy to be going to school as well as end the day happy after spending the day in their classrooms.”

“I encourage any parent who has a child at this school to attend breakfast and observe the assistant principal. She yells at children, stands over them and claps at them and says, 'HURRY! HURRY!' while they try to eat. I have forbidden my children to eat breakfast at this school.”

“I have two children at this school. The teachers we have had are wonderful, particularly Mrs. Poiroux. There is a HUGE clique regarding PTA so I don't volunteer to help them. Academically, they push state testing and attendance (my child missed ONE day of school and I received a nasty letter! ONE DAY!) but...my childrens' teachers have been phenomenal so I will just grin and bear the rest of it.”

“I'm in agreement that collier is one of the best schools in the system, but like all other schools it has it's good teachers and poor ones. I agree with the other comments- not very good interaction with the kids or parents, too much control over pta and room moms. The parental involvement is great and the building and overall atmosphere is upbeat. My children will continue to attend unless we have another 'lazy' teacher.”

“Parent involvement at Collier is wonderful. Every school event, cars are parked up and down the road because so many family members are attending. Its a lovely school. Currently, they are continuing to paint many adorable murals on hallway walls. I have one child who might be considered special needs. I have encountered some stubbornness from the principal and some teachers. I feel like a few teachers have been eager to jump on the medication band wagon- when my child's physician has told me it was not needed. The principal also has a propensity to defend her teachers instead of trying to work a problem. My children will continue at this school, overall the academic program is sound, and most of the teachers are wonderful. The principal functions well, but bears watching when problems arise.”

“I currently have 1 child at Collier. He is going into 3rd grade. His K teacher was the best thing that ever happened to our whole family. She made learning fun and changed our view on reading and math for the better. His 1st grade teacher had a hard act to follow, but was helpful as well. His 2nd grade teacher has challenged him in new and exciting ways. The principal is outstanding and dedicated. P.T.A. members have a bit of a clique, but that is to be expected. The teachers and staff are out of this world. The school is beautiful and well kept. Collier is the best place for my child and I look forward to my kindergartner going in the fall.”

“Teachers are GREAT!They will bend over backwards to help the kids and work with parents. I like this school and my kids like this school! I have 2 kids in this school right now. my oldest (now in middle)went to this school he was a handful. I found my self in the office more then once with him.[The principal]she has no problem with discipline thats what we need these days! Wonderful School and Staff!”

“Excellent school! I have 2 children, one has just completed elementary school here and the other is only beginning. I only hope that the 2nd child will have as positive an experience as the first. I am convinced that if parents stay involved in the education of their children, it can only make for a positive outcome. Every staff member, from the Principal to the bus drivers, has been extremely supportive of my children from the first day.”

“I have a child in this school and one that has since moved up from here to the middle school. Overall, the teachers are fabulous; until you reach the 5th grade. The principal is mostly concerned about her image first and then the children second. She has too much control over the PTA (which by the way, the 'P' stands for parents, not principal!). My younger child received a much better education than the older one. But I am pleased with this school considering the condition of the public school system in this county. There is a very upbeat atmosphere at this school and my child is happy here.”

“I have had mostly good experience with the teachers of Elsie Collier but I also am unimpressed with the principal. She would be better suited in a high school setting. Attitude toward kindergarten children is not necessary in my opinion.”

“I have a child in the 2nd grade and in the 5th grade at this school. I am very pleased with the teachers I have encountered at this school. I am unimpressed with the principal. She is never available and is quick to look negatively on students that are not the straight A students.”

“My child is a second grade student at this school, so far I've been pleasantly surprised w/the teacher/parent communication with all of his teachers. They have all been excited to be there and to have my child as their student. They are always coming up with creative things to do in and out of the classroom. If there are any problems, I've been contacted immed. The principal is on top of everything and very involved with all the students. School is new and VERY nice and has a lot more to offer students than schools did in my school years. I wouldn't change anything so far. I love my child being a student here and will have another attending there in a few years.”