Ray E Kilmer Elementary School

Posted: January 1, 2023

Our two kids both have gone to Kilmer for their entire elementary school experience, starting with pre-K. This semi-rural school has an excellent history of performance, experience and parent involvement. Let's face it, there is no perfect school out there; however, for what it is intended for, Kilmer Elementary is about as good as we could ask for for a public school. Several students who left thinking the "grass was greener" somewhere else have returned. However, no school is right for every child (or parent), so, do your own research. Given this schools location is "out of the way", someone probably wouldn't seek it out; however, if it's in your range, you can be confident in a quality, positive experience.

Posted: January 1, 2023

Posted: January 1, 2023

Posted: January 1, 2023

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Posted: May 11, 2021

Our experience at Kilmer has been like no other. I have never been to an elementary school with so much compassion, kindness and love for each and every child, individually. They definitely care about the one and go out of their way to help the students experience success. The principal is very involved and knows all the students by name. The teachers take the time to connect with the parents and it makes you feel like you are on the winning team. We have had an incredible experience here and will miss the happiness we felt every day at school.

Posted: May 11, 2021

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Posted: October 20, 2020

Each child is assessed through testing and teacher observation. If a child is below or above grade level they are pulled out with a different teacher or put in different groups to ensure every child receives the attention they need to succeed!

Posted: October 20, 2020

Unfortunately, we have had experience with this issue. The principal stepped in right away. Ate lunch with them, had them do extra math practice or other not as fun academic work during fun events in class. Instead of having kids miss recess if they act up, they walk laps. I love this approach! I feel the school and principal do everything in their power to not only notice and acknowledge bullying, but to follow up with all parents involved and make sure a resolution occurs.

Posted: October 20, 2020

We have had experience with a different elementary school. The families at Kilmer are like none other. It is a big family. Parents are very involved and are in the know, and looking out for each others children. It takes a village! The staff is not like any other school I have seen. They are so kind and truly there for the kids! We choice into Kilmer, and it is absolutely worth the drive!! Thank you Ray E. Kilmer for giving our kids the BEST!

Posted: October 20, 2020

Kilmer has a strict no tears policy to homework. They realize kids have after school activities and need family time. Per each grade they should do 5-10 min of homework.

Posted: October 20, 2020

The teachers and principal have a great relationship. Therefor you have happier teachers, they are all a team. The teachers truly care about their students. They take extra time to email or call parents so everyone is informed about how students are progressing not only academically but as a person as a whole. When my student was below D38 standards the teacher worked hard with us to get him back on track. When my daughter was ahead of other students she personally worked with her to ensure she was still progressing in her learning.

Posted: October 20, 2020

A lot of time is spent making sure students are kind to one another. Teachers and principal are involved inn personal relationships built between piers. At PTO meetings the principal talks about how teachers receive special training to ensure kiddos are not only learning their "ABC,s" but also developing into strong confident citizens.

Posted: October 20, 2020

The principal, Mr. Francis, is physically present in the classrooms and on the playground. He is outside at drop off and pickup. He personally addresses situations. He is organized and knows each and every student by name at the school, as well as most parents somehow. Situations are addressed right away and parents are informed on all fronts!

Posted: October 20, 2020

Best. School. Ever. Kilmer is such a special place. If we were at a different school, we very well might have chosen to start the 2020 school year with online learning. But here? It broke my heart to even *think* about our kids not being in that building each school day. The smart, caring staff. The kind, supportive kids. So much happens beyond academics there. Kilmer is a soft place to land when making mistakes. A place to learn about reading, writing and arithmetics, but also a place to learn about life and how to navigate it. A place to grow from a dependent child into an independent young man or young lady. Kilmer has been our second home for eight years. I'd give it a 100-star recommendation if I could.

Posted: October 20, 2020

No more than 10 minutes per grade level (i.e. no more than 20 minutes for second graders, 30 minutes for 3rd graders, etc). Solid policy.

Posted: October 20, 2020

Kilmer has the greatest, most caring teachers for every type of kid. They are inventive, creative and caring. (Test scores happen to be great here, too, but they teach for kids to learn -- the test scores just happen to follow.)

Posted: October 20, 2020

This is the core of Kilmer. The love, respect and support the students show for each other is incredible. Quick story... last year, we had a PTO-sponsored rollerskating party. One of our kids is a rollerblading dynamo, the other is v-e-r-y reluctant. He was watching "The Limbo" from the sidelines, when a bunch of his friends came over, took his hands and helped him onto the rink. They held his hands until he got to the bar, let him skate under, then steadied him on the other side. A magical thing to watch. Kindness is cultivated here.

Posted: October 20, 2020

Top notch. The principal is steady, a great communicator and always ready to listen.

Posted: October 20, 2020

We have one who is well challenged through GT programs and another who is well supported through special needs services. Terrific.

Posted: October 20, 2020

Bullying is largely a non-issue at Kilmer. Every teacher and staff member knows every student. Every student knows every other student. Parents know and like each other. Everyone watches out for everyone else.

Posted: March 22, 2019

An outstanding, "old school" experience in terms of an environment many of us grew up with and were hoping for for our own children. Hopefully it won't change...

Posted: March 22, 2019

Kilmer admin has listened to our inputs and our kids have been with the best teacher to suit their and our needs.

Posted: March 22, 2019

The Kilmer staff shows pride in their school and the academic environment.

Posted: March 22, 2019

Absolutely. There are constant activities to nurture the students, holistically.

Posted: March 22, 2019

Great leadership with an open door and ear to inputs.

Posted: March 22, 2019

Our kids' teachers have bent over backwards to maximize their learning opportunity.

Posted: March 22, 2019

I have heard there are pockets of bullying; however, have not experienced any directly with our kids.

Posted: July 22, 2018

Posted: July 22, 2018

Posted: July 22, 2018

Posted: July 22, 2018

Posted: July 22, 2018

Posted: July 22, 2018

same bullies every year. the problem is never fixed. they just pick a new target when they get in trouble after about 5 visits to the principals office. strategies are not effective and they deal with bullies by trying to say that your child (the victim) might be lying. kids are physical with other kids as early as kindergarten. We are looking into switching schools at this point!

Posted: July 22, 2018

There are a few teachers that should not be there as well as the librarian. They yell at the kids and are just plain mean. Principal is new and refuses to make any waves. kids arent allowed to make noise at lunch otherwise they are punished and have to walk laps or they dont get recess. there is no nurse, just the receptionist that handles any injuries.

Posted: June 7, 2018

That is part of the beauty with this school the diversity of abilities and TOTAL support the school children exhibit to each other.

Posted: June 7, 2018

There have been situations and it does seem to be handled well. I have zero complaints about this school whatsoever. My child went to the principal’s office.

Posted: June 7, 2018

The teachers actually work with the students when they struggle. The teachers reach out to us parents and let us know proactively where my children may be struggling. They actually care.

Posted: June 7, 2018

They respect the children. The school children respect each other in a unique way. Plus, Repeat my previous answer. The teachers actually work with the students when they struggle. The teachers reach out to us parents and let us know proactively where my children may be struggling. They actually care.

Posted: June 7, 2018

I have never witnessed children respecting each other in every aspect. The 6th graders exhibit leadership the way all families appreciate. It is unique and a blessing

Posted: June 7, 2018

Mr. Francis knows every child’s name. He calls them by name. They respect him and they follow through.

Posted: June 7, 2018

Unsurpassed. I could not be happier with the integrity, the class, the education, the enthusiasm.

Posted: May 15, 2018

Posted: May 15, 2018

Posted: May 15, 2018

I've witnessed first hand core fundamental values being reinforced and practiced. Students have respect for themselves, other students, teachers, leaders and visitors to the school.

Posted: May 15, 2018

The leadership at this school is effective because they're visible and approachable. There's such a positive energy that radiates from this school and it starts with the principal.

Posted: May 15, 2018

From my view, this school provides support on many different levels and is inclusive with all students no matter what the differences.

Posted: May 15, 2018

I feel that not only do the teachers and other staff keep a close watch on the students activity and any possible negative behavior but the students feel very comfortable to speak with the staff about any issues or concerns they may have.

Posted: May 15, 2018

I started working part-time at Ray Kilmer Elementary school at the beginning of the year after relocating to the area. I have truly enjoyed my time at the school and mid-way thru the year agreed to add more hours to my schedule. The warm, welcoming staff draws you in, while the sense of community and student attitudes keeps you. Not only will I be moving to a full-time position at the start of the school year, but I have decided to transfer my son to Kilmer as well.

Posted: October 16, 2017

The teachers we have had, have all had the students' best interest at heart and teach a very well rounded curriculum....not just teaching to a standardized test.

Posted: October 16, 2017

This is such a caring school with a big heart!

Posted: October 16, 2017

The principal is amazing. He knows the kids by name greeting them at the front door. He cares so much about their well being and about having a joy-filled school. He looks toward to future and thinks about how to handle growth and other issues.

Posted: October 16, 2017

Posted: October 16, 2017

Luckily we have not had any issues with bullying here.

Posted: October 16, 2017

The school policy is 10 minutes of homework per grade level or less. Meaning 2nd grade would have no more than 20 minutes of homework.

Posted: October 16, 2017

We are so happy to be a part of the Kilmer family. This is our first year here and our kids have been in 4 schools in 7 years since we were military and moved around. This is by far our favorite elementary school our kids have attended. The principal and the teachers are so caring, but also have fun. The curriculum is not just teaching to a standardized test, but leaves room for discussing current events, and other topics that come up as seen fit. Our kids have adapted well and are very happy to be there. It really does feel like a family!

Posted: February 2, 2017

Posted: February 2, 2017

Posted: February 2, 2017

A wonderful principal who is VERY warm and very involved with the students.

Posted: February 2, 2017

Posted: February 2, 2017

Posted: February 2, 2017

We are very happy Ray Kilmer does not send excessive amounts of homework. It can usually be done in less than 15 minutes. We are of the philosophy of not doing any homework at all so that we can have family time. However, 15 minutes is much better than our previous experience!

Posted: February 2, 2017

Previously, we had our 1st grader at another well-respected charter school, but he was not happy there. Since moving him to Ray Kilmer Elementary, it has been one of the most amazing changes. He is much happier, and our whole family seems to be lighter and happier too. It is amazing how much the positive and cheerful environment of the school has changed our lives. Much of the staff knew us by first name from day one. What a wonderful group of staff who set the tone for joy and learning!

Posted: December 27, 2016

Best. School. Ever! This is our fourth year at Kilmer and we have loved every moment. The teachers and staff are smart and caring. The kids are kind to each other -- big kids are true leaders and help the little ones. The families show up to events. It's not an area where people end up by chance -- people CHOOSE to live a smidgen out of town. This school is a community. If we moved (which we won't), we would choice our children in to Kilmer. :)

Posted: December 7, 2016

I can not say enough great things about Ray Kilmer. I have 4 children attending this year and each of them love the friendly, warm, encouraging environment this amazing school provides. I believe when you feel loved and safe you are able to learn better and this is exactly how my kids feel at this school.

Posted: October 24, 2016

Kilmer is a warm, friendly, community based neighborhood school. Front office has a warm and welcoming environment. It is a place where kids and families feel welcome and at home while academics are still at the forefront. Kilmer Elementary is definitely a great introduction for primary students into all that the Lewis Palmer D38 has to offer!

Posted: September 26, 2012

Kilmer is a small, student centered school with many opportunities for students to grow both during and before/after school hours. The community is welcoming to new families and has a wonderful special needs program. Both of my children have been there since preschool and are extremely happy. I love the parent and community involvement and find that this support is what helps the school rise above others. The teachers are well educated and truly care about all students.