Yates Elementary School

Posted: August 24, 2026

my son is autism and there is iep plan for him.. I gave iep paperworks to that school before enrolled him in... that school is little bit out of our way because it is one of few schools that handles special classes... first two weeks I brought him to that school.. he started crying hard.. he didnt
like that school.. I kept getting negative comments in agenda book from one of teachers.. I kept remind her that he is autism and it requires
a lot of patience especially with autism kid... one of morning when I dropped him off.. one of teacher handled him poor by pulled up his
arms to lift him.. that is big no... I made her to hold him as like he is baby.. his mind is like baby ., they know better.. last day before we
withdrawal him from that horrible school.. I picked him up after school.. his clothes soaked with pee all over and his diaper was super full.
they didn't change his diaper for hours... they are not trained properly handling autism kids..I don't recommend this school to anyone
with autism kids. I hope they get properly training overall

Posted: August 24, 2026

Posted: August 24, 2026

Posted: August 24, 2026

Posted: August 24, 2026

Posted: August 24, 2026

Posted: August 24, 2026

Posted: August 24, 2026

Posted: August 22, 2026

I would strongly caution parents—especially parents of children with special needs—before sending their child to this school.

Communication with administration, principal Lisa Varnum, was extremely difficult. It often felt like the only way to receive a response from the principal was to physically show up at the school, which is unacceptable when parents should be able to reach their child’s principal within a reasonable amount of time.

My experience with the school’s handling of students with special needs was deeply concerning. I repeatedly felt that my child’s IEP was not appropriately followed and that the ESE staff lacked the knowledge and training necessary to properly support him. Rather than fostering inclusion, there were situations where my child was made to feel isolated or excluded.

One of the most upsetting examples occurred when I was asked not to bring my child to school on the last day because there would be singing and they felt it would be better if he did not attend. A child with special needs should be accommodated and included in school activities—not told, directly or indirectly, that it would be easier if they simply stayed home.

The way certain situations were handled caused my child significant distress and created negative associations with school that I believe could have been avoided with appropriate training, understanding, accommodations, and support.

The school also only allowed my child’s RBT to be present for less than the medically recommended hours, which I found extremely concerning. When a child requires additional behavioral support, schools should be willing to work collaboratively with families and qualified professionals whenever appropriate rather than creating unnecessary barriers.

What has been most telling is what happened after we left. I transferred my child to another school, and he is now thriving with zero problem behaviors at school. The difference in his experience has been remarkable. He is supported, included, and able to attend school successfully.

Based on my family’s experience, I cannot recommend this school. Parents of children with IEPs or other special needs should be especially cautious and advocate closely for their child’s rights, accommodations, and inclusion. No child should be made to feel like their disability makes them an inconvenience.

Posted: August 22, 2026

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Posted: August 22, 2026

Posted: September 9, 2018

Principal & Assistant Principal are terrible. He says one thing does another. New AP is RUDE! New structure of Administrative staff is necessary!!

Posted: September 9, 2018

Posted: September 9, 2018

School needs to restructure! School has a high turn over rate in teachers because the Admins are terrible at running the school efficiently!

Posted: September 9, 2018

Posted: September 9, 2018

Posted: September 9, 2018

Posted: September 6, 2018

Posted: September 6, 2018

Posted: September 6, 2018

Posted: September 6, 2018

Posted: September 6, 2018

Posted: September 6, 2018

Posted: September 6, 2018

My daughter very smart yet didn’t have much help in her first year of school here.

Posted: August 16, 2014

No School uniforms is what Yates Elementary should do is one of the thing that they should do to make the students happy in that school.

Posted: August 17, 2013

I was kind of leery to be honest when my kids switched to this school from another school. Gladly I could not have been more wrong! My kids really like it here. My youngest actually turned down a magnet school to go here again this upcoming year.

Posted: October 19, 2010

I have subbed at Yates several times and I can say that this school is top notch when it comes to discpline and structure. A lot of positive reinforcement is used and the Eaglet Bucks is such a great incentive program for the children! The teachers know thier stuff and are all very warm and welcoming to everyone! I'd jump at the chance to be apart of this school!!! I have learned so much from Yates. This school has really given me tons of experience that will make me a successful teacher in the near future :) Keep up the great work Yates!!!

Posted: July 15, 2008

Posted: May 19, 2008

Posted: March 26, 2007