Coles Elementary School

Posted: August 19, 2025

Pulled my child out because of unsatisfactory services. The admin staff specially Linh Collier is extremely rude. They went against my child’s court order and made changes to my child’s emergency contacts without my approval. When I brought it up and escalated they sent me a copy of custody laws (which I know) but continued to fail to read the limitations of our court order, pulling my child in danger. Even while pulling out, when I requested the records, I was told to wait for a week (which was going to delay my child’s admission to new school). I ended up obtaining those from the county the next day. It shows the laziness of the staff. I emailed a teacher to provide recommendation letter, who did not respond. They do not have special education classroom and one of children had to go to another school just because this one can’t provide adequate services. Definitely not a school for families who care about their child’s behavior and education. If staff is irresponsible and rude, what would they teach the children!

Posted: August 19, 2025

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Posted: May 4, 2023

y’all should not put your kids in this school , they are very unprofessional when it comes to speaking the main principal called my mom the B word on the phone . I feel like that shouldn’t even happen no matter how mad they get I do not recommend this school .

Posted: May 4, 2023

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Posted: September 25, 2017

It appears morale is declining among the teachers at Coles again. The current word is that the principal and last year’s assistant principal demonstrated poor leadership skills by favoring certain teachers. Teacher turnover is high. Proof is in the data on this website. This means, good teachers are leaving Coles every year. Too many don’t stick around. Also, teachers are absent quite often. Again, proof is on this website.

Posted: September 25, 2017

As a concerned parent, PWCS needs to address the above-mentioned problems at Coles.

Posted: June 28, 2017

Its a great school with great teacher and great students:)

Posted: June 28, 2017

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Posted: May 15, 2017

Posted: May 15, 2017

Posted: May 15, 2017

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Posted: May 15, 2017

This is my daughter's first year at this school and we have been really satisfied with the education & discipline of the school. It's a bully free school which is very important to us. The school offers many after school activities which my daughter enjoys. I highly recommend Cole elementary.

Posted: June 2, 2016

I am not a fan of homework and to give it out every night just because it's the the thing to do. Homework is there to reinforce what was taught for practice exercises. If I am teaching my child how to do something then it was not taught for them to go home and practice. Yes they should be reading every day...I just feel it is a lot of busy work.

Posted: June 2, 2016

Overall the school is great compared to public schools in the south. I say some teachers are more creative than others in their approach towards learning, which is everywhere. The classrooms are on a big size considering teacher do not have aids in the upper grade levels. Students aren't given the one on one or if they are not catching something there isn't time to address it with the curriculum schedule in high gear for preparation for the SOL. Communication could be better, they have a habit of putting things out the week of or just a few days to spare. The pTA is quite resourceful and is very involved so thumbs up to them.

Posted: November 29, 2015

Posted: November 29, 2015

Teachers at wwondeful and look after every child, not just the bright ones. Every child is made to feel special and beloved they can accomplish great things - even if it's just getting a C instead of a D.

Posted: November 29, 2015

Sometimes it feels like a lot but that is more because I'm not familiar with the math approaches more than anything else.

Posted: November 29, 2015

Best school we've ever been in. No bullying, every student is given a every opportunity to succeed. The leadership and staff are A+. Couldn't be happier - just sorry we only moved here in 4th grade and not earlier.

Posted: February 25, 2014

The school improved a lot since last time I heard about them. Teachers are more involved and try to make the parents more involved and active. Overall their performance is very good specially the Principal is excellent. The best I have seen so far.

Posted: February 23, 2014

I can not say enough wonderful things about Coles Elementary school. As a member of the PTA, I have worked closely with the administration which has been a positive experience. They are so supportive of our programs and they truly care about the children. The teachers are amazing! They are caring, dedicated, and fun! The atmosphere over the past year and a half has been a breath of fresh air....it is one of warmth, laughter and learning! We love Coles and proud to be roadrunners!

Posted: August 29, 2013

My son just started elementary this year and I have a very positive feeling about it. Mrs.Richardson is Perfectly qualified as a elementary teacher; and most of all I know my son is in good hand:)

Posted: August 15, 2013

The school atmosphere is warm and inviting. From the administration to the teachers to the support staff, I have encountered nothing short of friendly capable people geared totally towards encouraging learning and good citizenship. The student-teacher ratio seems on par with other neighboring schools. Parental involvement in the classrooms is common to observe. I haven't had any direct issues to deal with concerning the new principle, but I've seen her regularly in the halls and she seems quite professional. My son has attended a full year here and will return again this year. He is engaged and eager to go to school; what more could I ask for?

Posted: March 12, 2013

Coles is an amazing school with a small family atmosphere. After all we only have 500 students and everyone knows the family members and kids. We have a wonderful new principal and you can tell that the morale of the staff has really increased. Teachers are rewarded by the administration and the atmosphere when you visit is so much better. My daughter has always had wonderful teachers. This year when we had an issue in the classroom the principal was more than willing to have a meeting and discuss concerns and then follow-up in the classroom to make sure the issues were resolved.

Posted: October 29, 2012

The change in aura in this school since the previous administrator left, is unbelievable. The warm, embracing feeling you get from the minute you walk into the door speaks for itself. The teachers also do not appear beaten down, as they have in years past. The new principal and assistant principal bring a new level of warmth and approachability that was not there before. Coles is a small, family friendly school. I am happy my daughter goes there.

Posted: June 17, 2012

My child's kindergarten teacher was excellent. The ESOL teachers and front office staff are very friendly and helpful. I am so glad that Principal Alfie Turner is leaving Coles (I feel bad for Potomac Middle, though). Principal Turner reprimanded me publically in front of other parents and students for accidentally picking up my child using the wrong procedure at the beginning of the school year. I agree with the other reviewers that Principal Turner is a very gruff person. I heard from another teacher that Principal Turner yelled at a teacher and made her cry. Very sad.

Posted: March 13, 2012

My son attends Coles and is in Kindergarten. He has been very happy. He is inspired by his teachers to want to learn. His teachers work closely with him as he is advanced to ensure he is being challenged on all levels. The staff is top notch, friendly, quick to help and resolve any issues. This first yr has been a great one and we look forward to the next school yr. Principal Turner is amazing. She definitely is about making sure the quality of education is at its best and expects no less.

Posted: January 12, 2012

Coles is rapidly declining. It is amazing how many fantastic teachers leave every year due to the authoritative leadership style of the principal. Education has no place for this type of leader. PWCS will never be a world class school system if it allows for this type of principal.

Posted: September 27, 2011

I love this school but they are lacking in communication. The supply list that was mailed home was incorrect for 3rd grade. I spent over $40 and a quarter of the supplies were sent back home - they were the wrong color - but no colors were specified. The agenda that we purchased isn't used except to send home their behavioral sheets each day. In the past, the monthly newsletter has had incorrect dates and the Sunday phone calls are so long winded that they are often cut off before any real information is shared. I am also concerned about the division of the 3rd grade classes this year. There are kids with extremely varied learning abilities in my child's class. Why weren't the like learners grouped together? Kids are told to ask the peers at their tables for help before going to the teacher. Was this done to increase test scores?? My child is bothered by other children for answers constantly and stated on many occasions that she is bored. Last year, the teacher was amazing. The teacher this year didn't even bother to introduce herself during the open house and seemed indifferent. This is not a great way to start the school year!!

Posted: September 26, 2011

I second the comment below regarding the decline of this school. In 6 yrs time this school has gone from being the place to be to the last place you wanna be. The staff turn over has been a sure sign of poor leadership. The teachers are great teachers but are so beat down, stressed and under motivated that it shows in the overall mural and atmosphere. There is a string disconnect between the patents and staff leadership which hinders the school from having wonderful events for parents and students to enjoy. Thank God she hires great teachers otherwise this school would be a 0.

Posted: July 26, 2011

coles school was a great school several years ago, but recently has been greatly suffering from poor leadership. the current staff moral is extremely low, and is reflected in the schools test scores which have declined in recent years. the county needs to step up and find a new leadership for this school.

Posted: May 9, 2011

hello i would just like to say coles elementary is a great place to be

Posted: February 22, 2007