Lowell Elementary School

Posted: December 17, 2025

Our child had a bully one year and we were told by the principal once or twice incidents is not considered bullying. Our child expressed several times they didnt feel safe in the school and the principal and assistant principal did nothing and were very dismissing. The principal and staff admit and acknowledge safety failures but do nothing to address or communicate. They don't collaborate or listen but will tell you they are but provide no evidence to support any statement. My only advice is make sure you follow up in writing and get everything in writing. They will try and push you to in person and verbal only with any situation then drag everything along to not commit to what was spoken about. They avoid accountability at all costs and everything to put in the kid and anything but them. LISTEN TO YOUR KIDS when it comes to this school because the leadership in this school is toxic and it is trickling down into the teachers and staff. Several of us have had to pull our kids out of this school which is a shame due to all the connected resources at that school.

Posted: December 17, 2025

Posted: December 17, 2025

Posted: December 17, 2025

Posted: December 17, 2025

Posted: December 17, 2025

Posted: December 17, 2025

Posted: December 17, 2025

Posted: September 6, 2019

I've never met a more dedicated group of talented and compassionate educators.

Posted: September 6, 2019

Very focused on kindness, respect, and inclusivity.

Posted: September 6, 2019

The new principal has done outstanding things for the school. We feel lucky to have her - she truly cares about our kids and advocates hard for them at the district level. She also really involves parents and is very accessible.

Posted: September 6, 2019

Posted: September 6, 2019

Posted: September 6, 2019

We've had a wonderful experience at Lowell. It's a magical place in so many ways, with students from many different backgrounds learning with and from each other. My son is thriving academically and has developed so many "soft" skills. Amazing teachers and staff. We couldn't be happier. Ignore the 2/10 and actually visit Lowell to see what an amazing place it really is!

Posted: September 6, 2019

Posted: July 7, 2019

The fact that this school is a "2" proves to me that these ratings websites tell you almost nothing about what is happening inside a school building. Lowell is accomplishing amazing things despite challenges and a lack of support from the district. If you are scared about a low rating, go tour a school and see for yourself the cute kids, and devoted teachers and staff working hard every day to support and educate children. Remember that test scores basically tell you the race and socioecomonic status of the students, not the quality or dedication of the staff and community. Kids with privilege test well no matter where they are (See study: "Does Attendance in Private Schools Predict Student Outcomes at Age 15? Evidence From a Longitudinal Study", Educational Researcher, July 9, 2018).

Posted: July 7, 2019

Generally, homework is optional so families that highly value it can incorporate it.

Posted: July 7, 2019

Our teachers teach a very diverse array of students and therefore are, on average, more highly skilled than teachers in more privileged schools.

Posted: July 7, 2019

Lowell has a strong commitment to social emotional learning and incorporates that curriculum in all activities.

Posted: July 7, 2019

Our new principal is highly organized and effective and devoted to serving all of our kids, especially those experiencing trauma and poverty.

Posted: July 7, 2019

Lowell has a high population of students receiving special education services, english language learners, etc. Each classroom features a lot of diversity in terms of race, socioecomonic status and learning style.

Posted: July 7, 2019

My children have not experienced bullying, but when negative interactions have occurred (as they do in every school), the school has been VERY proactive and responsive.

Posted: April 23, 2019

Very structural approach on homework assignments! Makes it very interesting and interactive for the students!

Posted: April 23, 2019

Young, energetic and talented teaching team! Students feel very comfortable in sharing thought process with the teachers!

Posted: April 23, 2019

Posted: April 23, 2019

Principal Doctor Talbot has a open door policy! She is very open to feedback and constantly working for betterment!

Posted: April 23, 2019

Posted: April 23, 2019

Posted: April 23, 2019

I rate Lowell Elementary School very high based on the teaching team, leadership and my kids progress! I highly recommend Lowell!

Posted: July 3, 2017

Posted: July 3, 2017

Posted: July 3, 2017

Posted: July 3, 2017

Lowell has a very diverse population and has been through many changes over the last few years and has emerged with a strong diverse community and a dedicated excellent new leadership.

Posted: July 3, 2017

Posted: July 3, 2017

Posted: July 3, 2017

Posted: April 12, 2016

with more training/professional development around differentiation they will become VERY effective. It isn't for lack of desire.

Posted: April 12, 2016

I'm not a big fan for homework for young kids. But recognize that it teaches them good habits for future success. There is just the right amount given at the early years - my child is only in 2nd grade, so we will see how it goes in upper grade levels.

Posted: April 12, 2016

All students are treated with respect by their teachers and classmates - they are currently implementing RULER.

Posted: April 12, 2016

There is a great community of parents and teachers at Lowell Elementary. It is a great neighborhood school where kids will learn to be citizens of a diverse society. While it's not perfect, I've seen that no school - public or private - is perfect. It takes families becoming personally invested in their neighborhood and the outcomes of ALL students that makes a great school.
Lowell has the makings of that.

Posted: April 9, 2014

Although Lowell is 2 star rated but it has a whole bunch of dedicated and good teachers. However the curriculum should be more challening.

Posted: January 20, 2012

If you're a parent of a child resisting the move to a new school, have them read this: I cried the day my parents told me I would be leaving Gatewood for Lafayette, and reacted similarly when they made me move from Lafayette to Lowell. It's a big deal to switch schools, and it's especially hard when you have to leave all of your friends behind. But you will find when you get to Lowell that you make friends very quickly, and that you can still hold on to your friends from your old school. I was a student at Lowell from third through fifth grade, and those three years were academically the best years of my life so far. I also met most of my closest friends at Lowell, and it was a recent conversation with those friends about our love for this school that inspired me to find it on this website and write a review. I had some of the best teachers that I've ever had, certainly the best curricula, and, perhaps most importantly, became a part of the incredible Lowell community. If you are considering Lowell, don't consider any longer. Of course, for some people it won't be a good fit. But most families find in Lowell a social and academic experience that is worth taking a risk for.

Posted: November 2, 2010

Lowell has one of the most dedicated parent, teacher and student communities that I have seen.