Dewitt Clinton Elementary School

Honestly, I have really mixed feelings about Clinton. While the teachers are nice, the school is constantly dealing with overcrowding, and you can really feel it in the health department. The chronic absenteeism rate is super high—like over 30%—which tells you everything you need to know about how many bugs go around. It feels like my kid is consistently coming home with something because the classrooms are so packed. Communication about when a virus is hitting a specific grade is pretty spotty too. I wish they had more resources for wellness and better ventilation because the building just feels old and cramped. It's tough to keep kids healthy in that environment.

Honestly, Clinton does a pretty solid job keeping the kids healthy. My youngest is in 2nd grade there, and I’ve noticed they are really on top of it when something starts going around the classroom—they're quick to send out those 'exposure' emails so we know what to look for. The school is older, sure, but the custodial staff works hard; the hallways don't have that 'grimy' feel you get at some public schools. My only gripe is that the nurse is only there certain days, which can be stressful if your kid has an allergy or a sudden scrape, but the office staff is usually really sweet and steps in to help. They also seem to prioritize getting the kids outside for fresh air unless it's absolutely freezing, which I really appreciate as a parent!