Black Hawk Elementary is an Impressive School in the Waterloo School District

Black Hawk Elementary school is located in Southwest Waterloo Iowa. It is an impressive school with many outstanding attributes. This elementary school definitely stands out as one of the most excellent schools in the Waterloo Community School District. After visiting and working in Black Hawk Elementary school in Waterloo Iowa, I was more than impressed. This elementary school is definitely different than many of the other Elementary schools in Waterloo. Black Hawk has great parent involvement, which is absolutely necessary in order for a school to succeed. While I was there I noticed a bulletin board listing several items which parents had provided for Black Hawk Elementary through their financial contribution. Such items as bulletin board decorations, school supplies, and extra support in general, make a tremendous difference when it comes down to the quality of an Elementary school. Black Hawk currently has about 300 students and is a K-5 school. It is situated in a pleasant and quiet neighborhood on Downing Avenue. The staff and faculty are incredibly friendly and helpful. The lessons are motivating and up to par in the realm of education. The website noted that, "Our school has an experienced and dedicated group of teachers and support staff. Each adult strives to encourage students to learn in a productive atmosphere." This quote was proven true after visiting and substitute teaching in the school.
The website also is very up to date and provides lots of information on school activities, the school calendar, P.T.O events, and even the lunch menu.
http://www.blackhawk.waterloo.iowapages.org/index.html

More information on how this school compares with other Elementary schools in the area is found at: http://www.greatschools.net/modperl/browse_school/ia/1420

To summarize the information of Black Hawk Elementary, their reading proficient percentage on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills was extremely high at 89%, the state average is only 79%. The percent of students at Black Hawk Elementary who were proficient in Math in 2005 was 86% while the state average was only 81%.

This information proves that Black Hawk Elementary is more than above average in regard to Iowa schools, particularly Waterloo Schools.

I was also particularly impressed by the special needs teachers and how accommodating and on top of things they were. Each student is carefully treated and it is obvious that the teachers strive to meet the individual needs of each student. The special needs program itself is highly effective and well planned. The students all seemed to be at the appropriate level and they were proud of their accomplishments.

Black Hawk also soared above the other Elementary schools on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills averages in Math and English. They came in first place for both categories, and had quite a bit of breathing room as well. Those scores may be viewed at greatschools.net

Black Hawk has a staff-student ratio of 15 to one. This school is doing a terrific job and parents should feel at ease sending their students here.