Iowa's Elk Run Elementary is a Warm and Very Kid-friendly School

After substitute teaching in Elk Run Elementary, I was pleased and encouraged to find such a great school in Eastern Iowa. Many of the elementary schools in Waterloo seem unfriendly and not a place you would necessarily want your children to go. In fact, the farther East you go, it seems the worse the schools are.
The good news is Elk Run Heights, just 15 minutes east of Waterloo is home to an excellent elementary school, as well as many friendly people. Elk Run Elementary is also a fairly diverse school, which offers added learning to each student as well as preparation for the "real world". There are several ELL students who are learning and becoming stronger in their English Skills on a daily basis.

7 students, 3rd grade comes close behind with 55 students. The school is located on 316 McCoy Road just off of HWY 20, 15 minutes east of Waterloo.
Other reasons to consider this school are the location and environment. Walking in the door, it is apparent that this school is professional, warm, caring, and effective. The student work on the wall is notable and is the result of evident creativity and teacher care.
The parents are also highly involved at Elk Run and have great things to say about it as well. One testimony, posted on greatschools.net reads "I love Elk Run! My family throughout generations has attended Elk Run. My son now attends Elk Run as well. The teachers and the principal are great! They'll help you with a plan that helps your child in the best way. They're willing to talk with you anytime to resolve questions or problems you may have." This parent also pointed out that the Waterloo School Board is considering taking out Elk Run and closing it down to make a new elementary school next to a junior high on a dead-end street.
The standardized test results for this school are slightly below average, however, they seem to be improving. For example, the reading average score was 62% in 2004 compared to the state average of 79%. The math score in 2005 was 54%, a 2% increase in one year. The state average for math was 81%.
The test scores are certainly not the only ones to consider, however.
The town of Elk Run Heights also has a lot to offer compared to other towns in Eastern Iowa. The average median income is $48,434 compared to the Iowan median of $45,063.
Also the cost of living is 81% compared to the national average, that's 19% lower than the national average and 4% lower than the average in Iowa. Unemployment rests at 4% in Elk Run Heights which is equivalent to the Iowa average unemployment rate. Violent crime index is at 4 while the national average is 3.
The population of Elk Run is only 1,024; however the city of Waterloo is close by with all the amenities a small town could hope for. Elk run Heights also has 104 days a year with precipitation and 191 days with some sun.
A note from the principal, Pam Zeigler, was published in the Waterloo Annual School Report. Zeigler noted; "At Elk Run Elementary School, our diverse student population has helped in building a caring community. A positive learning environment has been created through the use of the six pillars character. We have a strong commitment to making sure our students are successful in school, because we believe that Kids Matter Most."
One of the goals of Elk run is to improve reading comprehension and math scores for the standardized tests this year.
Some of the incentives and programs available at Elk Run include; small group instruction, reading recovery, book room, problem-solving processes, wireless mobile lab, internet connections in each classroom, computers in the media center, 39% ELL, extended day program in reading and math, character counts, caring supportive environment, mentors, volunteers, peer helpers, college students, full-inclusion special education program and much more.
Elk Run is truly a quality school and just stepping in the door will convince you of such. The teachers are well organized, warm, friendly and good at what they do. They work hard to give kids the best education they can and will continue to strive towards academic excellence for each student.