Marlan J. Walker Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada

“My kids have been going to this school since kindergarten and they are in 5th, 4th and 2nd grade now. I absolutely love the fact that they are learning spanish this early in life. The teachers are wonderful and the kids really enjoy school. Two thumbs up!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“While I do like the dual language program, it sometimes overshadows other instructional areas. For example, with some teachers, bright students are not being challenged and advanced in basic academic areas. They are being taught at grade level even if they are far above. The reasoning seems to be that they are being challenged by learning another language, which is true but should not take precedent. Overall climate could be improved by genuine concern, good customer service, and friendly staff members. (There are many already, but one rude faculty member can ruin the entire environment.)”
This review was posted by a parent.

“If your child is in kindergarten, I would not suggest this school.They are not kind and caring in this program.I am ready and willing to help and have been told they do not even want parents in the class. Rude behavior from teachers, not really interested in communication with parents from my experience.I have sent my child to another school.They put on a nice face. I suggest you stay on top of the teachers here!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My kids love the school. All of the teachers that my kids have have are wonderful! The PTA is great! They do so many fun things for all of the kids and families. I only wish that it would of passed for the kids to wear uniforms. Heres to a great new year at Walker!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two boys at this school, each of them are in kindergarten and 1st grade respectively. Our experience here has been one that I regret everyday. On a lighter note, we did love their teachers. My children did excelled in their classes, despite the distraction of the front office and the health office. I do not recommend this school for any child.Ever!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Thank Goodness Smalley is being built! I can finally get my kids out of this horrible program and still keep them in a neighborhood school. This spanish program looks good on paper but it truly failing these kids. A handful of them are doing ok, but most of them are falling through the cracks! We just had our child tested at Sylvan and found him to be at least on fulll grade level behind in reading, writing and math. The scary thing is that he is bringing home all A's and high B's from school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I'm always sad to hear when a student doesn't enjoy their school. The school dress code has been voted on each year the school has been open by the parents and PTA and in fact for the next school year the uniform policy has been defeated. I always felt our children had enough colors to choose from. Blue, green, white for shirts. Blue, black, green or tan for pants or shorts. The only thing my children don't like is that the shirts can't have logos other than the schools. They would like to once in a while have a special Yu-Gi-Oh or some other logo shirt they are dying to wear to school. Out of 180 school days a year, this is an issue only 2 or 3 days. I now think it will be a bigger issue in our house than before. Bring back the uniforms.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son did not like going to school here. There are several things we did not like. The school only allowed students to wear certain colors, it is a track school that only gave him two weeks of summer vacation. I didn't like that, because he only had two weeks to get ready for the next school year!Also, he had to take a Spanish course. He was having enouph to worry about his regular classes! I do not reccomend this school at all.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I had several kids at this school, and the ones that were in the Spanish program fell way behind in their abilities to read and understand what they had read, while my kids that were not in the program, did excellent! I have taken the kids that were in the Spanish program out and wished that I had done it a lot sooner!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I too believe that it is not fair to our children to be forced into learning a second language when they haven't even learned what they need to learn in their main language of English! We moved into a nice area and now we are rezoning our son because of this dual language program. Out of 3 years of going to this school we have only had 1 good year, the other two were horrible. We should have a choice as to if we want our kids to learn Spanish or not. The staff is very unhelpful in reconciling issues. I don't recommend this school at all.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think the spanish portion of the school might or might not be a nice idea, I do not believe that it has benifited my child at all. I have recieved little help for my daughter in her struggles with phonics and reading. I pay for extra help for my daughter after school.I believe that if she were to get a full day of english instruction she may not be getting so confused with the difference between spanish and english phonics. Becuase we have no choice our daughter takes up half her day on a subject she is not even being graded on, or recieving any assistance from the school, we are forced to consider moving her to a private or rezoned school. I believe that our children would be better educated if we did not waste valuable resources. That the board of education continuously tells us we don't have!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Pros: It's no surprise that parents living in different school zones are fighting to get children into this school. The principal/vice-principal take an active role and are truly interested in seeing your child succeed. The teachers/staff are wonderful and facilities are conducive to learning. The school requires uniforms but the dress code is lenient so there are several style options. Cons: This is a year-round school and is a pilot program that incorporates international studies. Some parents love it, some hate it. I believe this program can be a valuable teaching tool depending on the student. If your child has ANY type of learning difficulties this program can be hard. Several parents have complained that their child doesn t get enough help in math/reading/etc. Some feel time learning Spanish could be better spent. Regardless of the various 'controversies' of the school, the entire staff makes every effort to insure your child excels.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The teachers are incredible and well qualified. Both the principal and vice principal are very professional. Mrs. Smith is an expert with this type of school abd teaching method. This school is fortunate that the PTA raises lots of money for the children to have learning aids and books in the library. I feel fortunate that my Daughter is attending and am looking forward to my son attending this wonderful school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Spanish immersion is Walker's flagship. The problem with it is they hire teachers who are 'fluent' in Spanish, but it is a second language. Imagine captivating 15 1st graders' attention in your second language. Why not hire great teachers who don't speak a lick of English.”
This review was posted by a parent.