Sayles School

The administration actively avoids getting involved with parents. I've had problems with both of my children getting the supports that they need. Some of the teachers are fantastic, and some should not be teaching at all, it's really luck of the draw. There is not enough funding to make sure that kids have access to extra help if they're struggling. They will provide intervention for children who aren't meeting the coveted benchmarks in reading, but if they need help in math, forget it. As for the issue of bullying, the administration will do everything they can to sweep the issue under the rug rather than address it and take action. Don't be fooled by the test scores for this school. School is much more than how well students perform on standardized tests, and in every other area, this school is failing its students.

If you are a hands-off parent this school is the school for you. Administration has a habit of not answering questions until they are forced to, not matter how nicely you approach. The majority of teachers are tired and worn out and have no desire to do anything but teach for the CMT's. There is a small town mentality which shows when teachers and administration brush aside (read as ignore) new ideas or parents trying to get involved. If you don't know someone you'll get nothing from this school. They brush of bullying as kids being kids, yet promising they are doing something about it and the resulting change is nothing. It is apparent this school has a holier than thou attitude and they don't try to hide it.

I did not feel that this school has teachers with proper education levels. Academically, they may look great, but I encountered a lot of ignorance with regards to teaching methods and overall judgment of intelligence in their classrooms. They may look OK on state scores, but I cannot imagine how that happens because the classroom environment (in the experiences I have had) is lacking at best. Move elsewhere or send your child to a private school if you want challenging or supportive.

Most teachers are looking to help the child succeed. Many extracurricular programs after school. In addition the curriculum includes a second language in grades K-8. This is a big bonus for children who will require a second language later in their academic career.