Benfield Elementary School

We have been extremely happy with this school. The level of education and educator involvement has met and exceeded our expectations. The school renovations are beautiful and the PTA does a tremendous job of fundraising in manners that allow families to contribute, but not be overburdened with constant forms, selling of anything, and family and friend solicitation. There will always be parents who are unhappy and not every school is a great fit for every child, but we are happy here. Teacher to student ratio for the first 3 years for both of our children was exceptional with both being in classes of 14 students. In fourth grade the class size increased to around 22, but we do not feel that quality has been impacted by the increase. Beginning in 3rd grade children are taught in math and reading ability levels and rotate among the grade level teachers with their ability level peers and are intermixed again for all other subjects. Our household makes less than $100,000 a year with two working parents. I have never felt judged over my ability to contribute to the PTA or other fundraisers in comparison to higher earning households. There is some level of snobbery in the community, but in my opinion that comes in any high performing school area. There is no requirement to socialize with or pander to those people, that method has worked well for us so far. We enjoy the school community and the vast majority of the people in it.

If you believe tracking your kids starting in kindergarten seems like the right thing to do then go with Benfield. The school is in lockdown mode. It is absolutely inaccessible to taxpaying parents.

What an amazing place! The education here is beyond amazing! What great teachers, and an exceptional principal!

Many of the teachers think they are God's gift to the education system. The Principal is thankfully leaving--she ALWAYS took the side of the teachers, regardless of evidence. There are more parents involved in the school than there are kids, which is great. Parental involvement and expectations (and smart kids) = good results. Some teachers think it's because of their teaching skills--hardly! Some teachers coast, and some don't want to help kids that need extra attention. If a kid can't keep up, they will need outside help, because they sure won't get it at Benfield.