5909 Old Ave
Newport News, VA 23605

I am perplexed that the school is rated so low based solely on "data". I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Carver Colt school family for 3 years now. Before enrolling 3 of my children at the school, I too relied on reviews found online via Google and GreatSchools.org. I was apprehensive about enrollment due to what I read in the reviews. I am so glad I gave this school a chance. The faculty, staff, and volunteers are wonderful! I had a child in their special needs program for 2 years and it was life-changing (for the better). The teachers care about their students and it's evident in the relationships and the opportunities for the students. From safety patrol to the 5th-grade honor society and more - there are opportunities for students to get involved and learn responsibilities. The school faculty goes above and beyond to create community and partner with outstanding programs like Soundscapes - a nonprofit youth development organization that uses music instruction and performance to develop life skills in students from early childhood to early adulthood. My children have enjoyed their time, teachers, and experiences at Carver, as I have had the peace to send them to school. I hope my review makes a positive difference online for parents who want to know what's happening at the school.

My daughter has been traumatized by this experience. Two years of Crittenden MS will stain her conscience for the rest of her life. Therapy and a loving home are the only tools left to us for what this school has wrought upon her mind. I see there are actually positive reviews present on this site; I cannot see how anyone in good conscience could leave such a review.

Horrible school, I go to heritage and a student had taken photos up my skirt and the school was not following legal requirements. They told me they would tell that student to walk a different way than the path to my classes but failed to do so for 2 days with me repeatedly going back when the school knew he wasn't allowed within 100 feet of me. Instead of taking the kid out of my class the consular was trying to convince ME to leave that class and switch out instead. This isn't the only instance where the school failed to protect me as a student when I was being harassed by a student at a school event the head of security shrugged his shoulders and said "It wasn't during school so i cant do anything about it." even though I had gone to them before about that student harassing me daily. This school will not protect your students please do not send your children here.

Unfortunately, I can not specify any issues in my child's class, as I am not allowed to know what happens there. It could not be more apparent that I inconvience the teachers by making contact with them, even by note. If my child gets in trouble, I only know by a color chart. Phone calls are ignored. You do get conferences around halfway through the quarter, where you're told your child has exceeded expectations, only to receive a report card filled with areas they're underperforming in (every single one AN EXACT SAME AREA you were told they were exceeding in) weeks later. Special activities? Don't worry; you'll find out THE NIGHT BEFORE (approx. 70% of all notices are sent home less than 24 hours before). I am an involved parent, but not a helicopter parent. Education is a priority to me. I have no idea beyond the school syllabus as to what my child is doing.The teacher and the aide give conflicting information often. If my child is struggling, tell me how so I can help. If my child is misbehaving, tell me what she did so I can do something. If you just need free babysitting, this is the school for you. I'd withdraw my child, but she'd be heartbroken not to go to school.