Beckettville

I enrolled my children in this school believing they would receive a better education, stronger leadership, and a safer environment than public school, but unfortunately our experience has been the complete opposite. I currently have four children of color attending this school, and every single one of them has come home this year with concerns about the way staff and administration treat students. My child has come home crying multiple times because of comments made by teachers and administrators, including the principal publicly embarrassing him in front of classmates by telling him he “should work for a radio show” because he was loud. There is a huge difference between discipline and humiliation, and no child should feel mocked by the adults responsible for educating them. What concerns me even more is the culture surrounding racism and discrimination within this school. During one lunch period when chicken tikka masala was being served, students began mocking an Indian classmate with fake accents, stereotypical dancing, and exaggerated Indian songs meant to embarrass him. According to my child, the school secretary witnessed this behavior and laughed along instead of correcting it. What is especially disturbing is that even the students themselves often seem more aware and respectful than the staff members supervising them. My children have told me students will sometimes call each other out when jokes go too far, while adults either ignore the behavior or contribute to it. That says a lot about the environment being created here. This school proudly promotes diversity and inclusion, but diversity means nothing if minority students do not feel respected, protected, or treated equally by staff. Parents deserve to know that behind the polished image this school presents publicly, there are serious issues with professionalism, accountability, and the way children of color are treated.

This is an amazing school. The teachers are caring, devoted and excellent educators. It is a wonderful environment to learn.

Very good school. Excellent teachers, administrators and staff. Wonderful kids in the school as well.