2006 Null #2
Richmond, VA 23222

I have two children attending J.E.B. Stuart Elementary School and they are thriving. Principal Moore is on the ball and she has a staff of loving, dedicated people who make me feel confident that my children are in good hands every day. THe teachers my children have experienced have been incredibly hard working , flexible and supportive and have been professional examples for the children to model and provided high bars and standards for my children to reach. It's a jewel in the rough really and I'm glad the kids are there. I have seen a great transformation in the school - the administration is creating more programs to engage the kids. My children come home raving about the "store" from which they can purchase small trinkets after excellent behavior or achievement. They have been excited about the field trips and activities from chess club to mind games and the SPACE program. DOn't judge the school by the neighborhood or the outside. The real jewel is in the inside - the teachers, staff and the gorgeous brains in some kids who may not have a fighting chance otherwise. It's a good school to check out. Take it from a picky, involved parent.

My daughter was an 8th grader at Henderson last year. She was at a much larger school for 6th and 7th. She transitioned well, made friends, felt accepted by peers and teachers. She had typical middle school issues, but actually experienced less negative peer interaction at Henderson vs her other middle school (out of state). She passed all of her SOLs and feels prepared for high school.

This school is not exactly one of my best experiences, I'd say the school next door to it was a bit better. Bullying happens constantly, and teachers seem to not hear it—yet when you pull out a phone, they suddenly have X-ray vision. I remember me and my best friend being bullied out loud by a group of boys, and the teacher was in the classroom, yet did nothing. The bullying was not subtle, it was out loud and mean. As well as the favoritism, certain students could joke around with teachers like they're best friends, come late to class, be on their phones, and it was treated like it was funny. Meanwhile, it felt as if when me and my friends even such as touched our phones, it was an issue. The dress code here is also stupid, it feels misogynistic—like most dress codes. The boys are allowed to sag their pants, and have their buttocks out, but girls are told they'll have to go home because of a cropped shirt. The boys here are also very disrespectful, and they bullying from them seems to be unheard more than anything. I have a friend who went here(moved schools) who was often bullied, and not a single thing was done. What pride and joy is this school preaching? I can't seem to find it.