3500A Patterson Ave #A
Richmond, VA 23221

We moved to the neighborhood from California in the middle of last year while my daughter was in 8th grade .it s a safe and nice neighborhood. We had no idea how dangerous and vile the school would be! I don’t know where they are busing these kids in from? But wow! My child is a sweet girl with a unique style. Immediately when she started at this school, boys started liking her and girls started hating her. She was jumped by 2 huge girls and received a concussion. The principal took 4 hours to call me and was rude and dismissive when called and stated “you can your kid up if you’d like”. We had no idea my child was brutally assulted! But as we learned that’s normal behavior for these kids at this school,and most inner city schools I guess. My wife and I made a huge deal of it all with the superintendent. So the principal and staff were forced to protect my daughter. If we didn’t make a huge deal of the assault, the school would have easily brushed it off. And the sexual abuse for the boy students is a whole different other nightmare!

We were hesitant about Cary, but now we couldn't be happier. Our son began kindergarten there in August 2022. We adore his teacher, the principal is very involved, and it has the welcoming feel of a small, neighborhood school. We love their values; Cary won a presigious "Green Ribbon" award from the Department of Education for it's commitment to environmentalism and encouraging the children to learn outdoors; especially for a public school, they really try to keep the kids outdoors and moving around as much as possible. My son has gardening class at the raised beds near his playground, and is learning about soil and how to make things grow. I also LOVE their commitment to social/emotional learning. Every other week he has "guidance" class with the school counselor where they learn about being a good friend, setting boundaries, how to cope with big feelings, etc. The school has some problems just like any city school, but we've been pleasantly surprised by so much and we are very happy that he's there.

The community here is incredible. TJ is an amazing school. There are problems to be addressed, sure, but if a student needs something, they will get it. If a parent needs something, they will get it. Scores do not communicate the entire story of a school and should be reviewed VERY carefully.