5137 Shell Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

I graduated earlier this year and honestly I loved this school. I graduated early which the school made it a very easy process for me. This school has a bad reputation but you will find it is because most people still hold prejudices. As long as you dont start problems with anyone, they will not start with you. Most of my teachers were amazing and extremely understanding of kids who struggle with mental health, there was only one teacher that I really didnt like. I took AP, honors, and core classes and I would say I learned a lot from every single class. The academics are actually good here, it doesn't really reflect though because many students are not motivated to do their work, which the school does try to improve. The counselors are amazing! They actually care about you and will take time out of their day to make sure you are okay. Especially Ms. Frye who literally saved me my last year just by listening to me. Many good resources for tutoring, college help, financial aid and scholarship help. As a student, going to school here was so fun because almost everyone gets along and bullying isnt really an issue at Bayside, although people could be more kind to students with disabilities from what I have noticed. The principal, Mr. Walton is very laid back and very respectful. Some staff members almost have control issues and do way too much. If your a parent worried about sending your kid here, dont even worry. In the years that I was there they did not tolerate fighting or violence at all. There is also an entire team of security as well as one or two police officers on campus at all time. Honestly, I miss this school it was hilarious and as a kid with a not so good home life, this school was my escape and I enjoyed coming everyday because of the people there.

Some amazing teachers but one star based mainly on the current Principal. Our School Bd rep pulled her family member out of this school. Our class dealt with a severe behavioral issue. Principal coddled a student to the determent of others. Gifted Services is a joke, no accountability and extremely poor communication. Many families did not know about ODS Visual Arts and Dance program (they buried it at the bottom of an e-newsletter). Unacceptable! Our kid missed the chance to apply which was a dagger thru my heart as was recognized elsewhere for art ability & everyone deserves a chance to compete for a spot. Our school is 70% military affiliated which I love (we are not military but have a proud military tradition), some NATO which is great. Extremely transient vs. a private or small town public school. Many need tutoring so not ideal for gifted learners. Kids definitely over use Chromebooks. Old Donation (gifted magnet school) gets better resources and curriculum. Dr. Robertson seems like a good Supt. We have good local school bd reps who get it. Hopefully some changes ASAP to improve our #38 out of #55 ranking VB Elementary Schools.

So many fights! Weekly emails from the principal to have parents “remind children to be kind”. My son tells me daily about the noisy classrooms and the lack of control, causing teachers to yell. He comes home and tells me that “teacher so and so was at her limit today”….Substitutes that doom scroll the whole class instead of attempting to interact with the kids. The forced “we are not bullies” speech at lunch everyday. Makes it sound like a prison. Looking to love to get my kids out of this school for next year. So ridiculous