Washington Elementary School

Really disappointing. I knew going in that the school had bad ratings, as learning in a second language always causes a learning curve and can thus drop ratings, but I was not prepared for just how badly run the school would be. The office staff are wonderful, as are the librarian and music teachers, however the Principal is all talk and no action, very friendly but doesn't attempt to improve conditions for the children or teachers, for instance, a kindergarten teacher was pulled away 3 weeks in, right after the first parent/teacher conference, just ripped away, the children were then split up between a seasoned and a brand new teacher from Spain. The children in the teacher with experience at Washington had a very different year then the children in the alternative class, yet both had a lot of struggles. Children were not properly assessed for IEP's for extensive periods of time, including a child with Autism. Due to the poor leadership of the incoming Principal, her lack of fundraising initiatives or attempts to get volunteers or paid helpers for the unmanageable classes (despite parents best efforts to encourage or find ways to assist) the children and teachers suffered, a lot. If it weren't for a few parent volunteers who consistently showed up to help, things would have been much worse. It was very sad, particularly given what it might have been.

Like some other parents with a child in Washington Elementary, I am a bit confused by the low rating. But in the end, it seems to me that the numbers likely represent more about the disparities that exist in society at large and not just issues that may exist at the school. And perhaps even by how these ratings are made. Washington Elementary is dual-immersion: Spanish-English/English-Spanish. In our 2-year experience so far it is clear that at-home learning engagement is very important. But really, that should be the norm regardless. And that would be the first place social disparities may play a role in driving down ones experience there. Without going too deep into things, the city of Richmond at-large has significant income disparities along typical racial lines but also has a working-class white community, that blurs those lines a bit. So while Washington Elementary is located in the small, much more affluent (and white) area of the city, the school does not receive the funding it would need to counter many broader social inequalities that exist. I do not feel the parents in such cases nor the school should shoulder that burden alone and be ranked by those stats. In our experience, Washington Elementary is a safe school, with quality teachers and administrators. The staff seem passionate and committed to creating a positive, progressive, dual-immersion learning experience.

I'm extremely satisfied with Washington Elementary & more than confused as to why this school on rates 2/10 as of my posting. Bilingual education at a public school price? Safe, quiet neighborhood? Friendly & helpful teachers? Yes please! Honestly baffled why this school isn't at least an 8/10 :)

Very good, I think the school is welcoming and the principal has worked with me to resolve any issues I’ve had. The teachers are helpful and there’s a diverse teaching staff.

School needs real work on curriculum, communication and leadership