Barnard Elementary School

I had my 3 children in this school during the 2017-18 school year, and then only 2 there during the 2018-19 school year. I had taken them out of their old school (which was a positive and nurturing environment and I now regret that decision) because I was seeking a more culturally-aware, character-building and challenging environment for them. I was very drawn to the school because I thought it would be a place where the teachers and administrators would work to instill positive cultural awareness, which black children and people are in desperately need of. So we made our way to Roots PCS (a very small school). I was pleasantly surprised by the 2nd/3rd grade teacher. He set out to instill positive cultural images, awareness and beliefs in the children, and their work, art and the classroom itself reflected that. My second grader was anxious to go to school everyday, learn and worked very hard. He made honor roll both semesters. My other 2 children's experiences were less than awe-inspiring. While my oldest who was in the 4th grade did very well (doing 5th grade work- he's always been an excellent student), he was surprised to see that when the children brought candy to the teacher she was less strict with them, and that the other 4th graders were mostly lagging behind without advancing beyond basic skills such as long division and reading (at the appropriate grade level). As for my then-kindergartener, her experience was terrible. The school Special Ed teacher desperately tried to work with her and I'm sure her actual teacher tried to some extent, but it was clear that she was not getting the help that she needed. For one thing, there were no paraprofessionals and the Special Ed teacher was often required to work as a substitute for the combined 2nd/3rd grade class, so I took my daughter out of the school. The 2018-19 school year was absolutely awful! The boys were in the same class together (one in 3rd and one in 5th). They both hated going and wished they were in the other teacher's class. There was just too much negativity and not enough encouragement. Both of my boys have always liked school so this was new! Finally, one day my oldest said the class was "a hellhole" and "a warzone". I had NEVER heard him talk like that before! And my youngest son cried at the prospect of going back. I took them out and homeschooled them the remainder of the year...

We've been at John Lewis since they opened the new building in 2021, have two daughters there in 1st and PK4 who both started in PK3. We could not be happier with this school. The principal is the most caring, nurturing and committed to ensuring a safe, healthy environment in which all kids can learn and thrive, and has created a culture among all staff who believe the same. We've had no major issues since we've been at the school, and whenever minor ones have arisen the staff work quickly to address them. Teachers and administration are communicative with parents and engaged with the entire school community. This school is magical, and we wish all kids and families could be as blessed as we are to be part of it.

We are Truesdell parents of two kiddos and have been at Truesdell for 8 years. As someone who has spent 20 years as an educator in DC public, private, and charter schools (and who also teaches at the university level) I feel I have a uniquely informed perspective on what makes a school truly exceptional.Both of our children have been happy, engaged learners every single year they’ve attended Truesdell. Their teachers, year after year, have made a genuine difference. Both kids are top performers in their grades, testing well above grade level, and I credit the school environment for nurturing that love of learning and drive to excel.Like any school, Truesdell has areas to grow. I’d love to see continued investment in family communication, and I know that’s something the school is working on. Responding to students who need additional support is also an area of growth and that’s consistent throughout the city. I have also raised teacher retention with leadership, as one of the best indicators of teacher quality is teacher experience, and I hope that continues to be a priority. But in my two decades in K-12 education, I have never encountered a school without imperfections. What matters is the culture, the care, and the outcomes, and on all three counts, Truesdell delivers.My partner and I both run small businesses in this neighborhood. We’ve lived here for 17 years and feel deeply rooted in this community. Truesdell is a big part of why. We aim to give back as much as we receive, and this school has given our family so much. Our kids are more than prepared to excel in whatever comes next for them.If you’re looking for a school with a strong community, dedicated teachers, and an environment where high-performing kids can thrive…Truesdell is it. We are so grateful

Poorly. The parent PTO group, Powell Padres, is very high charging and successful in fundraising ventures, but lacks long-term goals, which means a lot of time, energy and money are wasted on things of very little educational value (ie, field trips to Wolf Trap). It seems the real goal then (or consequence for lack of educational vision) is to raise the esteem of certain highly powerful PTO members to influence levels that are beyond reproach.

We love DCB and the community around the school. Ms Daniela is a superlative leader who has built a team around her that values student success and bringing out the best in everyone. The school has been able to retain highly effective teachers because they’re willing to sacrifice the higher pay of DCPS to stay in the warm community of DCB. We have been parents of DCB students for seven years now and can’t imagine sending our kids anywhere else. Homework is limited to reading (in both Spanish and English) which helps develop a love of learning in the kids and reflects the most recent research that worksheet type busywork isn’t effective in younger grades. My 9 year old helped fill this out, and he noted, “There is definitely no bullying, I’ve never seen anything like bullying at DCB.”

My experience at Bridges has been terrible the school lacks experienced teachers, the data collection is non existent. The supports the resources the quality of professionalism is unfortunate considering the environment and population.