Gordon School of Beth David

My experience with this school has been deeply disappointing and concerning. Instead of being a supportive and nurturing educational environment, the school has become a place where many children—especially those with academic difficulties—are made to feel overwhelmed, insecure, and discouraged rather than supported and helped.There is a noticeable lack of empathy and patience among a large portion of the teaching staff. Several teachers display poor attitudes, little understanding, and a harsh approach that intimidates students and negatively impacts their self-esteem. Rather than motivating children to grow and learn, they are made to feel incapable and constantly pressured.This culture appears to stem from the school’s leadership. Beginning with the principal Barbara Martin, the school’s methodology seems to support a rigid and emotionally insensitive approach, where academic pressure outweighs students’ emotional well-being and individual needs.Additionally, there is clear evidence of favoritism. Certain students—particularly children of teachers or school staff—receive preferential treatment, leadership roles, and opportunities that are not equally available to other students. This creates an unfair, exclusionary, and discouraging environment for the rest of the student body.The overall school climate is negative and unhealthy: poor communication with families, lack of emotional support, minimal inclusivity, and an absence of genuine concern for students’ mental and emotional health. As a parent, it is extremely troubling to witness how this environment damages children’s confidence and their relationship with learning.I would not recommend this school to families seeking a safe, equitable, and compassionate educational environment for their children.

I love this school and the community. Academics are obviously important here and the kids love the school.

We were very excited to get in this school. You have to get lucky to win the lottery and it is the best public school in the area. Teachers in kindergarten are amazing and our little one learned a lot during her first year in Ada Merrit. School staff is very nice for the most part. The only person who really ruins the impression about the school is Patricia Marty. She is one of the ladies who works in the front office, she processes excuse notes for absences. She never does it on time, it takes several emails and reminders in person for her to do her job. And every time she will give you an attitude. She is the rudest person in the whole school. The principle should have a conversation with her. I hope my kids don’t get sick so I don’t have to deal with her. Otherwise it is an amazing school.

Terrible principal. So many people have left because of her. It’s so sad what this school has become.

We have been in this school for over 8 years with our 3 kids.Love the quality of the teachers, the loving environment. It is our second home and would recommend to anyone.