Mather Elementary School

We had an amazing year (K1) and look forward to this coming year!

Review continuedThe teacher that I worked under confided in me that she was not aware of certain IEP calls which I think is not ok. She made kids cry, at times would make them seem incapable. Students with colorful personalities, she would not allow to be themselves. I honestly believe it was just time for her to retire as some of her teaching methods were extremely outdated, or even like a dictator.And when it came to me rather than using my skill set, which my background is a mental health professional and I work with children, she micromanaged me. She was condescending, questioned my methods infront of kids or in private. If she did not like some thing that I was doing she would just completely remove me instead of talk to me about how she would like it done or understand that I might not do things how she does. There was no coming to middle ground. And when I finally got the courage to address how she was speaking to me, another adult, she became abrasive and extremely defensive. It was so bad that one day I left in the middle of the day in tears because of how she was treating me. And to make matters worse when I finally got comfortable expressing my concerns to other staff members. They told me that I was another para Who complained about her and had an extremely miserable time. And the principal did not do anything. After I stood up for myself with the principal and went above the principal to talk to BPS special ed department, she actually removed me from the classroom. For the last month I did not work with any students but instead saw out in the hallway doing ridiculous preparation for the following school year.This review is only to shed light to my experience which was similar to other experiences. Certain black staff members left due to this experience and I think having black professionals in a predominantly black student body is extremely imperative. Coincidentally though we all had the same experience with the principal. I tried to talk to the union about this but there was not much that they could do so I’m hoping that my story will bring some attention .

DEEP CONCERNS The experience can be summed up in the following: Uncomfortable Environment for Children of Color * 1 teacher of color* Frequently sending children of color out of the school by referral to BPS. Frequent Turnover of Principal and Teachers *Different Principal every year. *Our child said numerous times that his teacher "left". Meaning they walked off the job in the middle of the semester. Inexperienced Teachers *Teachers frequently overwhelmed, preoccupied and unable to keep parents informed. Not Worth the Expensive Price Tag*The school is very expensive, yet you have to walk up seven flights of stairs, the classrooms are outdated and the experience felt very much like the public school experience we had with our older child. ConclusionIf you want the private school experience with a catholic education - seriously consider a different option. This felt like a public school with many lingering issues, an unwelcoming environment and lack of funding.

This is a great elementary school. The principal is phenomenal. The teachers and staff are invested in the student's welfare and if you are an involved parent feedback is consistent and forthcoming, I have two sons attending this school after relocating from a different state and l am so happy we made the choice to have them attend this school.