The Blake School

I would rate my experience at this school a 3/5. I have a lot of friends but there is a lot of bullying and I don't like. Also a lot of drama which can lead to suspension or worse being expelled.

Emerson Elementary School is a true gem in the community! As a Spanish immersion school, it provides an incredible opportunity for students to become bilingual while being immersed in a diverse and vibrant cultural environment. With a diverse student body—over 60% of students are Hispanic—the school fosters a sense of inclusivity and community that is both inspiring and heartwarming.My child is absolutely thriving at Emerson. Not only is their Spanish fluency developing impressively, but their English skills are also strong and continuing to grow. The teachers are passionate, dedicated, and truly invested in their students’ success. The curriculum is engaging and challenging, and the school culture promotes kindness, respect, and collaboration.Emerson's diverse student body and focus on equity provide my child with valuable life lessons about empathy, cultural appreciation, and the importance of different perspectives. I feel incredibly lucky to have my child attend such a well-rounded and enriching school.Another highlight of Emerson is its location. The school’s access to Loring Park and nearby children’s theaters is unmatched. These resources provide incredible opportunities for outdoor exploration, creative engagement, and enrichment beyond the classroom.If you're considering a Spanish immersion program for your family, I highly recommend Emerson Elementary. It’s a school that celebrates its diversity and prepares students not just academically, but for life in an interconnected world.

There are some wonderful things about this school and then you see below the surface and wow, what a shame. It is a beautiful place to send your little kids. "The grades" (1-8) are riddled with major problems. Because of the rosy picture that is painted and the beautiful festivals and music, we were blind to the true problems and lack of a solid education our kids were getting. Parents are kept out of the classroom and at arms length, so it isn't clear at first what the kids are missing. I SO wish we had left sooner. We were there for eleven years between our kids.They claim to teach "the science of reading" by tossing around Orton-Gillingham basic training, but they are not teaching reading with any proficiency, and MANY kids are negatively impacted by this. Because reading by some classroom teachers does not start until 2nd grade, it is isn't until 3rd or 4th or even 5th that true reading problems are exposed. This is a SERIOUS disservice to many kids who have gone through this school. It is very very common for kids to need outside tutors for reading. Sometimes this is over 1/3 or 1/2 or a class needing tutoring for reading. Social Emotional wellbeing is one thing that feels centered when touring and learning about the school, and to come to find out it is one of the weakest aspects of the school can be heartbreaking. The approaches taken in middle school often leave lasting pain and inflict unnecessary drama on the students. We came for the beautiful package and as it slowly opened we saw the disfunction that was inside.