Baileywick Road Elementary

I’ve had kids at PUE from 2018 to the present, and wholeheartedly recommend it. The teachers really care about the students, and the students feel it – it’s not uncommon to see kids hugging teachers from prior years in the hallways. The teachers tend to stay for many, many years, which sends a message about this being a happy, supportive place to come to work. The principal (Mr. Tunstall) is a visionary and strong leader – since he arrived two years ago, I have seen changes in academics (more differentiated instruction in core subjects), facilities (updates and improvements), and an investment in staff professional development and morale (via conference attendance, teacher of the year recognition, and wellness & appreciation programs). He encourages his staff to participate in community building events like Spirit Nights and other PTA fundraisers, and he collaborates effectively with the PTA to ensure resources are wisely spent to maximize benefit at the school. And Mr. T even allowed himself to be dunked in green slime for the students’ enjoyment to close out the annual Fun Run!The parents are very supportive of the PTA, which is highly organized and draws on leaders’ specific expertise to make sure all students have a well-rounded experience and staff members feel appreciated. The PTA funds things for students like cultural arts programming, social-emotional resources and online subscriptions, field trip scholarships, and enrichment programs like Odyssey of the Mind, Scripps National Spelling Bee, Science Fair, First in Fitness, chorus, and safety patrol. In the past two years, the PTA has allocated $10,000 to revamp the library’s book collection, and bought water bottle refilling stations, and basketball hoops for the gym. The PTA supports teachers with annual classroom supply stipends, funds for professional development, and frequent appreciation events. The PTA also organizes annual programs like the Boosterthon Fun Run and the Scholastic Book Fair, and monthly spirit events. All around, this is a great community to be part of!

My wife and I are retired and our grandchildren have been attending Lynn Road (LRES) for a total of 11 years so far. We volunteer several days a week because we enjoy being a part of the positive and supportive atmosphere at LRES. We tutor math and reading, monitor programs for advanced students, assist students in the library, help with the annual Student Talent Show and the annual Musical Play, and enjoy beautifying the campus with flowers and bushes. The teachers and staff are top notch and truly care about each child and it definitely shows! But the biggest asset is the active PTA and parent involvement. We know most of the parents as well as the kids because of their participation. LRES is truly like one big family. I know there are a lot of other public and private schools in Raleigh, but I guarantee you won’t find a better one than LRES!

If your child does not fit inside the typical box, this is not the place for you. Maria Montessori began her career working with children with special needs. This school goes against everything she believed in. If your child has any sort of special needs, they will not be accepted by the “guides” and they will look for excuses to kick your child out because they don’t want to go through the effort of supporting them. The school seems nice on the surface, but beyond the facade, some of the teachers and staff are not as kind as they first appear. They do a good job of putting on a show when parents are around, but that’s what it is, a show. The head of the school is cold and unwilling to help. The psychologist of the school is inexperienced and unable or unwilling to offer support. Do your own research but this has been the worst school experience we have ever had.

The school long ago was a great school. When Doreen Kelly took over it was a slow decline across the board. Many alumni’s will not send students to the school for this reason. Athletics use to be strong but have rapidly gone down hill. They are not fair at all across the board and they do not care about school bullying. If you want a loving kind place search elsewhere as this is not the place.

Teachers prioritize encouragement in academic guidance, consistently instilling positive energy in students to help them quickly integrate into school life and foster harmonious peer relationships. My child entered ninth grade with a mix of A, B, and C grades, and has now achieved straight A's and been awarded the Principal's Award, demonstrating remarkable academic progress. The principal personally knows every student in the school, understands each individual's unique strengths and personality traits, and treats all students equally. This school firmly rejects all forms of racial discrimination and upholds equality among students of all ethnic backgrounds. I wholeheartedly recommend this school.

School is amazing. Competent teachers, amazing hands-on leadership. Beautiful building. Everything you want a school to be. My older daughter went to private school for elementary and I would not hesitate choosing Barton Pond over private school options.