Mary E Dardess Elementary School

The teachers at this school have been great, but the administration has created a toxic environment from the top down. The school does not take safety seriously and is has no issue with breaking state laws, bullying teachers and parents or lying to protect their egos.

MED is a mixed bag. On the one hand, teachers seem to genuinely care about their students and try to make the school day engaging. It's also a small school, which presents many advantages.On the other, the principal is unapproachable and intimidating. While spearheading mindfulness initiatives in school, she appears not to practice what she preaches and is guilty of constant gossip. There is a professional veneer, but there are also problems with a toxic gossipy atmosphere among staff members that detracts from a positive mission at the school.In terms of academics, MED is average. While fulfilling NYS requirements, there isn't much curricula that goes above and beyond. Worksheets are the primary mode for learning, and it is rare in my opinion for children in grades K-2 to have much hands on or outside of the box learning. There are few opportunities for students to be creative or to have authority over what/how they learn. Accelerated learners are not a priority at the school. Their individual needs are not catered to and thus they often don't live up to their full intellectual potential at school. One can only hope they get the support they need at home.The school generally does not do a good job of relaying to parents what the school day is like for students. The curriculum is culturally homogeneous. Holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day are emphasized, while learning about different cultures is not relevant, probably because Chatham itself is insular and the community doesn't demand it, especially for younger students.Recently the school posted an ad for a middle school principal. The ad said that the district is "progressive," but I have not seen any evidence of that beyond the mindfulness initiatives. The cafeteria menu is unhealthy, and any progressive constructive criticisms from parents are dismissed by the principal. The administrative attitude seems to be, "This is what we offer. If you don't like it, deal with it or move." Again, the teachers are caring and work hard, but their hands are also tied in terms of using more innovative ideas. For educated, progressive families looking for an excellent education for their children in a diverse community with an administrator who is willing to work with parents on their concerns, this isn't the school for you.

We have two children at MED. One in 4th and one in 2nd. So far all of the teachers have been great to work with. Our experience has been a very warm and nurturing environment and we are happy with their education. I work full time so I don't have the day to day interaction with the staff like some but I am involved with the PTA to stay connected. There is lots of good programming during and after school. Our kids are very happy at MED.

I am happy to be able to have my children attend a school filled with talented and caring teachers. I find the teachers to be excellent. They really care about education and the students. You can tell the school is filled with teachers who love what they do. The special ed teachers and assistants are excellent. I find the the administration (superintendent, school board and administration personal) to be really only fair. I wish they were more supportive of the teachers. Sometimes it seems the quality of the education is put second behind the whims and desires of the administration.