Bear Branch Elementary School

Our daughter had a great experience at this school. It is a good learning environment. We moved from out of state last year and she has adapted well. She has made several friends at this school. Good teachers and staff. Many interesting activities. Would only emphasize a bit more in extendind club's lists and enrollment and perhaps challenging students a bit more academically with homework (which is minumum)

I’m not super thrilled with this school any longer. There was a time when it felt warm and inviting but as a long time parent, I no longer get that warm fuzzy feeling here. We used to be invited in to read in the classroom, help with bulletin boards, teach junior achievement, volunteer in the library, and there was simply a feeling of community. Now they barely open the office door and when they do it’s not to greet you with a warm smile or a friendly chat while you wait for your child to be called down. They isolate visiting parents on the stage instead of allowing them to visit with the student and classmates. (Perhaps we have become such a litigious society that we can’t dare allow a parent to engage in friendly converasation and get to know their child’s classmates). I feel like there was more respect from the kids when classmates knew one another’s parents. As visiting parents we could help other students open drinks or ice pops or just be an extra set of eyes on the kids and I would think that would make things easier for the teachers being that there is only one teacher for every two classes at lunch. I have also noticed that they no longer give homework to students and it seems there is far less challenging projects for students. Perhaps this is part of the reason for the declining school rank, I don’t know. I understand security concerns have changed in the last 10 years but to me building a strong community where we know one another and can look out for each other and our children it would behoove the schools to build and foster stronger communities. When I was a younger parent, most of my friend group came from relationships made while volunteering at and playing after school on the playground. It’s sad to say I don’t see this anymore at Foster. I put up with it because I have no other choice as I’m not in a position to pay for private school but it’s truly sad to see the decline in community at Foster. I suppose it’s better than some schools but compared to years gone by Foster elementary school isn’t what it used to be.

Great school my kids attended school here. I now have a grandson who attends school there.

Both of my children attended Greentree Elementary from years K-5, and the school is a wonderful place to learn. The teachers are engaged and excited to work with their students, the PTA is very involved and provides wonderful enrichment programs, and the principal is an absolute ray of sunshine! We had a wonderful experience, and I wouldn't change a thing if I had to do it all over again!

I have loved my time at Covenant because of the unity, school spirit, and companionship experienced through sports and the classroom. The academics were challenging, and I learned deep, critical thinking and communication skills from the teachers and classes like Senior Thesis. The AP and dual credit classes along with vigorous honors classes helped me feel completely ready and prepared for college. The teachers and administrators at Covenant are top notch because they care and help you with not only questions regarding schoolwork but also with life. They are not only teachers, but friends, mentors, and role models. I felt loved, safe, happy, cared for, and a sense of belonging at this school. I will never forget playing 6 different sports and the incredible experiences and coaches. There are many wonderful things that occurred due to my time at Covenant. For example, I had a very successful interview at Duke, and I started my own baking business through the entrepreneurship class.