The Goddard School (Chesapeake)

We would take our kids to any school in the city over great bridge primary! The principal is the rudest, self absorbed man. He talks over parents and teachers and acts on his own pride. We've seen some great teachers leave the last two years because of him. Our older kids had a great experience here not many years ago. This school should have better leaders here in Great bridge

Our experience at Cedar Road Elementary School has been a nightmare. The data on the U.S. Department of Education website tells a concerning story: test scores are declining, enrollment is increasing, disciplinary actions are rising, and per-pupil spending is lower than both the district and state averages.Beyond the numbers, there appears to be significant teacher turnover and an administrative culture that focuses more on punishment and documenting student shortcomings than on supporting growth and success.

My concerns with GCA include: - My daughter has worn a particular pair of blue jeans MANY times but gets sent home one random day due to an emblem which signifies the brand. It is not inappropriate.- The school emails about prom dresses and requiring over 10 specifics which may require alterations. I get modesty especially in a Christian school but it is behind overkill with their demands (I'm told generally from the female principal)- My daughter once held hands with a boy at a football game and was told not to do so. Meanwhile, the principal and the security guard are married so PDA is allowed. Numerous reports of this including photos as evidence. This is not leading by example. - I have been told the security guard (the one married to the principal) smokes cigars on his golf cart before school begins. Again, not leading by example with what is required of students.- The teachers are gravely underpaid. Some of them also do not have degrees in what they teach (though maybe not required, just discomforting).- The theatrical productions are low budget and very poorly done. Unfortunately, no help monetarily seems to go to this program. Rough sets, somewhat poor quality microphones & speakers, charges to audience but performance doesn't back up cost. - None of the sports programs seem to prep a kid for the next level competitively with exception of baseball. This may be an opinion but this is observation. - There are plenty of rumors, "clicks" and overdramatic responses from staff if things don't go a certain way. Students get the brunt of it. - There are reports of many students transferring even for their Senior year.- Low flexibility or exceptions for family travel if during a school year.- Please don't dare allow your kid to publicly make mistakes outside the school. Even if there is a photo noticed of a parent or adult beverage near a kid at a private party in your home or event...be prepped that your kid may be called to the office over that.- My kid and many of her friends complain about the school pretty consistently.

My children attended CRCA from Pre-K to 1st grade, and unfortunately, their transition to public school was extremely difficult. I initially thought they were doing well academically since I never received negative feedback during parent-teacher conferences, and their report cards were always good. However, I was blindsided when, during the last week of school, my preschooler’s teacher suddenly informed me of multiple issues—far too late to address them. When I questioned this, I was told it was due to teacher turnover and differences in teaching styles.Frequent staff changes were a major problem. Teachers were constantly being fired or leaving, making it difficult for students to adjust and maintain academic progress. Despite the smaller class sizes and supposed one-on-one attention, my children were significantly behind when they entered public school, struggling both academically and with the larger classroom environment.While I appreciated the school’s small, family-oriented atmosphere, the education was severely lacking. Based on our experience, I would not recommend this school.

We're very happy with this school. Our kids are thriving and have meaningful friendships. We love their teachers and are very impressed with the care and diligence they show in teaching our children. There is always something fun going on, with many special events and sports throughout the year and we couldn't be happier. We've looked at the standardized test results of our children and are very pleased. Placing our kiddos in this school, Great Bridge Christian Academy, has been so worth it!