Bedford Hills Elementary School

We love Linkhorne Elementary School! Our son has had a great experience and has had great teachers and staff working to make this school a wonderful place to learn. This is a unique school full of diversity, including a French school within the school. Mrs.Sawyer, the principal, works very hard and it shows. She, as well as the teachers, are willing to listen and they are making a difference!

If you are moving to Lynchburg, consider Paul Munro Elementary! The students, parents, faculty, staff, and principal truly are a family that works together, to provide an excellent education and enrichment!

The principal at this school and the teachers in general are more interested in punishing the kids than teaching the kids. Most of the teachers are just phoning it in every day. Many students and parents complain of bullying that the school refuses to address. Our daughter was the subject of bullying for almost a year, and the principal refused to acknowledge it. Our daughter told her teachers, the counselor, and us multiple times. The principal refuses to acknowledge that it even goes on. Talking to anyone at this school is like talking to a brick wall, their stick in the mud attitude is not helpful to students or parents.

New Covenant Schools' strength lies in the familial culture they have created with students through so many engaging activities both during and outside school hours. They have rigorous academics, which will give students a huge advantage over other public/private school kids after graduation. However, there is very minimal support for students who would qualify for SPED accommodations at a public school. Many parents fight hard to advocate for their child, only to receive a cold shoulder from the admin. Many of these families are eventually pushed out, and their children thrive in public schools. Appearance vs reality is a major theme here. The culture that New Covenant creates is one of legalism and rigidness. Artificial grace is given to faculty/staff. There is no job security. A significant number of teachers have not had their contracts renewed or have left mid-year over the years. When a teacher steps out of the control of what New Covenant wants to appear to be, they are pulled into private meetings where it is (unfortunately) common to receive threats and personal attacks. Many of us feel as if we walk on eggshells because we are reprimanded over every little decision. There is no trust in the teacher's God-given convictions and judgment as a professional. We willingly endure this harsh treatment for the kids. I could go into much more detail about how decisions are made and where the power of authority lies, but I am sure you get the idea. With the recent changes in admin and poor leadership, I am unsure how much longer the positive environment will last for students. A couple of years at most? It is very difficult to cultivate a wonder for learning when being driven to the ground with work for little pay, being demanded even more, and fearing for our livelihood. Many of us have noticed this pattern of toxic treatment of teachers and are enraged. A growing number of us have expressed interest in looking elsewhere to teach. Parents, I am sure you have no idea what is happening behind the scenes. Please follow the commands that Jesus set before us and bring your grievances to teachers directly. Only go to the admin if the problem cannot be resolved. We are only made aware of issues by admin when they are being used against us in meetings. Our record of wrongs is ever-growing, and there is no consideration for our perspective. On another note, please love bomb the teachers you appreciate to admin! You may be saving them from the slaughter.