Saratoga Elementary School

I am very disappointed with our experience at this school. My children have consistently been bullied and teased by their peers, and the school has not handled these situations properly. Instead of making real efforts to resolve incidents, almost every issue is simply brought to the parents without meaningful action taken on the school’s side.Communication from the administration is minimal, with the exception of a few caring teachers. Unfortunately, not all staff members are welcoming or supportive, especially toward new students. This made the transition very difficult for my children.Academically, I am also concerned about the quality of instruction. My son, who is in fifth grade, has mentioned that some lessons feel like they are being taught at a first-grade level. In addition, students who struggle in certain subject areas do not seem to receive the extra support they need. Teaching should be adjusted to meet students at their level, but that has not been our experience.Overall, we have not felt supported, heard, or valued as a family. I truly hope the school takes concerns like these seriously and works toward creating a safer, more supportive, and academically appropriate environment for all students.

I absolutely love this school. Both of my children have attended this school for 2 years and they are thriving. My son has pretty severe ADHD yet the teachers seem very patient with him and students like him. My daughter's confidence that we have empowered with is elevated by the supporting teachers. My son was getting bullied at one point (it happens no matter how great the schools are) and the teachers were right on top of it. They let me know right away via email and addressed the situation accordingly which is all you can ask for. My daughter's favorite teacher was Mr. Yarmolovich (5th Grade) and I can see why. He keeps learning fun and engaging. I was even able to attend a field trip where I got to speak with him and witness his intelligence and organization first hand. We need more teachers like him.

We love Halley's principal, teachers, and the PTO. The school provides a sense of community and identity for my kids, who love going to school each day. No school is perfect but Halley does an incredible job with its diverse mix of kids. Don't let the ratings sway you away - talk to a Halley parent for real insight.

I do not recommend this school for special needs children. This is my daughter’s third school in the county and we are having a horrible experience. The school makes me feel like the worse parent in the world. Constant emails and calls letting me every bad thing my child did that day. Not one good report despite not having ANY issues at her other 2 schools. It’s like if your child doesn’t fit into their cookie cutter example of a good student, they treat them like criminals. Instead of providing my daughter help they decided to isolate her and not allow her around any kids her age. The principal has threatened to suspend my child for doing things related to her autism. The principle is a nightmare! I’ve made a discrimination complaint against her with the county. I hate my child is at this school and I’m working with the region to get her moved. Otherwise legal action will be taken.

Teachers are great and the school is intimate. Don't think the kids' performances are bad classroom-wise. The iready can be challenging as scores don't reflect the true performance of the students due to the complexity of the system. This school is very diverse, which is beautiful. You learn new things about other cultures, and that has a positive impact on students. When they go out into the real world, they will be well-equipped to understand and approach things.

My first grader thrived last year. The teachers, the administration and support staff all genuinely care about the kids and about their learning. Their teachers are responsive and action-oriented. There also is a very engaged PTA that plans and provides extra opportunities for learning, fun and growth. The student body is diverse which leads to shared-learning and cultural understanding. I couldn't ask for a better learning environment for my child.