Bellair Elementary School

This school has problems! The principal (The new Sue Clark, the last principal had the same name ironically) is horrible. She is just as big a bully as the others. She takes up for the bully's on campus and says they do it because they are being picked on. She doesn't take the time to get to know her students or parents on campus. She is a retired principal from the DVUSD and being paid through another company to come back and be the principal again. Double-dipping so to speak. The school has great kids, great staff, brand new PTA, great parent volunteers, and a great curriculum ( Core Knowledge) but their leader is poor! Beware...
--Submitted by a parent

I have had my 3 kids go there. They love it so much they will do extra things on off days so they can go back. They HATE missing any day, even if they are sick. I would love it if they would go to year round, my kids love it that much.
--Submitted by a parent

My two boys been going to bellair school for 5 years now,great staff on the front office,great teachers,especially with Mrs.hoeffel a first grade teacher and Mrs.shetler both of this teacher are so nice to thier students.Mrs.Sue Clark the Principal,she really keep things in order.The cafeteria staff was great too,they let my kids eat the meal even when im few days behind my payment.All the teachers had thier share to make sure all students get thier proper learning on thier education.The school has proper discipline,so kids wont be disrespectful to anybody either to the teacher and fellow student.Great school thats all
--Submitted by a parent

I have four children that have attended Bellair from 1999 to present. My opinion is and has always been that this is a highly qualified and caring staff. The new principal is very experienced and seems to know what she is doing. This is a great relief after the last three years. The past administrator was new to the job and seemed confused and overwhelmed by the very reasonable expectations of this school community.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a mother of two kids who have attended Bellair since 2002, I have been pleased with the size of the school, the programs and the overall atmosphere. It's a cozy neighborhood school that works well.
--Submitted by a parent

We absolutely loved Ms. Castiglione for the gifted program. Great teacher and mentor... Tammy & Hailey Hearndon
--Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Bellaier for three years now. I have nothing but positive things to say about the faculty, administrators and office staff. The gifted program is excellent. The teachers really care about my children and take the extra time needed to make sure they excel. They are great about returning phone calls or emails quickly. The school has really created a sense of community within the area as well. After losing my children's father and my husband over a year ago it was people from the school (fellow parents, staff, and faculty) who brought us meals and helped to make sure my children have received the love and support they need. They have been and continue to be a wonderful support to my children and a place where I feel safe and secure about sending my children too. The PTA is awesome too!
--Submitted by Phaedra Sova, a parent

My children have gone to Bellair ever since they started school. Something obvious from the first visit to the school is that it is a fun place to be. Many teachers arrive early or stay late to provide extra-curricular or individualized help to the students. My daughter goes early each morning to help produce the morning announcements- which are totally student-run! This has really built up her confidence and it is showing in other academic areas. Also, this year Bellair has started a monthly program to honor Students of Character- something that really helps reinforce the sort of lessons I try to teach at home. Thanks, Bellair for bringing out the best in my children and giving them the encouragement and confidence they need to go out into the world!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been affiliated with Bellair for 9 yrs. My two sons have been in the Gifted progam. Teachers use solid teaching practices. Teachers are approachable, answering email, notes, or phone calls usually on the same day. My children have a year or more growth in AIMS-TerraNova each year. Bellair invites parent involvement but does not harass if it is not your thing. The PTA is very active and a great venue for parent involvement. They help coordinate volunteers for classrooms and family nights. There were 35 parents at the September PTA meeting. I would encourage anyone interested to set up a tour and visit with the principal.
--Submitted by Lori Scandura, a parent

My son should've never been promoted to Jr. High because of his struggles, but I was told they didn't believe in holding a child back at this age. So, he then moves onto Jr. High to fall further behind.
--Submitted by a parent