Washington Elementary School

It is obvious that many of the teachers are here only for a paycheck and don't have a desire to be around children. The principal says whatever she thinks parents want to hear, but does not follow through. The children here are going to have a tough time catching up, if they are even able considering the limited skills they are being taught, when they get out of this place.
—Submitted by a parent

My little boy was ignored when he needed more help then the other children he was always pushed aside and others where attended to more. II know this because all year round I found reasons to come up there. A few of the teachers aren't nice acting towards the kid's, but nicer to parents.The principal did nothing when there was a big problem that occurred. I would rate a zero if I could. I ate lunch up there and would look out the cafeteria window to see the kids not being watched and saw bullying a few times- dropping my son off I saw this as well. I was always the one pointing this out to the teachers which one and telling them to go to class in a nice manner glaring at the mean one. RATE 0
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the previous reviewer who said his/her child was treated as if they were unworthy of teachers' time. The lack of timely information, lack of follow through, lack of control and lack of real concern (not just the administration's lip service) are glaring problems at this school. If I could rate zero stars I would.
—Submitted by a parent

Not only do my daughters attend Washington, my sister and I also attended this school as children. We loved it then and still love it today! It is unique in that it is one of the oldest schools in Fayetteville and still has a small close-nit feel to it. The teachers and principal really care about the children and are always working to improve education there.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a wonderful community oriented school that is concerned with the education of its children.
—Submitted by a parent

Our two kids transferred into this school last fall (in 1st and 3rd grade). We've found a wonderfully diverse student body, nice old downtown neighborhood, dedicated staff that takes the time to get to know kids as individuals, and ample opportunities for parents to get involved in the school. We're pleased with our choice.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter transfered into Washington school this semester and it's been the biggest mistake ever. Since the beginning of the year her teacher has treated her as unworthy of the teachers time. There have been several incidents in which information about my child was not given in proper time. It seems as if they feel I am not worth their time. For instance, I was pushed out of a parent teacher conference early even though my concerns and questions were not yet full addressed. While during her parent teacher meeting I was informed that they had implemented a the use of a new reading assistance program without my knowledge. I feel this completely cuts the parent out of the educational process as they did not even inform me that they felt she needed such assistance. Beyond that, the teacher refused to render a copy of my child's test scores to me.
—Submitted by a parent

Our fifth-grade daughter has been to three schools in Fayetteville: a private school (the New School) for pre-K and K, another public school (Owl Creek) for a year, and Washington. All of them have their merits, but Washington is clearly the best. The principal, Ashley Garcia, is just terrific and almost all the teachers she has encountered are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

My fifth grade nephew enrolled in the middle of the school year and had a difficult time making new friends. His teachers, the administration, and the counselor were wonderful about making him feel comfortable in his new environment and meeting his needs. They also were very conscientious about contacting me when they had concerns. I was very impressed with the level of dedication of the staff at Washington Elementary.