Mary Farmar Elementary School

Love it! This school has great administration, great teachers and great parents. I've never had a problem reaching my kids' teachers or speaking with the principal. I specifically picked Farmar because of the family-like atmosphere and diverse student body. My son experienced some difficulties earlier this year with another student and I could not be happier with the teacher's response. Still offer a great selection of after school programs.
--Submitted by a parent

That last review is really unfortunate. We've been at Mary Farmar for 4 years (2 kids) and have always experienced the staff to be warm, dedicated, and terrific, from teachers to principal to support staff. It has a true sense of community and we've been fortunate to be part of the Mary Farmar family!
--Submitted by a parent

While my child is doing fairly well, and the environment 'seems' like an open and welcoming set-up, the Teachers are largely unavailable before and after school due to their being over-scheduled for yard duties. And trying to talk to the principal is pretty much pointless because she will never squeeze a few minutes out of her busy schedule for parents that actually show up and care about their children s education. If you are the invisible parent and don't ask questions your child will be fine.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had an opportunity to attend all of the elementary schools in Benicia due to transfers and summer school and I can say by far Mary Farmar is the most diverse. It not only has a caring staff and dedicated teachers it has a well rounded community of parents from all socio economic backgrounds. That is what I want for my two children. I found that two of the other schools placed to much emphasis on test scores and performance on did not value the individural child. Mary Farmar is a family. They make each child feel welcomed and appreciated. The do an excellent job of adding erichment to the school with jazzercise, fencing, spanish and french and cooking for kids. I can't say how proud I am to be a Falcon Family!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. I have 2 children who currently attend Farmar & they have showed to be great students. The teachers are great & the parent involvement at the school is excellent. I can't wait to enroll my other 2 children (when the time comes) at Farmar. I also love the fact that the classes are not over crowded.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow, what a great experience this past year has been. Our daughter is about to finish her kindergarten year at Mary Farmar. We have been so pleased with the professional, kind, organized and experience staff at this school. All of the kindergarten teachers (as well as the first grade teachers) are warm and fuzzy while commanding and teaching respect. This school is just like the elementary I went to when I was a kid. The parents are very involved and there is absolutely no 'keep up with the Jones'' going on here. The principal, Mrs. Sullivan has a very strong and positive presence. We couldn't be more pleased.
--Submitted by a parent

We have 2 boys at Farmar. Both have excelled not only academically but socially as well. Farmar has a solid format that works, but expect the amount of homework that goes along with it. The API scores of 86 prove the system works. Our oldest son attended from K-3 and is thriving in this system.
--Submitted by Mark Naccarelli, a parent

Mary Farmar Elementary is a great school. The teachers do a great job of teaching the kids everything they need to know. Currently my daughter has Mrs. Johnson and I can tell she is getting them prepared for 6th grade. I also know she is getting through to the kids too. I love that they have the teachers do P.E. because the students already know them well. I also like the music teacher Mr. Johnson he has a lot of fun songs to teach them. i remember last year they had professinals come do a play with some of the kids from his 4 classes. The PTA is a great one and they really try hard to do whatever they can. I know in some of the lower grades they have parent volunteers everyday. I forgot to mention student concil. My daughter loves it. Sincerely, Anonymous
--Submitted by a former student