Darby Avenue Elementary School

Darby Elementary is a good quality school with a very active PTA, hard working, good teachers and a very involved principal. The principal leads every school tour in the spring, dresses up & walks in the Halloween costume parade with the students, holds weekly morning assemblies for families and sends weekly phone communications. The school has a super low teacher turnover rate. The teachers are approachable and helpful. The school has maintained its School for Advanced Studies designation & provides challenging academics. The 5th graders are prepared for middle school. The PTA holds FREE and educational events for students and their families during the year (Ice Cream Social, Talent Show, School Dance, Homework Club, reading incentive program, & more) and doesn't put too much pressure on the families for fund raising, which I appreciate since I have multiple children attending. The custodial staff and classroom aides are very helpful and friendly; Mr. T rocks! In addition, the school has 3 Autistic classrooms, an Occupational Therapy Center, Intervention/Resource teachers, Creative Kids after school care program & free orchestra program. It's an all-around great school!
--Submitted by a parent

My child started at the school during the middle of the school year last year and I am quite happy with the school. I'm very impressed with the dedication and hands-on manner of Principal Virginia Ghoniem. Also Mrs. Elcayam, one of the 5th grade teachers is an EXCELLENT teacher. She is great at preparing the students for the transition to middle school. The school as a whole did very well last year with respect to test scores and increased their API from 871 to 900. The PTA is also very good and organized. I would definitely recommend this "gem in the Valley" to any parent.
--Submitted by a parent

I like the teachers and the PTA is great. However when you walk into this school and visit the main office, you will be immediately turned off. The main office staff is beyond rude. They take their frustration out on the students and anyone who comes by. If a new, decent, and more professional staff is hired then I will surely give this school a higher rating. The main office is the first stop for anyone who comes into the school and they need to work on setting a more positive feel to the school.

This is our 2nd year at Darby. The office staff is great and welcoming. PTA is very involved and they have different events every month. Their music program is wonderful and for a school this size to offer orchestra is commendable.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our 5th year at Darby and overall, we have been happy here. The majority of the teachers are very good and committed, the principal is approachable and the PTA is very productive! My main disappointment is with the office manager. She is very rude and cold to most parents(except a few parents who are personal friends of hers) and children! When I first came to Darby, I was so excited as a K parent only to walk in and not feel welcomed by her!! It would be great to see a more welcoming manager in the office!
--Submitted by a parent

I love the PTA, the teachers with spirit and devotion, and the open family atmosphere.
--Submitted by a parent

Darby has great programs. Parent Volunteers are great from Good News Club to PTA . God Bless those who make are school better for the children. I have experienced terrible administration. I am glad to see others have recieved better care. Nurse is always so tender and sincere when it comes to childrens care.
--Submitted by a parent

I've been very happy with my child's years at Darby. Teachers are concerned and accessible. There are weekly music lessons for grades 3-5, and orchestra performs a wonderful concert each year. Music teacher is fantastic. Bullying by a small group of boys a couple of years ago was dealt with swiftly by the administation, who take bullying very seriously.
--Submitted by a parent

Principal is not friendly and rude to staff. Not a welcoming environment! A few teachers are nice.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Darby! The teachers, staff, parents and PTA are all wonderful! Everyone works so hard to make this school and it's students the best that they can be. PTA has some amazing things planned for our school this year, which should bring our Darby family closer together!
--Submitted by a parent