Farnham Charter School

Farnham Elementary is a great school. I have 2 children that attend. I think Mr. Nguyen is a very passionate leader who has a vision for Farnham. He desires to see it grow and flourish!!! The teachers are all also amazing! Thankful for the parent support there, the teachers, and office staff.
—Submitted by a parent

8/13 Review-Disagree or not , 1 star is for the Principal not teachers! It has nothing to do with bullies but a personal experience. My experience was similar and until you've been in this situation or know someone you probably won't understand. Maybe it's doesn't matter because your child doesn't require additional support. Before you judge ask questions! We switched schools and the new district was appalled at how our child was treated and the lack of support because being in education is about helping kids. They received our file with our requests for support and said it wasn't legal what they did or didn't do. We are thankful that our child is happy to go to school and hasn't missed 1 day this year, doesn't' fear the Principal or office staff. I agree The Teachers at Farnham are EXCELLENT as well as the PARENT SUPPORT!! Mr. Nguyen and Loren Pazdzior get a 1 star from me!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! A lot of activities for kids! Great after school program ROCK. 5 stars for them! Our daughter loves to go to school everyday!
—Submitted by a parent

I 100 % disagree with 08/13/2012 review. So happy the bullies are no longer at Farnham. It only take a couple of bullies to ruin the school experience for 500 children. Farnham teachers are the BEST!!! My kids thrive at Farnham. Farnham is the only school I can think of that have an all day kindergarten. 5 stars for Farnham Elementary School.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the person who reviewed on Aug 13, 2012 is a bit harsh in scoring. Majority of the teachers are excellent and very responsive and many of the teachers' kids go to this school which says a lot. During the time Mr. Nguyen was principal, one of the teachers that many parents were unhappy with did not return. Also there has been few troublemaker students at our school (bullies, kids who come to school and are disrespectful of their peers and the teachers) who somehow over the past 2 years also have not returned to Farnham - not sure if that is Mr. Nguyen's doing but all for the better of those other students who wish to learn and can not b/c the teacher has to spend hours trying to deal with behavioral issues. I think Mr. Nguyen means well but no one is perfect. There are many parents who do volunteer at the school in one form or another, but there can always be more involvement. My kids are happy here and love their teachers for the most part - sometimes you get lucky if you have a great teacher versus an okay teacher and that can change the experience for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

I am only giving this school a 1 due to the principal Linh Nguyen. This was an excellent school with excellent teachers but Mr. Nguyen's lack if compassion, doesn't allow the proper support to help some kids. For as much experience he has I was extremely shocked in how he dealt with my child's disorder. I wasn't pleased with the outcome from the district either. A lot of families left Farnham during the 2011-2012 year and at the end as. well. Just remember if your has any problems the key words to get help us "I would like my son or daughter tested" in writing to the district. It's sad when teachers do the best they can to help a child but the principal doesn't back them up. BEWARE!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Farnham is a great school because of a strong staff and the Home and School Club working with each other to motivate the students. My kids are happy with their teachers and the different activities that the PTA organize so well.
—Submitted by a parent

Mr. Hayes is amazing....so are the teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

My son and I fell in love with this school instantly
—Submitted by a parent

We have a 2nd grader at Farnham. This is our second year there and we are very excited about the years to come and for our younger daughter to enter as a kindergartener. The principal, Mr. Hayes is absolutely wonderful in everyway. I love that he starts every morning with an assembly to get the kids excited! He is such a great 'coach' to the kids as well as his staff. Although the 3 other school in Cambrian district scores higher on API, I think the dedicated teachers in Farnham and the parents' involvement totally makes up for it (not that other schools' teachers aren't dedicated...) Overall, it is a great learning environment for the kids. Falcon Pride lives in Farnham everyday!
—Submitted by H. Minkin, a parent

This is our first year at farnham and I have been very happy with the level of parent involvement at the school. My child is happy and is challenged in her class due to the level of care & time the teacher puts in with each of the student in class. They have a wonderful music teacher and every class gets to have music as part of their curriculum. There is a high level of community spirit at this school and I would definitely recommend it to parents looking for a school where their involvement in their child(ren)'s education is welcomed by school staff and other parents alike.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Farnham. Of course, no school is perfect, but if issues are raised, the administration and teachers at Farnham are very responsive. We have a 3rd grader currently attending, and have appreciated the efforts of every teacher she's had so far. Principal Hayes started in Fall of '06, and he is great! He has so much energy, terrific ideas, and really seems to enjoy kids. And from what I hear, the teachers are very happy with him too, which says alot. We actually live in Union District now, and could be sending our children to Noddin or Alta Vista. But while they have higher overall scores and a 'higher end' demographic than Farnham, we are so happy with Farnham that we are keeping our 3rd grader there, and may keep our second child in the Farnham Family via the charter program.
—Submitted by a parent

Very Good School. Older Buildings but great teachers and academics.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school and excellent staff.
—Submitted by a parent

This was our first year at Farnham and I was extremely disappointed with the standards. My daughter was previously in a different school district, and when we moved here a year ago, we had to go to our home school. I feel this year was similar to what she learned in first grade and she was not challenged. My daughter is an average students but the work was too easy. I had to do most of my teaching at home with her.
—Submitted by a parent

My son had Ms Eilers for kindergarten this year,we cant say enough GOOD things about her. She has made my son's kindergarten experience an unforgetable one. A great school needs great teachers who are absolutely pasionate about working with children. And this school most definately have the teachers needed to make it great experience. Ms Eilers deserves an award! teachers like her really make the educational experience of your children absolutely priceless.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with this school. My daughter is in the 1st grade and her teacher Ms. Wong is great. The curriculum is a bit intense, there is homework everyday for the first graders. The music program is great and there is lots of school pride. The parents are VERY involved and make exciting activities and improvements happen. The library is a bit small the kids love it. There is also before and after care on campus.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very happy with the education and sense of community that my son receives at Farnham. His teachers have been experienced, dedicated, and nuturing. I love the small school atmosphere; I'm amazed when I'm on campus and the other parent volunteers all know my son by name. I think the diverse student population is another element of my son's education that is invaluable.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Farnham since Kindergarten and is now in 5th grade. If we weren't leaving at the end of this year, we'd be transferring out. A number of parents have already moved their children out of this school due to conflicts with the administration. Farnham used to be a fun, learning environment for the students, now it's just a learning environment. Spirit activities are non-existent, student-council-sponsored events are cancelled at the last minute without being rescheduled, and home-baked goods have been banned from all bake sales, class parties, and school functions. Dress codes are not enforced. The last two years have been a big disappointment, and I would definitely not recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends kindergarten at Farnham Elementary School. She not only loves the school, teachers, and new friends, but has really expanded and grown academically. My wife and I have become very involved and look forward to both of our daughters learning and experiencing the fantastic environment at Farnham.
—Submitted by a parent