Bishop Elementary School

I love this school. I totally disagree with the comment about the principal/child not being challenged. The principal is very involved and approachable. He hosts a monthly coffee hour for the parents just to chat and give parents a change to ask questions, etc. My daughter is only English speaking and she is absolutely thriving at Bishop. She is challenged, only in the 1st grade but at a 2nd grade reading level, loves school, has lots of friends, etc. The teachers are also fantastic!! Bishop has more Nationally Board Certified teachers than any other in the district. They got a new playground this year and computer lab. All of the 2nd and 1st graders have ipads for learning, google volunteers to come in to do a robotics lab with the older students....so many great programs, even in this economy. Don't worry about the test scores, they are consistently going up each year and if you know how to read scores correctly there is nothing to worry about, it's not about the final score. Love, love Bishop!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My child goes here and only speaks English. I found my child to be ignored and neglected socially, academically, and emotionally with the mindset that he already knows the English language. I have over heard that the Principal goes on his phone and text teachers during school hours. I have never seen the Principal around the school he is not really involved. This school did not meet my expectations.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is entering 3rd grade and has language processing disorder - global. It is a type of learning disability which gives him significant challenges across all areas at school. I meet with his pediatrician every trimester, I volunteer in the classroom, I support the teacher at home, I am involved at the school level thru the PTO, and I check-in with his resource specialist and tutor regularly both in person and thru emails. After 2 years of intervention services led by Ms. Swantje Agape, I must say that Bishop s resource specialty staff, teachers, principal, and staff are TOP NOTCH. They are respectful, patient and caring to my son, his siblings, and our family. I can't imagine my son being educated anywhere else. Parental involvement is so important - whether your child struggles educationally as mine does - or is performing well at school as his brother does. Be involved regardless.
--Submitted by a parent

I read some of the comments here and was really worried about staring our kindergartener. I met with the principal in April and felt much more reassured. He spent over an hour answering our questions. We just met with the teacher this week in a welcome meeting and are SO excited about the new year. I know everyone has different experiences, but before you react to any of the comments here, take some time to visit the school first. I'm certainly glad we did.
--Submitted by a parent

If you suspect your child has a learning disability GET HIM/HER OUTTA THERE! After 6 miserable years (K-5) of failing due to "laziness" with requests for testing on perpetual back burners, we left the district. Testing commenced immediately in the new school. Results: several severe learning disabilities and significant emotional issues (some of which are certainly the outcome of being a "lazy failure" throughout childhood). From our experience, the teachers are predominantly in their first salaried teaching position (a few are seasoned vets). Most are competent, concerned, and welcome parent involvement; a little number have no business being teachers. But even the good ones are limited by the apathetic administration. One shining star at Bishop is the PTO--particularly a couple of families who go far above and beyond to bring joy and a sense of being accepted into the lives of kids who are otherwise stomped through the cracks.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is now attending Kindergarten here. With so many great private schools in our area we debated for a long time about where to send her. I can tell you I'm extremely pleased with Bishop. They have fabulous teachers, a great office staff, and a really involved PTO. Yes, a majority of the kids come from low income homes, and are ESL. This doesn't mean that they aren't great kids. It's all about how much time you're willing to invest as a parent in making your child's education great. Get to know the teachers, get to know the kids, and be involved. The fact that Bishop encourages heavy parent participation is what makes this school shine in my opinion.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm tired that this school always blames English Learners for the low performance. Many students speak more than one languaje, and basically just because of that they are consider English Learners. That's not fair. The Principal and the office staff performance is something to question, A new principal will be the beggining of a good change.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two kids at this school. It is a great school. I agree to the previous post...get involved and you'll see results.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in 1st grade and I'll admit after reading some negative comments about Bishop I wasn't to thrilled about sending him there. I got involved with the PTO talked to his teachers everyday. I have to tell you Bishop is a great school my son is reading at a 3rd grade level top in his class for math. I couldn't be happier.I'll tell you something the school your child attends is what you want into be. Get involved see what's going on at your school. I'm proud to say I have a 5mo.old and looking forward to another 5yrs. at Bishop.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest is in Second grade, my youngest will start Kinder next fall, and only have positive things to say about Bishop! The principal and staff have been wonderful. The teachers truely love their students and do everything they can help them. My daughter is taught at her level, above her grade in some areas.
--Submitted by a parent