Field Elementary School

I have been a parent at Field for 9 years now, during which time we have received our authorization as an International Baccalaureate school. The IB designation means that an inquiry based learning model is used throughout the school, and the kids get Spanish, music, PE and art on a rotating basis (approximately every other day for each). We are very diverse both racially and socioeconomically. Field kids are truly comfortable with people of every ethnicity. In addition, Field excels at reaching kids from one end of the achievement spectrum to the other and keeping them challenged. Our gifted program is amazing. Our teachers and staff are knowledgeable, they give their all, and they care about every single child. Our PTO is relaxed, inclusive, and fun. We are able to enrich the classroom instruction with field trips and guest speakers at every grade level. Field is an exceptional school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am stunned to see the undeserved low rating for Field on this website. Field is an EXCEPTIONAL school. Some that complain might not be aware of the IB program and how it differs from an 'ordinary' school. For some students, like my first-grade son, the IB program provides the perfect learning style. It might not be suitable for all children- but I think that the differences make uninformed parents uncomfortable- not the children. My son was thrilled to be introduced to Spanish and other world/international topics! I was a substitute teacher and have had the opportunity to work in many, many schools. I have never found staff as dedicated, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring as I have at Field. They are absolutely committed to providing a clean & safe school, interesting & fun extra-carricular activites for the whole family, and the very best education available for our children. Thank you FIELD!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended FES for almost two years. She seemed to do well in K but has been left behind in the first grade. I very well know she has a problem focusing but being in her classroom I have noticed she has been sat off to the side with another unfocused child. It is just the two of them, while at other tables there are 4 kids. I feel it is easy for her to fall through the cracks because there is to much focus on learning Spanish and about the world then on individual attention. As well as math, reading, writing,and science. They don't make sure the kids have a full understanding of the core subjects before moving on to something broader. Teachers are nice at least in K & 1st grade,(my only experience) although office staff is a bit cold.
--Submitted by a parent

I am personally an elementary school teacher at a different school, and I have chosen to open enroll my children at Field Elementary. I have been extremely satisfied with the ability of the teachers to meet the individual needs of students. The all day Kindergarten program provides an opportunity for teachers to use guided reading beginning with K, and the way they have allocated resources means each child goes to a group (in their classroom or another)where they are getting direct instruction in reading at their level. A similar process is followed for Math. The result for my son is 2 years worth of growth in one year of reading instruction, and math instruction above his current grade level. The individual instruction applies to both high and struggling students. Additionally, I was so pleased to see the diversity and the International Baccalaurate program. Great new principal, great teachers and staff...
--Submitted by a parent

The school is very disorganized and lacks any leadership. My son's teacher was out an entire semester on maternity leave, however rather the replace with a permenant substitute, the school brought in several different replacements.
--Submitted by a parent