Charles Barnum School

my child just transfered to this school-since this schools ranking is higher than the other Groton schools i wanted my child to attend this school- then over time i noticed that this school favors girls and they react on hear say from the students- i've called the school a couple of times to tell them my concerns and i'm rushed off the phone by Mrs. Nelson or over talked by his teacher-if you have a daughter this school is the one for you. also my child was called a derogatory name which i addressed to the school and they did nothing about it- a staff member said something that hurt my child feelings i called the school and was told that"that doesn't sound like something she would say" are you kidding me you didn't even ask the staff member before even responding-this school is not all that it's cracked upto be!

My daughter has been attending Charles Barnum for the last year in the integrated PreK program after being diagnosed with developmental delays last year. From the moment you walk into the school, you immediately feel welcome. The office staff has always been very friendly and knowledgeable and actually remembers which child is yours. My daughter's teachers and aides have been wonderful. So kind, patient, and encouraging which has been reflected in how well my daughter has made considerable improvement with her delays. My only minor annoyance is setting up some of her special education services. The school has one occupational therapist assigned to two schools in the district, but is only at CB once a week. I had to stay on top of the process for having my daughter evaluated for her OT. That, I feel, is fairly typical for special education services at most schools. Other than that, I highly recommend this school for anyone moving into the area!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a second grader at this school. Charles Barnum is arguably the best elementary school in the district. The staff are excellent and they really care about the students. I know that Great Schools rates CB at 6, but I have looked at the raw data from the test scores and they are comparable to Mary Morrison, which is rated at 7. CB does better at reading and writing, MM does better at math. My only problem is with the district as a whole. I feel that they don't have any programs for exceptional students, so sometimes my daughter isn't being challenged because she's forced to wait for the other students to catch up to her.
—Submitted by a parent

My son entered this school at age 3 right after the Birth to Three program under a developmental delay. Everyone has been amazing. Every single person we encountered was helpful, encouraging, and genuinely cared about the children. The school to home communication was excellent and parent involvement was great and encouraged. My son is now 6 with PDD and Anxiety and the support they have given me I will never forget. BEST SCHOOL EVER!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been in the integrated preschool for 3 years they have worked wonders with him he suffers from adhd and they have helped him to be at the same level as the other kids his age this school is the best in Groton
—Submitted by a parent

This has been the best school for my daughters so far! we are a Navy family and this was my oldest daughter's third school. the teachers and Staff are so welcoming, and parent involvement is encouraged. We are so sad to be leaving such a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

Charles barnum & the staff is the best elementary school a parent could ever hope for. We were so very blessed to have had our son attend charles barnum.
—Submitted by a parent

2007 My twins will be in 5th grade this year, and I am happy to know that my 4 yr. old will have a chance to experience CB. First thing you come to is the office, very inviting and friendly. You'll see first hand when your child is enrolled. Love it!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. Everyone on starr was always super friendly. I always felt welcome. I was so sad to take my children out of this school. We still visit!
—Submitted by Susan Paugh, a parent

I attended this school from 2nd to 4th grade and would highly recommend it. The teachers are great and understanding and always willing to help. Parents are also very involved.
—Submitted by a student

Excellent staff. Small class size. Personalized care. Children moved from CT and were above grade level. Would recommend this school in a heartbeat. Volunteered on a regular basis and saw the real inside view. We hated to leave and will always be grateful for the time we spent at Charles Barnum.
—Submitted by Naomi Johnson, a parent

150 words are not enough to express what a great school Dr. Charles Barnum is. Two of my daughters attended this family oriented school. Their academic growth coupled with social development was tremendous thanks to the caring teachers, staff, active PTO, and the parent volunteers. All people are treated equal, respectfully, and are required to be responsible for their actions at Charles Barnum. This allows for a safe and open learning environment. Parents are always welcome to volunteer in the classroom. Students seem to respond positively to the parental presence. As a parent volunteer, it was neat to be a part of the learning process. It also was great to be in lock step with the teaching methods used at school to be reinforced at home. In summary, Charles Barnum is an outstanding school. My family is proud to have been part of the Charles Barnum Family.
—Submitted by Nathan Mitchell, a parent