Paul Chatfield School

I dont like to throw this word around easily and wont get into details so this isnt blocked but my child has been bullied by one child in particular and has got to the point where she has been "sick" due to the stress from this other child and her teacher and faculty does nothing about it. I have called several times and its swept under the rug. I am just disgusted with the faculty in this school and have heard horror stories due to negligence and plan to write a LENGTHY report on my issues with this school so this "surprise visit" happens that was mentioned below. It also seems like the same parents are asked to be involved not letting newcomers into the mix. The communication from the reverse 911 calls and school alerts are helpful I will give them that. I dont know if this is just an isolated incident, other teachers may be great but my daughter feels she cannot go to her teacher for help or to talk. She is also flighty and cant seem to keep her stories straight when we speak so I am not impressed by any means with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is way too focused on the CMT scores. They stress the kids out over them with high pressure, quick punch reviewing that is test specific - and then try to pump them up for the tests with manipulation. Principal Olechna aggressively seeks to minimize parental involvement, refusing help from parents in areas where they clearly need help. And student/teacher placement is awful. The teachers are a mixed bag - some good - some awful. I have one son who is thankfully done with Chatfield this year. I completely agree with the reviewer who put 0 stars and said this school should get a surprise visit. On the whole, Seymour needs to wake up and clear the Board. Seymour schools used to be among the top in the state and are now among the lowest.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at chatfield and have nothing but good things to say. The teachers are very caring and the kids receive a very good education. I was skeptical about "public" schools.... but I have no complaints about the seymour school system at all. Great job!
—Submitted by a parent

I have nothing but good things to say about this school. Teachers care, Principal both past and present are available and willing to talk. Kids are kids anywhere you go. I feel that my son is given the attention he needs. My son is on an IEP and the team has done very well with my son's plan and adapting as things arise. I can not say enough about this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Math is too advanced for the children. These subjects are not appropriate for such young children such as; geometry, algebra , and division before knowing many of their timetables. This is not an exaggeraton. Looks good on paper for the teachers. Very frustrating for the kids. Someone investigate this school with a surprize visit !!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school not very culturally diverse however. But it's excellent and we were treated well proving that not all white schools are racist. My 5/6 year old and I were treated with the up most respect from faculty and teachers who really cared about my child. I did not care for the principal however and her kindergarten teacher ws always helpful to us and very sweet. My little one loved her experience there. I didn't want to send my child to a Black School because we look mixed and the Black schools are not good anywhere we go so we had to give my child a 'white education' however the immediate community where the school sits is made up of more educated whites and we were very happy there. It is a fun learning enviroment and we wer treated with respect. this is a good school.
—Submitted by India Christine, a parent

Very happy with this school! Teachers really care, up-to-date curriculum, excellent PTA organization, very clean, everything is great! My son is very happy here!
—Submitted by Laura Sandoval, a parent