K. T. Murphy School

KTM is a great school that shown remarkable improvements over the last 3-4 years! I checked the CMTs and they have out gained the pace of growth for other schools. Is there room for improvement? --Ofcourse, no one would deny that, even the hard working teachers and staff. As a parent who is involved and knows a bit about the system, they are doing great things at the school! This stuff about not following the curriculum appears to be misguided, given that the entire district does not have a set spelling test, yet they all embed this in the instruction. (I asked parents at other schools I know.) The drive, heart, and a spirit that is kid focused --permeates this historic building. I take pride in what we have begun to build here as a parent, and it's a shame there always someone that has some other motive. I contacted one of the reading volunteers from the JFF....they confirmed their feelings about the excitement and the great things they are seeing at KT. I know that the five teachers my two kids have had go over and beyond their call of duty. I Absolutely recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school puts the S in shameful. They do not follow the city curriculum from the BofE. I contacted my child's teacher because it seemed that the work load was a little lax, I asked for test scores, specifically spelling and vocabulary and the response was "we don't do that". What?!?!?!?!?!?!? I know this isn't true, so can only assume the teachers and or faculty are too lazy to follow curriculum. My child will not be attending KTM next year and is now behind, so because the school has failed he is forced to learn at home this summer. He's not assigned to summer school, but is not up to par for a 4th grader. Like a said, shameful! I see the teachers and other parents rah-rah over KTM, but after the experiecing the actual failings of this school, I honestly believe the stats are correct and this is one of the WORST schools in Stamford. A neighbor of mine also volunteers as a reading coach at KTM and does not want to go back because of quality, failure and disgrace of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son moved to KT murphy this year, I see lot of extra currucular activities here, my son enjoy go to school.
--Submitted by a parent

Don't let the ratings game fool you. The ratings don't even come close to measuring the intrinsic value of this school. The ratings are more a reflection of the number of children who come into the school speaking languages other than English as their first language. These are bright, well behaved kids who are being forced to take standardized tests to satisfy NCLB requirements and don't always do well on the exams. But this is not a true reflection on their talents or that of the administrative staff and teachers who are all very dedicated to this school. The bottom line message is - don't be afraid to give this school a chance. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
--Submitted by a parent

My children are the third generation attending KT Murphy School. It is what a neighborhood school should be. KTM is like a second family. The staff is amazing! My child had some learing challenges and they were addressed immediately. Wouldn't want my children in any other school to start of the foundation of their building block of education.
--Submitted by a parent

A fair warning to parents... this is a very 'tough' school. My daughter, who never had social problems of any kind before or since, spent one very long year at KT Murphy where she had problems with the other children on an almost daily basis. Virtually nothing effective was done to address the problems despite repeated attempts. Unprofessionalism abounds, from leadership to teachers, and most of all in the after care program. The problems were so extreme that I requested, and was granted, a transfer for her to another Stamford school where she has thrived. We recently had to move out of state and into another school where she also has no social problems whatsoever, nor did she at her school previous to KT Murphy. Yet, she came home in tears almost daily from KT Murphy. Enough said.
--Submitted by a parent

The numbers don't give justice to this school. My gifted child enjoys the diversity and community feel of his school. The teachers and administration really care.
--Submitted by a parent

In a word Brilliant, this school is everything I had hoped for for my first child, and am pleased to have my second son attend. I think the programs are outstanding, the Teachers are what make this school tick, they are the heart and soul of this school. The Teachers offer support to parents and students alike. The music program offers children a chance to learn and grow and has the greatest program teacher. (again I can not say enough about the teachers). It is my pleasure to say the parent involvement is the highest I have ever seen in all my years of attending teacher/parent meetings.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have been going to this school for 3 years and the teachers they have had so far are great. They are friendly and supportive of me and my children. We all communicate and work togeteher including the principal, the assistant principal, the guidance counselor and specialists who are all wonderful and supportive. There are after school electives once a week that run for about 6 weeks each 3 or 4 times a year. There are lots of cultural events throughout the school year that are both fun and educational. The school staff, children and parents are like a big family.