Banyan Elementary School

My child has had excellent teachers so far. Office staff is not friendly at all, seems as though they are being bothered or don't want to be there. Had a few issues in the past with aftercare, they were lacking ownership, of course! School seems to be going in the wrong direction. I truly wish that the school would take responsibility for there bad judgment and there lack of ownership. Hope it gets better for the childrens sake.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 4 children go through Banyan and my 5th has 1 more year, If I could leave my children in this school till 12th Grade I would. The Staff and Teachers are GREAT and Mr. Voelkel is the most caring and dedicated principal I have ever met. Banyan is truly a friendly and loving school! I am proud to be part of the Banyan Family for the last 17 years!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with other parents who say children with learning disabilities or disabilities in general don't have a lot of support or alternatives at this school. They are left to struggle. If you have a child without any issues, this is a great school. I have two children in Banyan- one with a learning disability and the other fine. School is not a positive experience for my child with the issue but very positive for the other.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in Kindergarten at Banyan. From the second that you walk through the front doors it's like family. Mr.Voelkel knows every student by name and he is such a wonderful and loving principal. He really cares! My daughter absolutely loves her teacher Mrs. Hill and I can't say enough good things about this school. Next year my daughter will be rezoned for the new 'A' school. I don't want to leave this school, it is going to be a very sad sad day.
—Submitted by a parent

They need better services for children with learning disabilities. The school is dismally unprepared to teach these children. The standards are generally very low. Very disappointed that this is what is acceptable for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a 1st grader at Banyan Elementary and we both love the school and the teachers and staff they are all wonderful. Banyan was highly recommended last year when I was putting him in school so I reassigned him to Banyan and I have no regrets about my decision.
—Submitted by N. Sirju, a parent

I've had two children progress to Middle School from Banyan. I currently have a third grader. This school consistently reaches out to parents and the administration actually knows every little face at the school. As a parent, I feel that my child is safe and the current School Resource Officer is excellent with the children. Parental involvement could definitely be improved, but there are numerous activities and for families (Reading Night, Math Night, monthly McDonalds nights, school dances). Overall a great place for your child.
—Submitted by M Holmes, a parent

My son (Cody) currently attends Banyan, in 3rd grade & has since his kindergarten year. From his 1st year, he has had spectacular, wonderful, amazing, teachers & staff. Add your own adjective to a person/teacher that you would give someone and you have the staff at Banyan Elementary. From Mr. McGraw; head janitor, Coach Sapp; P.E., (ALL the Teachers & other staff/school members including classmates I didn t mention), Miss Nancy; Office Admin, Miss Linda; Nurse, Officer Mike; D.A.R.E., Mrs. Allee; Asst. Principal & to the Man in charge Mr. Voelkel; Principal I could not ask for a better group of people if I had hand picked them myself. Banyan allows and wants the parents to be involved 100%. Academically Banyan is on top & goes above & beyond their well deserved A . In short we love Bantan and you will too! P.S. My son is a reassignment I wanted him at Banyan.
—Submitted by Michelle Weiss, a parent

My kid went for grade-k at Banyan. The teacher was excellent and encouraged my kid a lot. They even put her in accelerated reader programs-eventhough they said at first that they won't test anybody until second grade. My kids like this school very much. The school tries to involve parents as much as they can. Don't know much about thier sports and extracurricular activies.
—Submitted by a parent

good school. however, I wish more involvement was placed on children with special needs such as learning disabilities.
—Submitted by a parent

My kid goes to banyan ele. It is a good school. my kid loves her kindergarten teacher. she is experienced and encourages each kid in her class to excel. the extracurricullar activities seem ok. parent involvement also seems good.
—Submitted by a parent

All the teachers and school personnel are always willing to go the extra mile for the children. The only down side, is that this school is extremely overcrowded and I do believe the school board should do something about it.
—Submitted by Fatima Pacciulli, a parent

I have been a teacher at Banyan for fourteen years. The teachers are all caring and very professional. Our Principal is always giving us the latest training and provides us materials to give our students the best possible learning experience.
—Submitted by a teacher

My child has been at Banyan for two years and has continued to excel. She continues to be challenged in her class work. She is in the highest math and reading that Banyan offers. I know she is learning all she can at Banyan. She has always been a Straight A student and is still an A student. But there should be more parent involvement with the school and PTA. Banyan is a Excellent school. I am glad my daughter spent her last two years of elementary at Banyan.
—Submitted by a parent