Friendship Elementary School

We love FES! We have had kids at this school for over 6 years and have only had fantastic teachers who put 100% into their work. The atmosphere is warm, exciting and very focused on academics. The principal lacks in the passion the teachers have but the students don't seem to suffer from it. Even though my kids have gone to this little school in Buford they seem more advanced then some kids we know who have attended private schools! Yes, its true!
—Submitted by a parent

I am pulling my child out of this school, out of the 4 yrs that my son has attended friendship he has only had 1 good teacher. my child has ADHD and teachers dont seem to want anything to do with any adhd or add student. I dont have to worry about my child being picked on by other students I do however have to worry about him being picked on and victimized by the teachers! all of the staff and faculty is horrible bottom line!
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred into this school from a highly rated Gwinnett school and found it much more to our liking. Teachers are much warmer are more ready to make personal connections with the kids -- Gwinnett felt much too institutional. The teachers recognize me even when I don't know who they are. I am very disappointed with the choice to follow a wellness initiative. I would much prefer a more academic focus. That said, my 5th grader is very much enjoying the new afterschool programs. Loved 4th grade where the teachers leveled the kids according to ability. 5th grade teachers do not, and my daughter is more bored. Gifted program at this school is disappointing, many girls drop out by 5th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is entering into 3rd grade this year and we are pulling him out of Friendship to homeschool him. We had a horrible 2nd grade year and a teacher that never even called parent/teacher conferences. I finally had to call my own in March (tried in November and December and we could never cordinate a meeting time) just to find out what she thought about my sons academic progress. All I heard from him was that he was constantly getting fussed at for everything and my child is ADD and wasn't getting any help. On top of that he was constantly getting picked on by other kids and then he would get in trouble if he stood up for himself(never physically!). His teacher would send me notes telling me to talk to him about paying attention. We were lucky in K and 1st grade with our teachers, but couldn't chance another year of misery.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Friendship for 4 years now. The teachers are wonderful, but the lack of direction from the administration has the school traveling down a non-academic path. We have been disappointed with the "Wellness" initiative, and will be going to a school that focuses on academics in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Friendship Elementary. I have nothing but good things to say. The school has excellent teachers and a wonderful Administrative staff!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Friendship Elementary. My daughter has been there 3 years now. I have nothing but good things to say about all the teachers and the school. From our our grade level teacher to the PE teachers, Art Teachers etc. all have been great. She has great test scores, testing above grade level. That should say something. Don't just look at the 8 stars, look at the current comments from parents. Some of the comments are very old dating back to 2006! Things do change!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Whoever said the Iowa test scores were in the 50's are very wrong. They have some of the highest test scores in the county- that is why we chose this district to build in. We love the school and love the teachers and the administration. Some of the curriculum that is not challenging is more a district thing, but Friendship does well implementing it and beefing it up some.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very surprised at the comment about Friendship not offering many extra curricular opportunities for students. The after school activities that I am aware of are: Chorus, Art Club, Book Club, Chess Club, Junior Beta Club, and Odyssey of the Mind. You may not have the technology that a larger school system can offer, but I have found that the benefits of a smaller school far outweigh a larger school. The teachers are great!
—Submitted by a parent

We have thoroughly enjoyed our first two years at Friendship. The faculty is committed to the kids. All our teachers have been great communicators and the extra curricular activites are excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school, but I wish they had more money for paper. I understand the 'budjet cuts' in Georgia are necessary, but don't we need paper in the schools in order to be able to function ? I do not mind donating a ream or two of paper, but please tell me what my property taxes are for ?
—Submitted by a parent

I'm sorry but the school is very unorganized and the website is soooo old. The staff and principle needs to wake up and understand the child's needs.
—Submitted by a parent

The Kindergarten teachers at this school are fantastic. They are very attentive and organized and get the kids interested in learning. I would like to see the school get a little more progressive in their computer use - don't know if this is a school issue or a county issue. The school website could use some updating and each class should have their own web page where teachers can post homework assignments and upcoming events instead of sending papers home.
—Submitted by a parent

Let's just say..Hope that you don't have a special needs child that will have to tend friendship elementary...Thank god for the special education vouchers...I am so glad that my child will no longer have to attend school at friendship anymore...The principal and assistant principal are not supportive and the counselor 'well'she needs a severe reality check...Hall county wake up and smell the needs of special education.....
—Submitted by a parent

Mr. Walton has been accommodating and very understanding in working with my child. He has been friendly and approachable every time I have requested to speak with him. I believe Ms. Peck his Assistant to also be very good at her job and also been very helpful. My child has excelled with their help and the help of their counselors and teachers. The staff from top to bottom at this school has helped my child succeed. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

The school and staff are ok but I felt that the administration was not very supportive of 'children in crisis'. These children are falling through the cracks.
—Submitted by a parent

Friendship Elementary is a wonderful school. I've had a child at this school for the past 5 years. The teachers (all grades) are outstanding! However, I don't feel that Mr.Walton is as outstanding as his teachers. School spirit is low and I don't think Mr.Walton spends enough time getting involved with parents or kids. I'm glad it's our last year at Friendship. I look forward to a new Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Morale has dropped significantly among teachers and students. Although the teachers are great they need a leader who will not only hold them together but lift them up.
—Submitted by Julie, a parent

I have two children at Friendship. Both of my kids feel as if Mr. Walton is not approachable. Fortunately this is our last year at Friendship.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his second year at Friendship Elementary. I find the principle to be cold and too conservative. There needs to be more phonics review and emphasis on reading skills rather than pushing them to higher skills that would be easier to master with a better reading basis.
—Submitted by a parent