Barksdale Elementary School

Barksdale is an excellent school to send your children to. As a mother of 2 I'm very pleased with this school. Diversity is honored at Barksdale by all walks of life. They welcome you to join the learning community that is instilled in the day to day routine. Teachers and admistratlrs are very dedicated towards helping children grow and learn. Everyone is very friendly beyond expectations.
--Submitted by a parent

Hello to everyon, I have three children at barksdale right now, 4th,3rd, and kindergarten. I just wanted to say that everyone is going to have a different experience at any school. I am a black parent and I don't feel the school is racist at all they have always treated my family with the up most respect. I have often wished there were more black teachers on staff but through a little research I have found that number one this town use to be mostly white so they had more white teachers here. Some of the teachers have been here for 20, 30 years, now, to me as long as they are not racist that;s fine. When people love their jobs and where they work they stay. Should the school fire white teachers so they can hire new black teachers, I don't think so. I do pay attention to when there are opening like there was a few moths ago and they hired a new para a good friend of mine and she's black. Now do I think they should only hire blacks until they catch up no, that would be unfair to every other race. Young black mother from Decatur loving barksdale and the town it's in.
--Submitted by a parent

I have one child who attended BES 1st-5th grade, another who is a rising 3rd grader, and another who is about to begin kindergarten. I cannot give enough praise for the professionalism, concern and dedication of the teachers and staff at BES. From the principal to the custodians, everyone there seems to have an eagerness to see our children succeed. I'm proud of BES and very happy that my children are a part of it.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a single parent with a father that just passed away. The principle ignored a letter that I sent to her about my child's attendance. Unless you are a stay-at-home soccer mom, you are constantly being harassed by the school. No understanding for working single parents whatsoever!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Fantastic teachers and great students... I love Barksdale Elementary! :)
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a child at BES, I am saddened to read such ignorance. BES staff teach each child utilizing the same tools regardless of skin color. The admin. should stick together if your child is in the wrong. It takes both the school and parents working together to raise an educated and well behaved child. Do your part! The school only has two black teachers because noone had applied for teaching positions there in awhile that were black, and even if they applied - there has to be an opening. Most teachers have been in their career for quite some time, at the same school. My child is white and reaps no extra benefit! The tools, textbooks, and expectations are the same for every child, no matter what their skin color. I'm here to stay too, so let's work together to raise educated children, not bigots!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had no complaints at all this year. The teachers all seem to be truly concerned about the welfare of my child. I had a concern that I emailed to the guidance counselor. Within two days, I had a message back from the principal addressing my concerns. My child is happy and secure, and learning new things every single day.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had a student at this school since 1998. Now I only have one more year to look forward to , until my youngest moves on to Middle School. The teachers, administrators , teacher assistants , and cafeteria staff are the best. They are all very supportive of the children and only want for them to do their best. Everyone knows their role in the process and really steps up to the plate in making magic happen. When my oldest left for Middle School she embarked on an adventure that really has changed her life. Thanks to Barksdale she was ready for it. Now, I am hoping the same for my youngest. If you are looking for a place to live and send your child to public school, this is the place to choose.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent whose fifth grader has attended Barksdale since Kindergarten and at present have a second grader enrolled. I have nothing but praise for this school. I have never encountered any problems with the administrative staff or the teachers in the many years we have been there. I say we because Barksdale welcomes the whole family and not just the student. Their primary concern is excellence in education and helping parents encourage and nurture productive citizens in our communities through many community service projects and fundraisers. The success to any school environment is parental involvement at the onset and not as a problem arises. I have not encountered any racial strife or racial tension in my many years as a Barksdale parent and I am a Black woman.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a retired teacher that taught at Barksdale for over 25 years. This is a school that truly cares about its students and the community. The teachers are hard working and want only the best for their students. The administration is always right there supporting the staff, parents, and students. It saddened me to read the review that implied that children/families are treated differently according to their race. Nothing could be further from the truth. It sounds like the reviewer came looking for problems or more likely brought them with her. Folks who wants to live in the Atlanta area knows that they will be living and working in a racially diverse environment. Its a fact of life. Any parent who wants to roll up their sleeve and work with the Barksdale staff to provide the best possible education for their child will be welcomed with open arms.