Bartlett Elementary School

We were at this school for 2 years and overall it was a very disappointing experience. The school is VERY focused on teaching to the test to the elimination of almost everything else. Fortunately the parents are very active in providing enrichment activities as after school program. My child was not challenged and I was told that if my child is ahead he will have to wait for the other kids to catch up because they do not have the resources to teach children that were beyond the required curriculum. The principle (new for the 2010 school year) has been rude and often sarcastic during discussions. I believe that some of the teachers do a good job of challenging all children, but I know it is difficult with the large classroom sizes found in U46 and the huge ability range that is found in the classroom. Also, the teachers repeatedly complained to us about problems my child was having in certain areas, like motor skills, but the school refused to test him or provide services because he was not failing academically. After 2 years of fighting the school and getting nowhere, we ended up getting testing and physical therapy done on our own.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in this school and third one entering in 2010. We have always had very responsive teachers who have worked to challenge my children in their learning. The school has an active parent board that organizes evening events which are always a huge success.

It's an excellent and wonderful school. It gives the children so much potential to thrive and grow. It's a wonderful environment, the teachers are personable and works one on one with such outstanding merit and partnership. It's a great place for a child!
—Submitted by a parent

The front office and principal at this school have no respect for parents. They are rude and treat parents like they too busy.
—Submitted by a parent

While our school district as a whole is struggling in many ways, Bartlett Elementary is one of it's stars. My experience over the last few years has been very positive, with teachers dedicated to student success, and terrific parental involvement both during classes (running fundraising events and substitute teaching) to running after-school programs like Science, Spanish, Computer lab and Chess. It's not a perfect school, but we've taken what the District has given us and worked to improve it.
—Submitted by a parent

Within a school district that is not always highly regarded, this school is a gem. The principal, teachers, and parents work together to make this a fantastic school. From academics to extra curricular activities, I feel this school is top notch. My only complaints would be class size and the absence of a gifted program. Children whose families qualify and choose to attend the gifted program are bussed to another nearby school. As for class size, that is a district problemand is out of the schools hands.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic Staff, always interested in helping my children to the next step. They are friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging. I always feel welcome, and my children feel and are safe. They have great programs before and after school - early bird reading, chess club, after school spanish, hands on science and many others. Overall, we've had a great experience.
—Submitted by a parent

the principal is just an excellent leader, she has been so interested in helping us and finding the way to make my daughters to improve their efforts to adapt and to be challenge. The teachers have been just wonderful. A lot of understanding but demanding work.
—Submitted by a parent

My extremely disappointing personal experience: ineffective, uninterested principal who actually fell asleep during 2 of many IEP meetings I attended, certain teachers ill-equipped to deal with my special ed students, little respect for me when I dared question the system or stand up for my child, and woefully inadequate support for my special ed students. Inadequate one-on-one support when my kids struggled with certain subjects. Certain extracurricular program designed to be difficult for my special-ed student. System seems designed to encourage double standards, and favor students whose parents are heavily involved with PTB and other volunteer activities. Lunch moms, behaving more like prison guards, whose qualifications are questionable at best when it comes to being equipped with appropriate, fair, and effective ways of dealing with my child. A system which, when it came to my children, seemed to reward conformity and discourage individuality. Considering buying a home in this district? Don't!
—Submitted by a parent

My child was transferred as part of no child left behind.This was the best decision we made. The principal is wonderful, knows all childrens names & teaches alll to be respectful. The after school programs such as hands on science were so enriching for my daughter. Coming from a school with the lowere-middle class students & no funding, we are so pleased to be part of BES. I cant say enough about this school & its staff. They truly care about their students, as well as parents. HH (Hanover Park)
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school; excellent teachers who actually care about the students. It is strugling with funding problems, however that reflects the economic conditions of Bartlett; which is increasingly becoming lower-middle class. Unfortunately, the influx of low income students seems to be affecting the school negatively.
—Submitted by a parent

Should be a great school in an affluent district but isn't due to financial problems due to the school board. Has a very high student ratio and moves boundries every two years or so. Students have no sense of stability.
—Submitted by l k, a parent