Garvy J Elementary School

I needed to move to this area and begrudgingly sent my kids to Garvy, thinking it was, at best, an average school. I was pleasantly surprised at what a great school it is! The principal is great with the kids, the teachers are pretty intelligent and caring, support staff is very friendly, and all students are really pretty fantastic! (Bullying is minimal at most.) The school hasn't gotten the best "grade" in the state but, honestly, they have really challenged my children. I don't mind if they don't focus entirely on grades because my children have a great work/life balance. Although parent participation overall is pretty low, the parents that do participate have done an A-MA-ZING job! If you're thinking of sending your children to Garvy, your children will love it! My 8-yo wants me to add "I love Garvy!"
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids going to Garvy and we love this school. They have excellent teachers and challenging academic program, plus they still have time to always do something fun. There is always something going on at school, that makes my kids look forward to waking up in the morning and going there. We would not change in for any 10 out of 10 school.
—Submitted by a parent

Garvy,I thought was a good school,however,my child has ADD and is on a 504 plan and they don't accommodate him. This will be my child's last year at this school because they don't help/care unless your child is a normal straight A student.
—Submitted by a parent

I have no words to describe how great this school is this is my son's 3rd year there and since he started coming here we saw a huge change on him.. he loves going to school. he loves his teachers. I remember when he started they were all concerned. I love this school and the staff.. they all work very hard to help the kids and they dont give up on them and thats what i like about Garvey
—Submitted by a parent

5- of my grandchildren attend Garvey School and are getting a superior educational experience that will help them achieve what it needed to succeed in life!
—Submitted by a parent

The only thing I have to say is that I'm glad I don't go here anymore.

I am very impressed with what the PTA donates to the school and to the teachers. The administration works well with parents to keep them in the loop and are great with the kids. My family is happy here and I feel blessed that my kids go to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

With one child attending Garvy and one that graduated a few years ago I have seen a decline in the quality of teaching. Garvy needs to work on the upper grades and offer all the children the same quality education. Garvy has an accelerated program and children are picked purely on test score not report card grades. The difference in expectation and quality of teaching for the two groups is unacceptable and needs to be fixed. Garvy will be getting an addition soon which will help will the overcrowding. Garvy is a very middle of the road school with room for improvement. The principal does the best she can with what she s given but needs to be more in touch with what goes on in the classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

Garvy school is run by the most amazing group of administrators and teachers. It is a large crowded school but somehow they make you feel like your kids is the most important. I am so proud to send my children to Garvy and I know they will benefit from it. Of course we are so excited for the much needed addition and green space!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to this neighborhood so that our daughter could attend Garvy, I am excited about the new addition and am looking forward to being involved in my daughters education!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Garvy Elementary because of the excellent staff - teachers and administrators. Despite the obstacles, like overcrowding, everyone works together to provide a great learning experience for the students. Whether your child needs extra help or extra challenges, the teachers find a way to make sure each child gets exactly what they need. They also provide 'non-academic support' which is so crucial during elementary school. When the teachers receive adequate space with the upcoming addition, it will only get better!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Garvy School, because my children are so happy there!! They love their teachers,friends,subjects etc. The Teachers /Principals are always willing to help. They have a great PTA. Garvy is very informative, and has many family functions/outings. Garvy is striving because of great families/friends who care about our school.
—Submitted by a parent

Garvy has an amazing group of teachers,staff and administrators. Despite the overcrowding, the academic success of our students is a testament to our teachers and parents. The new addition and green space is going to be great!
—Submitted by a parent

Despite over crowding and growing yearly census are children still get educated and 1 on 1 attention. They have done a remarkable job!!
—Submitted by a parent

My family has a long history at Garvy. In fact, my 82 year-old monther in law went to Garvy. We are proud of our connection with Garvy school and I hope that my grandchildren will attend Garvy. Mrs. McGlade and most of the teachers at Garvy have a 'students first' attitude and it shows. We are a neighborhood school with neighborhood pride. Keep up the good work!!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, great teachers, great admin
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is awesome!!! very good school
—Submitted by a parent

My nephews were students at this school during the 90's & both boys were night & day. The eldest was always an honor roll student & excelled in school. He was challenged & enjoyed the staff and surroundings. His younger brother did not have the same drive & did not do well academically. The staff was very supportive of him & their counselor Mrs. Panos is amazing! She always had time for him & did everything she could do to help him. Ms. McGlade was their teacher for some time until she became principal. My son has been attending the school since 2005 & LOVES it! He loves the teachers, is an honor roll student & has been since kindergarten. Ms. McGlade has on more than one occasion stood up for my son & been an amazing principal with a no-nonsence attitude. Safety is a prority there!
—Submitted by a parent

the school is very informative and staff is always available for questions or concerns. My daughter always comes home with lots of fun stories and is very excited about learning new things! I couldnt be happier! I cant wait for the many years to come!
—Submitted by a parent

Overall,I think the school does what it needs to do to 'just get by'.Academically, I'd rate the school as fair. I don't think the kids are being exceptionally challenged, but they are learning what they need to.I'm very disappointment with teacher/parent communications and I think the involvement with the parents leaves a lot to be desired.I would love to see a 'quality' language program in the school. Although they have offered Spanish as an afterschool program in the past, it was awful and the kids walked away with not even basic knowledge of the language. if I had another choice for a local public school I would move my child into a school where they are more challenged and the focus is on nurturing the kids & continuing to expose them to academics, sciences, the arts and music.
—Submitted by a parent