Bates Elementary School

After a long appeal process of trying to get my kindergartener into a decent school (she got placed in an area B school) we got placed at Bates and I have to admit I wasn't too excited about it but we decided to give it a try. We have been very pleased with the school and our daughter has learned a tremendous amount in her first year at school. She is reading above grade level, her handwriting has improved tremendously, is learning addition and subtraction, and gets an appropriate amount of homework Monday-Thursday. I have also been happy that Bates is very accessible for children with disabilities as my daughter has learned to be a helper and friend to children who might not have the same abilities as her--an invaluable lesson in my opinion. I can't comment on leadership and unfortunately with younger kids at home I have not been involved in helping at the school but I do know that my daughter is happy and thriving.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to say I agree with the majority of the posts on here that say Bates is NOT a very good school. It is such a shame, but the leadership is SORELY lacking. That is all I have to say on the subject. I can see DAILY why these poor parents are upset. Maybe things will change when the "leadership" steps down. You can NOT run a school effectively by sitting in an office all day.
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter currently attends Bates. I would NOT suggest anyone send their children to this school. This school is so far behind educationally. At the end of the school year my third grader was just learning subtraction. She NEVER had homework. I'm just thankful my husband and I made our own worksheets and taught her to multiply on our own. She will not be attending her next year.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter attended Bates for two years. We thought, as a smaller school, she'd get more one on one attention....wrong. Our daughter is a very bright child, who was bored and found herself 'helping' other students with their work. As time went by, she lost interest in learning. The principal seemed to be overwhelmed or distracted all the time. The counselor appeared 'bothered' by our concerns. I wouldn't recommend this school. Fern Creek Elementary turned out to be our salvation. It was there that the Advanced Program was offered and our daughter once again began to enjoy learning.
--Submitted by a parent

Two of my three step children attend Bates and I will for sure not be sending either of my two biological children. The teachers aids aer among the worse, the parental involvement is horrible, and if you stop by there during the day it's like a zoo, kids running around everywhere.

Children are allowed to run wild about the school, are very loud, disrespectful, and don't listen. The discipline, student achievement(s), education, parental involvement, everything, is not good. It is worth every penny for parochial/catholic school if Bates is your only alternative and you have the tuition money - I don't, so my kids are stuck there. Principal has too many shortcomings as a leader. The academic programs are sub-par. Not much parental involvement that I see.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved our child to Bates earlier this year. We are very pleased with the results. He has improved his grades dramatically from close to failing to all A's and B's with one C on his last report card. The staff at Bates are great people!
--Submitted by a parent

Bates Elementary school is a wonderful learning environment. The staff from top to bottom gives you their undivided attention no matter how small the problem. My child has had his 'times' and the staff steps up and handles each with a courteous, but firm hand. I appreciate the time they have worked with my family in improving my childs work ethics and behavior. My child will benefit from the total support he has received. I always sing the praises to my family and friends about Bates. Please keep up the awesome work. L.Brown
--Submitted by Lisa Brown, a parent

We are pleased with the curriculum and staff at Bates Elementary. After touring many private schools over the summer to explore other options, we were only more impressed with Bates Elementary. Teachers at Bates are ready and willing to work with children/parents to ensure learning is achieved. Teachers are always available and there is great communication between parents and teachers regarding student progress. Parents would welcome more opportunities to be involved at school.
--Submitted by a parent