J.B. Nachman Elementary School

My children's experience at Nachman is wonderful due to excellent teachers, staff, leadership, academics, fitness program and arts. My children enjoy their school activities every day! Mr. Tison is very involved in making every students school experience positive. My expectations are very high when it comes to academics due to my background and Nachman is soaring overall! :-)
--Submitted by a parent

Recent changes in the PE program lead to a majority of the first graders and Straight A Students to drop 20 pts. in their PE grade. The PE teachers showed no concern that straight A students are no longer honor students do to the changes that where not presented to the homeroom teachers or parents involved. The Assitant Principal and Principal have no concept that his violates state educational policies. Parents are disgusted at the lack of concern. It really appears as if the PE teachers where trying to make a stand against the first grade teachers. Not sure where this major administration issue has emerged, but it is not only unethical but destructive to parental involvement and moral.
--Submitted by a parent

IT is one of the better public schools and recieves no federal funding. THe principal is great. However, so much instructional time is wasted in the morning collecting money, etc. Which is avaluable learning time. Funny, my musical son does not like the music teacher. Loves his homeroom teacher, but is constantly requesting to go to a harder school. The PE teachers are great; but I am more concerned about Reading, Math, Science or lack there of. Transferred from a private school. Considering going back to a private school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school atmosphere has made my child feel more insecure about herself that our previous school environment. The students are not open and inviting of others to join into their groups and the teachers stand around and talk to eachother during recess time as it was frequently observed especially the younger children instead of being placed around the playground. My Child was transfered to another school in the parish and is thriving.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the new music teacher at Nachman and I'm also a parent of a fourth-grader here. This school is simply outstanding. I totally agree with the other review. I was hired in September 2005 because of an increase in students following Hurricane Katrina, which is also the reason I now live in Alexandria. More parents need to make their concerns known regarding the lack of elementary arts education in Rapides Parish. I was lucky that the principal here was already looking for a music teacher. The faculty here is friendly, supportive and professional. One of our PE teachers was recently named outstanding elementary PE teacher for the state of Louisiana. The Parent Teacher Club donated the first year budget for music and continues to support the program. Nachman Rocks!
--Submitted by Shawn Rougeau, a teacher

I loooooovvvvve Nachman. The teachers are simply outstanding. They are sweet, but require and model discipline and self-control. The PE teachers are bubbling with enthusiasm and joy. I am so happy to have Nachman for my children. Oh! and we just got a BEAUTIFUL new playground. Three complaints...1.)class size is too high...The teachers need full-time aides.2)NO MUSIC CLASS!!!!! 3.)NO ART CLASS! I feel the arts are equally, if not more important than academic subjects. Rapides Parish Schools need to hire fully certified art and music teachersfor all of the elementary schools. The statistics are numerous and widely available saying that education in music and art increases test scores, improves mathmatics scores, teaches teamwork, discipline and aesthetic appreciation, all of which contribute to a higher quality of adult work and life skills.
--Submitted by a parent