Joseph J. Davies Elementary School

My daughter attened Davies from pre-school to 1st grade. I fell that is is a wonderful and no other can stand up. The teachers and principal are one of a kind. She will no longer attend Davis because of Hurricane Katrina. Joseph Davies will be missed.
—Submitted by a parent

Joseph Davies School can be great or horrible depending who you are! Both of my children attend Davies and are excellent students. The problem is that there are MANY children who are disciplinary problems (generally students with ADD,ADHD or other DISRUPTING problems) and I do NOT understand how these children are being PASSED! In grade levels which tests are not given these children are just being passing onto the next grade! I think these children should be in special classes and away from children who are able to learn without extra attention. Finally, Many of these children are receiving special counseling within the Parish School system so it's not an excuse that the Principal, Ms.Harlton is not aware of who these children are. Finally, Ms. Harlton makes sure to know every child and I know she is aware of this issue.
—Submitted by lj, a parent

Both of my children attended davies. My daughter is still there 5th grade. The learning and attention given when special help is needed is great. The counselor is a very caring loving person with the children. My son absolutely adored her as she worked endlessly with him on his socialization skills. Their principal mrs. Harlton is a gem.. She knows every child in her school, i don't just mean know who they are, she really knows her kids. The teachers are always available to discuss concerns about the children and work with the parents to resolve those concerns. Really a great school. The best in st. Bernard parish.
—Submitted by Shirley, a parent

Davies School has provided my daughther with a caring enviroment. The principal and teachers do evertything that they can to motivate the students. The students have so many fun events to look forward to throughout the year. Every child has a chance to shine at Davies.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Davies since they opened. I find all of the main curriculum teachers to be wonderful, but the Physical Education classes are disappointing. I always believed P.E. was a time for kids to move around and get exercise. My son has been reprimanded for not 'sitting on his square' for a period of time. I was also told that he did not do exercises 'properly'. I feel there should be more activity and a less perfection required for the students to be 'physically' educated. The extra preparation given during 4th grade for LEAP was superb. The Hand in Hand program was a good way for the parents to understand what the students were being tested on. It gave me a chance to work more closely with my son to ensure that he was well prepared for the test. Our years with Davies have been most pleasant.
—Submitted by BRM, a parent

My daughter came to Davies as a 3rd grader. In fourth grade the preparation for Leap was unbelievable. My daughter did very well. However, her ITBS scores did not reflect this. She is reading almost 2 grade levels lower. Now fifth grade was the worst. I continued to ask for tips, help with her reading,etc. to no avail. After her graduation, I fould out there is a reading lab she could attend 3 times a week. We were never told of this. I even asked for an evaluation, but was dismissed. My child was well behaved so they would not consider her to have a learning disability. She passed reading with a B, however on ITBS she is in the 30%. Her reading grade level is still at the 3.5 -4.7 mark and she is entering 6th grade. Very unhappy with her teachers, I asked and asked for help only to be blown off.
—Submitted by Mary, a parent

The three years my child spent at Davies were horrible. I pleaded and pleaded for help to improve his reading test scores. I asked for evaluations but was dismissed as unnecessary. Why? No one could tell me. My husband and I worked with him on our own. He graduated with a B for a final reading grade. However, his ITBS scores reflect he is only in the 30th percentile. He has a reading grade equivalent of 4.5 and He is entering the 6th grade.I find this disgraceful. After graduation I found out there was a reading lab 3 times a week. Why was my child not able to take advantage of this program?
—Submitted by Leo, a parent

Davies Teachers and staff go above and beyond in all areas. My husband and I feel truly blessed to have our children in such a top notch school with such loving people.
—Submitted by Sherrie St. Germain, a parent

My children have been at Joseph Davies sice they opened. I love it! I think the school is a great place to learn.
—Submitted by Angela Curtis, a parent

Davies is a wonderful school. The teachers and administrators are top notch. My husband and I feel very fortunate that our children are receiving such a quality education.
—Submitted by a parent