Beall Elementary School

Absolutely Awesome school with the perfect balance between academia and social engagement. The children are bright and happy. The staff is caring and on-point. I have two kids at Beall. A Kindergartener and a first grader. The teachers actually know my kids. They know their strengths and weaknesses and offer ways for me to help them at home. I am an involved parent and the staff is very welcoming and supportive. The principal is awesome, open-minded and fair. I love the school for my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Pros: some really great teachers, enthusiastic, caring and dedicated; Cons: generally everything else. The administration and staff seem overwhelmed, insincere, and out of touch. The general feeling I get is that many staff members would rather be somewhere else than at work helping children maximize their elementary school experience. My general motto for any job, especially one that involves interacting with people, is that you should be enthusiastic 9 out of 10 days. The feeling I get from Beall staff is more like 1 out of 10 days. My child has been punched and teased in class, called names and threatened by rougher boys and girls. I do not have a special needs child, but if you have a child with ADHD, autism, or Asperger's this is a school to be avoided for the staff's lack of support, knowledge and over all implementation of IEP directives. I would rate Beall as more of a 6 than a 9.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at this school: a kindergartener and a third grader. Just about everyone who teaches at this school really care about the children - especially the teachers and the administrators. About 60% of the teachers have an advance degree. The principal is committed to making the school great and getting the students to try their best. There is no discipline problems. The parental community is involved with the school and are supportive of the staff.

I have four kids and all for have attended this school. Two are still there. I have only ever had one issue with a teacher. My oldest is 17 youngest is 6 I love how nice the staff is, not the just teaching staff but the entire staff at Bealle. From the cafeteria employees to the building service employees. They know my kids by name and are always willing to help them. If ever I have a question or need a teacher to direct me in an area to challenge my child more there is always someone there to help me.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are not experienced. Discipline is non existent. Security is non existent. School is always asking for supplies and food. Curriculum is weak even for an average student.
—Submitted by a parent

Top notch facility, extra nice staff. Just a great school to send your kids each day!!
—Submitted by a parent

Everything a parent could ever want in a school! Just Excellent! There are so many different programs and activites along with all of the support that this school offers. Many people think of an elementary school just for the kids, but this school thinks of the whole family! Beall is one of the best schools anyone could ever hope to have their children attend! The award structure for students who behave and follow the rules really reinforces good behavior! I can never say enough good about this school. Thank you for your great work and dedication!
—Submitted by a parent

We are thrilled with Beall. Both our son and daughter love school and have thrived here. The principal, staff, and teachers are incredibly dedicated and caring. The student body is wonderfully diverse. Class sizes are small through second grade (15 or fewer). Our only concern is that there is a wide range of student ability, making it difficult for teachers to differentiate to the extent that some kids need.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the strengths of this school is its socioeconomically/ethnically diverse student body; differences are celebrated. However, this diversity is double-edged when it comes to academics; there are many struggling students below grade level. Teachers work hard to reach them, at the expense of adequate challenge for advanced/gifted students. Too much time is devoted to test prep/re-teaching. The staff and principal are caring, responsive and well-meaning, but overwhelmed. Teacher quality is uneven. Many families in this neighborhood choose private school instead, which further reduces the number of advanced/serious students. Parent involvement is low and limited to a few burned-out super-volunteers; this restricts extracurriculars (no science fair, no sock hop, etc.). Staff turnover is medium-to-high, with too many first-year teachers being hired while veteran teachers leave for other schools. Uneven student discipline, due to untrained staff. This school would be a good fit for a student of average ability and expectations.
—Submitted by a parent

All the teachers my son has had so far have been excellent. Staff and teachers care very much about the kids and are open to parent involvement. Being a large school however, sometimes communication does not flow very well. Academically however, I see this school very strong in reading/math/science. History is not stressed too much. The children are treated with respect and kindness. My son is very happy there, and we are happy with the progress he is making. Teachers are very helpful with the challenges he may encounter.
—Submitted by a parent