James A. Garfield Elementary School

my son is in his first year at this school. He loves it alot. All the teachers and staff are excellent, kind and helpful.
--Submitted by a parent

Despite having the best student to teacher ratio, the most money spent per student the academic scores for this school are consistently the worst of the 5 elementary schools in Collingswood (consult the NJ Dept of Education). Yet, when it comes to the end of year "field day" competitions (aka athletics) they are first. What does it tell you? Oh yes, Collingswood BOE nearly closed this school when the budget cuts hit hard in 2010.
--Submitted by a parent

The ratings don't do it justice. Garfield's NJ State test scores are skewed because of the large number of English-as-a-Second Language students attending the school. The reality is that this is a wonderful small school with student:teacher ratios that seem more like a private school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is near completion of his first year at Garfield, Kindergarten. He adapted well to this new environment and loves the teacher and his classmates. The small setting allows for him to know many students in other grades as well. He absolutely loves it. The building adminstrator is very nice and is always available to speak with you, and yes, she most certainly does know all the kids by name.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids attend. Happy with their scores & learning. Stats include pockets of good ESL children.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Garfield in grades 3-6. I learned so much. The classes were really small, everyone was so nice, and there's a lot of extra things to do like: peer mediation, flag football, student council, and safety patrol. There are also music lessons available. The parents were alos really involved! A lot of PTA meetings, and extra kid-parent things like 6th grade dinner, graduation, chinese auction, concerts, and the list goes on and on. If I had the choice to stay there and continue the rest of my education there, I would pick it in an instant.
--Submitted by a former student

Very good school with small class sizes. Grade 4 has only 13 students. Teachers are friendly and accessible. Activities are adequate. Overall a nice learning atmosphere.
--Submitted by Jack Walter, a parent