Merchantville Elementary School

Since my son has been going to this school since Kindergarten and is now almost ready for high school, I can honestly say that I've watched this school and this town go downhill. Merchantville used to be an amazing, small Victorian town with a high level of community participation and pride. Now it is filled with transients and newcomers who don't understand the value that a small community and school can bring into a child's life. Merchantville Elementary was once a place where parents and teachers worked together to enrich childrens lives. That wonderful relationship is almost non-existent, with teachers seeming overwhelmed and parents disinterested or absent. This has a lot to do with the fact that a large majority of the students at Merchantville aren't living in Merchantville. They are coming from Pennsauken, Camden, etc. This has made testing scores drop, the necessity for school counselors a priority and a very large number of participants in the free/reduced lunch programs. I'm not saying anything about diversity (which I believe is great), but when homeowners are paying high taxes, we should be able to see positive results in the community and in the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I was told my daughter would have to be held back one grade because she wasn't equipped to be in her correct grade. Now, she has more than caught uop and excels beyond normal in all subjects and they won't test her. I am seeking to move! However, they do have excellent teachers who love children.
--Submitted by a parent

Merchantville school has the greatest teachers. They are very attentative and caring with their students and parents. Always making the extra effort.
--Submitted by a parent

There is so much to be said about Merchantville School and the quality of education of this small town school. The attention paid to each and every student can not be matched as are the teachers. Both of my parents went to Merchantville School (and married), all five of their children went to Merchantville School (K thru 12 and had all the same teachers!), and my daughter attended until my husband & I had to move. My husband and I also met at Merchantville School and married. Three Generations! This is not found anywhere. We all have wonderful memories, life-long friends, and wonderful reunions to this day! We are rich in history. Just ask any Merchantvillite!

Great school. The teachers are great and keep the children motivated. THey care for the children's education.
--Submitted by a parent

Extremely bad experience, since 2000. The quality of education is poor, weak administration, that doesn't care about students needs, high spending, discipline is not in force, bullying is allowed and is not taken seriously.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent School, Staff, and administration
--Submitted by a parent

very bad experience- special ed is non existent. weak administration, high spending
--Submitted by a parent

Administrative does not care about students needs - high spending. scores low for small classes
--Submitted by a parent

Scores have progressively decreased. The eighth grade scores have been consistently low. Disipline is not performed the way it should be. There are many instances of bad behavior that are not exposed.
--Submitted by a parent