Bear Tavern Elementary School

Test scores are not indicative of a great school. This school has dedicated teachers who deeply care for their students and a core group of parents who tirelessly lend their support. Standardized test scores are a red herring, especially when misrepresented by community members and local media without full, detailed information to educate the public.
—Submitted by a parent

Worse test scores in the district. No leadership, bad teacher morale, discourages parents from participation, no communication from principle who doesn't even return email. Bullies run amok.
—Submitted by a parent

In spite of the all the work of the parents, PTO and teachers, the principal has brought this school down. Bus safety, a sense of community, parent involvement activities and an open atmosphere have been decimated under his leadership. Parents struggle to right this ship.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids in this school, one with special needs. It is a terrific school. Very responsive administration.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with a wonderful caring staff. I have a child who has attended and one who is currently attending and I feel they have had many opportunities to get a great education. I have been very involved volunteering being room parent etc. And have met many of the teachers and they really care about the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! Our son is in second grade now, so it's been 3 years. The teachers are young, ambitious and energetic. Expectations are set high, but I have witnessed occasions when I think that problems could have been addressed better. Communication with parents is very good. One thing that Bear Tavern school should really start working on is addressing diversity in the classroom. I think that the cultural perspective in the school is very narrow: it is true that the majority of the students come from white, middle class, Christian families, but it is striking how little appreciation for multicultural education there is in the curriculum (I can only judge by the materials that come home with my child). I was also very impressed with the Bear Tavern school counselor - very professional, resourceful, supportive and helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes the scholis old but the age of the building has no impact on what is going on inside it. There are a variety of programs to help all the students achieve and excel. I have 3 children attending the school and all of their teachers this year and in the past have been outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

We're a current BT family. The school is old and the district seems to be gasping for more funding to provide the basic elements for a fine education. we are in the camp, the school moves too slow and the expecation for isn't equal. Some parents in this community seem at ease with their kids just getting by. While I don't want to judgemental more than one kid has a reading challenge in the lower grades, where are the parents? To the credit of the school, there is a strong PTO and the teachers are caring.
—Submitted by a parent

my daughter attended this school for a few weeks until we moved. It seemed a nice place
—Submitted by a parent

Teacher has provided regular feedback about our child and has demonstrated understanding and insight to his occasional difficult behaviors. School has a full array of activities available. Academics are of a high standard.
—Submitted by a parent

Bear Tavern is a very capable learning school.It is very advanced compared to other schools.
—Submitted by Will Sweetland, a student