Frederick Olmsted #64 at #78

We have been disappointed by our experience at #64. We have also been blocked at the door by staff members, denied access to school to walk our 3-year old to her pre-K classroom, and disrespected by "gatekeepers" who roll their eyes when we ask to come in. It took three tries (over the course of a week) for us to teach her teacher how to spell our daughter's name. Notes home--from both the principal and the teacher--have been riddled with typos. I expected more from Buffalo's "gifted and talented elementary school." They have not lived up to the hype. We are happily transferring our daughter out of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Olmsted 64 was at the top of my list when enrolling my child last fall, as it is for many parents in the district. The school has a brand name, and like others, I was attracted by the school's strong academic record and reputation as the "best" in the district, as well as the school's dual language program. I want to offer a few words of caution. The current principal of the school has created an unwelcome environment for parents. It is an early childhood center with children as young as 3 years old, yet parents are not allowed to walk their children to their classroom in the morning. Parents have been told they are a security threat within the school, an inconvenience, and cause "unease" among students and staff when entering the building. Parents are asked to participate only when there is a fundraising event, or if they are needed as a chaperone for an off-site field trip. Parents are not welcome in their child's classroom, nor to say "hello" in the morning to their child's teacher. This was not the vision for parental involvement I imagined or expected. The school's "success" lies in demographics, not leadership, and I wish I had not chosen this school for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

This school and Discovery are the only two reasons we still reside in the city. Our son tested for this school in kindergarten, and did pass the test, but we recived a letter saying it was at capacity and they would let us know if an opening came up. We were just getting ready to put our house on the market and a week later the letter came stating he could have a spot. The GT program is fantastic, and it really keeps my son interested. One of the last good schools left in Buffalo.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school, with excellent teachers, and fantastic cirriculum. My son loves being a student at Olmsted!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is just finishing Kindergarten at Olmstead # 64 and I couldn't be happier, She has enjoyed every minute of it and has learned and grown so much! The teachers and staff are caring and responsible and go out of their way to do extra. The PTO is rockin' and have a once in awhile after school program which is nice. If you need after school care though you may need to look ellsewhere. Beginning Fall '08 they are beginning an Olmstead High School which will add a grade each year as the children move up. IGo Olmstead!
—Submitted by a parent

You want to do everything to get your child into this school! It has amazing teachers, one of which who has been teacher of the year more than once. There is great diversity in the school as well. This is one of the best schools I've tutored children at.

Olmstead #64 is a wonderful environment for children. My child is moving on to #56 and I find myself missing #64 terribly. The teachers are wonderful and the GT program is a unique opportunity for children to think outside the box. If you live in Buffalo and are looking for an excellent elementary school...look no further than Olmstead #64.
—Submitted by a parent

School 64 is a wonderful learning place for students and parents . It offers 35% attendance to neiborhood children and 65% attendance to tested GT program. Excellent staff , very efficient teaching , my daughter loves her new school and looks forward to a few more years here .
—Submitted by Jennifer, a parent

Olmsted is without a doubt one of the best public schools in Buffalo. For at least the last two years, Olmsted has placed in the top ten of Business First's list of top schools in Buffalo. The Gifted & Talented program is both innovative and challenging. My second grader is already doing research projects. The atmosphere at the school is close knit and parents are strongly encouraged to take part in day to day activities. My one complaint about Olmsted is the lack of a regular after-school program. There are two Olmsted schools in Buffalo -- one is for pre-k thru fourth grade and the other is for fifth thru eighth. I only wish there was an Olmsted high school.
—Submitted by a parent