Baucom Elementary School

My son goes to Baucom and we love it. Teachers have always responded quickly and provided an excellent education for my son. He loves going there. The school calls each parent with a weekly recorded message providing the latest news. My son's teachers have posted homework on their class webpage so that I know exactly what is going on. The school does a wonderful job of providing a fun and safe community atmosphere by encouraging lots of out of school events. I honestly feel that the teachers have done a great job teaching my son and given him the extra attention he needs when he needs it.
--Submitted by a parent

Baucom has a lot of problems that are masked by the principal's vast personal charisma. I know of 8 parents who have complained about the treatment of their children by teachers there. In every case, the concerns have been brushed aside and the kid referred to counseling. Bullies rule the roost there and the school lacks the will to confront the issue head on. Visiting the school you will notice one thing: silence. You rarely hear kids excitedly responding to the learning experience. They are often punished in the lunchroom with "silent lunch" for being too loud when the volume gets above a whisper. The school offers little incentive to excel academically. There are many teachers that do little more than hand out worksheet after worksheet.There are some marvelous teachers there, too. Spots in those teachers' classes seem to be reserved for the kids of PTA parents so get involved!
--Submitted by a parent

We love this school. Our daughter previously attended a Catholic School in Apex where she was miserable and hated school. Since she's started at Baucom, she has improved in everything from skills to social behavior. She loves her teachers and the other students.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers in this school are very average. My child's teacher's website, as well as papers sent home, contain spelling and grammatical errors! I really don't feel that the staff here cares about the children. (except for the p.e. teacher-who is great!) Both of my children spend Friday afternoons 'correcting' papers as a class- as well as watching movies. On several days, my child's class has double recess. The math program is the worst. My child has gone from a confident, happy child who loved school, to one who is frustrated and full of self doubt! In an effort to increase fitness, students are forced to walk the track at recess and must walk if they break any classroom rules or if they forget their homework! The Special Ed. program is marginal at best. We are definitely looking at other options for next year. This entire district is a mess.
--Submitted by a parent

My children are in 2nd and 4th grade and Baucom is their 3rd school. Although we made the choice purely for scheduling reasons, we have been very pleasantly surprised by the remarkable improvements that we have seen in our boys! Our oldest has always been a good student, but is doing even better. Our youngest has struggled every year until now. Now he is thriving, and actually enjoys school! All of the schools have limitations that are beyond their control. I am sure that over the next 10 years there will be things and people that I won't like, or will wish were different, but it will be that way anywhere!
--Submitted by a parent

Having been a teacher at Baucom prior to having children of my own, I made a choice regarding where to live based on where they would go to school. I chose the Baucom school district. My oldest is now soaring in middle school. My youngest is thriving at Baucom, and loves it there. I have always found that positive parental involvement makes all the difference, and is always welcome at Baucom.
--Submitted by a parent

The staff has a smug attidtude of 'Trust us, we're professionals,' but doesn't back it up with proficiency. Actually limits parent involvement to volunteer opportunities and lunch visits. I am not impressed or fooled. Social Studies (except holidays and heroes) and Science are an afterthought. Mediocity is being nurtured here.
--Submitted by a parent

Parents have ample opportunity to be involved. In this wonderful school, children are encouraged to become balanced individuals through an abundance of activities.
--Submitted by a parent

Our oldest son (now in 4th grade)attended Baucom for Kindergarten and 1st grade. His teachers were fantastic and were able to recognize and enhance learning opportunities. Parents are encouraged to be involved, even eating lunch at school with their kids. Our son's experience there has strengthened his love for learning and we attribute that to the teachers, administration, and principal at Baucom Elementary. There school has an excellent website that even won an award: www.baucomes.wcpss.net.
--Submitted by a parent

I have three children that attendeed Baucom. Currently, I have a first grader at Baucom. This school has met my high criteria for excellence in education. The leadership is impeccable. The principal as well as other administrators play an active role in making sure that the environment is conducive to learning. The teachers have a love for teaching and are highly skilled. There is an overwhelming parent presence/involvement, (which is welcome)on every level. Overall this is a community of people that are truly concerned about academic excellence and child development.
--Submitted by a parent