Powhatan Elementary School

Powhatan has excellent test scores, but I believe that parents contribute to that success because they put in a lot of effort at home and in the community here. I have 2 kids here and I've put in the time and I'm pleased with how they've done.This is our first year and one of my kids is in an upper grade and the other is in Kindergarten. My stress has come from our Kindergarten experience. Academically, the team is ON! But the relationship between parent and staff is OFF. Unless a child is in daycare or attends preschool, Kindergarten is the very first experience of school, not just for children but their parents too. It's imperative that both PARENT and child feel welcome.The K team falls short in making this happen.There's academia but there's NO relationship. How can school support grow if parents feel unwelcome from the start in Kindergarten? I don't think the school creates this alienation because I only feel it from the Kindergarten teachers. They just do NOT want us there unless we are invited. They want our money and that's fine and our kids, that's great! BUT PARENTS are a major part of the team and I think that this group of ladies needs to be reminded of that.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here from New York, and I am pleased that we were in the district for this school. My daughter attended ECES for half od kindergarten, and from 1st on up she was in PES. I have loved every teacher she has had, and have had no issues with any of them. I have also had no issues with the principal...past or current. I've always felt very welcomed into the school by all staff as they are very friendly. I agree with the previous poster that it would be nice to have some diversity within the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

First let me start off by saying, I have never had an issue at PES. I have enjoyed the last 3 years but thought to do a review since my child is leaving after this year. Secondly, I was pleased that my 5th grader has enjoyed her time at this school. We have met some wonderful teachers, parents and staff. My criticism of the school is in the lack of diversity in teachers and staff. Studies shows that really can make a difference to a child. Another criticism is that there is a huge disparity on reading and math for one subgroup of people. The numbers are so drastic that it should be alarming. I am not blaming the school entirely but I am also not blaming the child or their parents entirely. Just know there are good teachers at this school and some wonderful staff...but it would be GREAT if there were a bit more inclusion and representation of diversity.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a child that attends Powhatan, I am so thrilled with the education my child receives. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The teachers and administration are knowledgable and very supportive. The test scores are evidence that we are part of something wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children currently attend Powhatan Elementary school. Their teachers have proven to be highly qualified (just check out their testing scores - can't be all because of deomographics!) as well as very loving and understanding. Administration is excellent and most important of all FAIR to ALL parents, staff and students. I am very pleased with this school and everything about it.
—Submitted by a parent

Please reference previous year comments about East Clayton Elementary, which was under the direction of the Principal now at Powhatan Elementary. This Principal was rude, did not return phone calls and was very defensive when challenged with concerns over the classroom environment and quality of learning.
—Submitted by a parent

So far so good. My daughter loves this school and her teacher is great! We are very pleased coming in at the middle of the year and it appears this new school is on the right track!
—Submitted by a parent