Legette Blythe Elementary School

I am constantly blown away by the excellent teachers my children have at Blythe Elementary. From new teachers to seasoned veterans, my children have always received excellent attention. In particular, this year, Mrs. Cross (3rd) and Ms. Conde (1st) push my children to reach higher than they would on their own. Additionally, the staff is always friendly and willing to help. The school needs more parents and community members to step up and support their needs. The current PTA has 90% of the work done by 10% of the membership. This fledgling IB school needs MORE parents to take an active role in their children's education, and there are PLENTY of opportunities. Overall, I have never questioned my decision to send my children to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher at Blythe elementary I have been very happy the six years I have taught here. I feel the teachers are dedicated and want to do the very best for all children. We have a very diverse population which prepares our students for the real world. We also do a lot of community outreach to help those families in need. We do fundraisers to purchase technology for the school, keep educational programs running, and keep our food bank stocked to help the families in need at our school.
—Submitted by a teacher

We have had a GREAT experience at Blythe. My first child attended K-5 and I currently have a 2nd grade student. The pincipal, admin, staff and teachers are wonderful. I would recommend Blythe to anyone. I love that it has a wide demographic umbrella and offers many extra curricular activities. The PTA is very active and there are a lot of volunteer opportunities.
—Submitted by a parent

Sure, lots of fundraisers but I participated when I wanted to and ignored the rest. I appreciated the level of involvement for the PTA. I would pay attention to the focus of the teacher and possibly request a specific one. Some specialize in getting up to grade level and some focus on a faster pace. My kid went in two grades ahead in second grade and ended up with the teacher who focused on getting kids to read at all. Terrible mismatch and he lost a year but he got sorted out and was very challenged afterward. Ms. Johansson is amazing. I would trust her with anything (and have). And she is solid and handles things so well. She is going to make that school shine. I've had kids at prestigious private schools, charters and public and she is by far the best leader I've seen in education.
—Submitted by a parent

I I don't understand how fundraising and asking for supplies can cause a single star rating. Many of the supplies brought in are shared with those who cannot afford. For such a large school...and yes it is large - there is definitely an at home feeling and both of our children have flourished at Blythe. We moved from a pretty nice district in Michigan, and Blythe is head and shoulders better!
—Submitted by a parent

Blythe Elementary School has far too many fund raisers-which is surprising when the poverty level of the school students is at an all time high. A large majority of parents cannot afford these fund raisers. School photos are taken several times throughout the year and the prices are horriffic. As far as academics-your child is safe as long as they are the average child without any learning challenges. If your child is of high I.Q. do not expect any special attention. Your child will not be moved to a higher academic level. Our school region (Mecklenburg County) forced a 100 million dollar buget cut as of 2011-12. Our children are paying for it. Teachers, school nurses and front office send home letters or e-mails asking parents to please send in new school supplies, nursing supplies, food, clothing and volunteers to help out in certains areas. I cannot in all honesty recommend this school to any parent who is thinking of moving to this county (Mecklenburg County) I placed my child else where so they could receive a quality education -a place where their intelligence is nurtured and appreciated.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school because it is truly a community. Everyone makes you feel welcome and the teachers really care about your child's success.
—Submitted by a parent

Did you know that Blythe Elementary has the most nationally certified teachers in CMS! That is something to be proud of!! Great job Blythe!
—Submitted by a parent

Blythe is a good school with EXCELLENT teachers!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Compared to a lot of schools in Charlotte this one is excellent. My son seems to have learned a lot this year. He is in kindergarten and he has learned to read this year. The teachers are excellent and no matter who you pass in the hall they all say hi and are familliar whith who you are even if you haven't formally met. There are way too many fundraisers and too much emphasis on them. Overall Blythe is a great school. It's no bigger than the elementary school I went to and that was 20 years ago.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to admit I was a little apprehensive to have my son start here last year, because the school is so big. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised, though. I think the school is very well run overall and you really don't 'feel' as if your child is going to a very large school. I do feel that there are way , way too many fundraisers during the year, including high picture packages and expensive field trips (the latest was $55 each), and I think sometimes staff forgets to consider that not all parents can afford such high prices. Overall, though, I'm glad we chose Blythe for him.
—Submitted by a parent

My Daughter is in Kindergarten. I have been very impressed with the school. Both with the Faculty and the Organization of the Staff. Since the school population was cut in half this year...It has a small school feel.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is just finishing Kindergarten this year. The school is overcrowded, and this is seen in the high numbers of kids in the specials classes (art, music) The art and music classes lack depth and seems to always be 'produce what everyone else produces' instead of letting the kids be creative. Music is not taught, but my child told me she watches videos in music classes. She was not exposed to notation or rhythms. She can read, but she knew how to read before she started school. Pretty much I felt she could have learned more in the school year, and I am disappointed in the lack of variety of what she was exposed to (I feel this is no fault of the teachers). Advanced children should be in advanced classes.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that Blythe is an exceptional school, it maybe over crowded, but you would never know because the staff has done an incredible job at every level to make sure everything is under control. Academically I feel that my child is getting an great education. The parent involvement is exceptional. I think Blythe is the best. staci
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended here 2 years. It is a huge school, but it is extremely well run and does not feel overcrowded. Most importantly, I feel my son is receiving a top-notch education here.
—Submitted by Audrey W, a parent

My daughter completed K and is about to finish 1st grade at Blythe. Her teachers have been great, shes enjoying school and I think she is getting a good quality of education. One complaint is that it's overcrowded and I'm looking forward to the new elementary school opening in Highland Creek in 2006.
—Submitted by a parent

2004-2005 school year was the first year my son attended 5th grade at Blythe. Overall we have had a succesful year and the his teachers have a geniune concern for his education. They quickly alert me of any issues with his grades or it they feel he needs additional reinforcement at home.
—Submitted by a parent