J T Barber Elementary School

I can't speak to the school overall, but the exceptional children pre-k program is incredible. Very loving, positive, effective teachers. I am very pleased with our experience this year. We came after having our son in a local private preschool where they were just unequipped to handle his special needs. He has thrived at JT Barber and we are very pleased! The school itself isn't in the best part of town, but is beautiful on the inside--clean and bright with beautiful bulletin boards. Children are well-behaved in the hallways and seem happy and friendly. Good experience with caring, supportive teachers!!!
--Submitted by a parent

The only good thing about this school is the ARTS program. Other than that we have had a horrible experience at JTB. For the first half of this school year our son was failing Science & Social Studies yet none of the teachers had come to us about the problem. When we asked to have conferences with the teachers they always just sent home letters telling us what we could do to help. Parent teacher communication is horrible as well. When we were finally able to meet with the principal after several attempts to resolve the failing issue he leaned back in a chair like we was out having drinks with a friend! JTB is also the school in New Bern that is home to students from ALL over the world. Which is great for them. Im glad they are able to get an education but I also feel that is a big part in this schools problem. Both of my children have kids in their classes that can't speak any English. Therefore, I believe and have seen first hand that the staff is paying more attention to those kids than others. I had very little time to research schools before we moved here from Japan but I am going to do everything I can to get my kids out of this school by next school year!
--Submitted by a parent

My Children have had a difficult time here I requested to speak to the principle on four different occasions and was redirected each time to my childrens teacher. My Children have been coming home and speaking ebonics slang or jargon. My children have been coming home and singing "rap Songs", we do not listen to that music in my home. My daughter is failing math. The majority of the kids in this school are pulled from New Bern's housing projects and have proven to be a negative influence on my children.
--Submitted by a parent

Great atmosphere, dedicated principal, great teachers, and bright kids . What more can I say...
--Submitted by a parent

J.T. Barber is one of the most caring schools I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Children are challenged to do their best academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Excellent programs for children of all ability levels are a real plus. The addition of a new media center and office complex is a real asset. The AR program is excellent for reading progress and the Accel. Math program is being used quite effectively for continuous math skills review. Parent communication is quite good and parents are always welcomed in this school and made to feel like an important part of the educational process. More parents need to get involved and volunteer at JTB. It is a rewarding opportunity to do so. Keep up the good work Crocodiles!
--Submitted by a parent

This school was great and now has added construction completed which includes a new media center. It is absolutely outstanding facilities and as before, the teachers and administrators are the best in the business. Excellent!
--Submitted by a parent

There are so many good things I want to say about this school that I don't know where to begin! The teachers and principal at this school are top-notch. They are highly qualified, organized and professional. They have taken steps toward making the school a very safe place. Parents and volunteers are always welcomed. The students and parents are treated with the utmost respect. Discipline is firm but loving and consistent. The students attend 'specials' daily, which includes art, drama, p.e. and music. The principal organizes 'Skate Night' every few months at the local skating rink. The classwork and homework are right on target for grade level. Another plus is that the students wear uniforms. From what I've seen, parent involvement could be a bit better but it's not lack of effort on the school's part. I would highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

The school year is new, but I would have to saw that I am impressed with teacher communication and class size. The resource programs are many. Each member of the faculty that I have spoken to has been gracious. The building seems secure and they have systems in place to maintain that. My kindergartener got in the car yesterday and said,'I had fun today' So far so good. I will update.
--Submitted by John, a parent