Garfield Elementary School

My child has been in this school for 2 years now and overall its fine, notthe greatest. The school building in old, not enough lighting, class rooms are crammed up. Appearance is shabby and unclean. The office staff is friendly and the principal is jovial, but the teachers are 'hit and miss'. Some have a real scarry face and studies show that facial expressions have a lot to do with connectedness and approacheability. The We care program needs improved, the staff is unfriendly, and to impose discipline, they just make kids sit with no outside time. The do not check or inquire if a kid is sitting in the corner, no interaction and its pretty much like a confinement. There is also subtle bullying by older kids by isolation and the staff cares least.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been in this school and overall he is happy but there are a few concerns that i have as a parent. obviously there is not a racial diversity which makes it somewhat harder for the kids that arenon whites to fit in. Also i dont see that despite the lack of diversity that the teachers ever make an attempt to fit the non white kids in the class room by may be celebrating that particular students festival or have that student tell the class about their culture or religion. There is a lot more focus on academics and getting work sheets done and there is minimal emphasis on extra curriculum i do not like their WE CARE (after school care) at all. The staff is rude to kids, very strict and hardly interact with the kids. even onsunny days kids are not taken out.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to this school and I must say it was absolutley amazing! I had some awesome teachers and, maybe I`m bias here but, I would say it was the best Elementary school in Mentor
--Submitted by Emily, a former student

Garfield elementary school is a great place for children to learn. My son is going into the third grade and has truly enjoyed his teachers for the past 3 years. The quality of academic programs could be a bit more advanced but overall is fine. The level of parent involvement is very high. I would recommend Garfield Elementary school.
--Submitted by a parent