Buckman Elementary School

A fantastic school focused on deep and meaningful arts integration with all aspects of the curricula. Many of the reviews below are from a time when our school was experiencing a great deal of change in Principal/school leadership (yet most reviews are still positive - a tribute to the strong teacher leadership that continues to exist). The current principal presents a clear vision for the direction of the school that includes teacher and parent perspectives. Academic success for all is a top priority... along with advocating for the arts-infused program. He is open and approachable with a leadership style that promotes teacher and parent leadership in the school. Best of all - The Kids are Happy and Having FUN while learning!!
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest son graduated from Buckman 3 years ago and his younger brother is in 4th grade there now. I have nothing but high praise for the staff, the parent community and the arts program. Some focus schools do not have the well-rounded education that Buckman provides. My oldest goes to SES right now and his education is limited to environmental sciences only. Buckman parents are hard-working and proud, the kids are positive, the staff is amazing! I highly recommend Buckman. And I will be very sad the day my youngest leaves that school.
--Submitted by a parent

I believe it offers my grandchildren the best possible learning experience in the Portland metropolitan area.
--Submitted by a parent

We had a great kindergarten year. And I can't imagine there's a kid at Buckman who doesn't love school. What more can a parent want? This is a sweet school. There are things that could be improved & hopefully will over time: better organization with parent volunteering, increased math & science achievement, and just more funding on the whole (which is a PPS, if not a nationwide problem).
--Submitted by a parent

I really like the school but if you have any sort of problem or a child who needs help in any area other than the norm, good luck getting assistance from the principal. The teachers are doing a fantastic job, it's just too bad the principal is so artificial. We love Buckman just not the response you get when you really need someone who can be a strong leader in the right way. I've found that the 'image' is quite different than the reality when you get past the 'smile.' Schools deserve great leaders, especially with fantastic teachers and staff on board.
--Submitted by a parent

After being at Buckman Elementary in various capacities for more than 10 years, I beleive Buckman teachers are fantastic. They combine both the arts and academics that benefits the WHOLE child. Team planning and art productions give the children a well balanced curriculum. On the other hand, professionalism and leadership are greatly lacking in Buckman's administrator and the staff has picked up the responsibilities causing an undue workload on the building teachers. The administrator has poor communication with the community and staff which has caused confusion and misunderstandings. This is unfortunate as I am thankful for the commitment the teachers have to the children and each other and for my children's smiles each day while there.

I agree with the parent who posted on Monday, September 29. Being an elementary school principal is a tough job, and our principal makes student learning, creative expression, safety, and self-esteem her highest priority. She is also doing an amazing job of working in collaboration with our diverse group of highly committed and active parents. Her main focus is on the students, and I'm thankful for that.
--Submitted by a parent

I read the last review and I would have to disagree. I have been at Buckman for many years and the current principal is great! I know she puts some preassure on the teachers and that might cause some issues, but that is her job and she does it for the good of our children. She is out and around in the school and she is very available for kids and parents. To us it is more important that the principal is humane, friendly, loving and there for the kids and she is. Her priority are the kids and that is how it should be.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great but the thing bringing this school down is the principal. She's one of the most unprofessional people I've ever encountered. It's really a shame because it's the teachers and kids who suffer. I wish I had known how much this would throw a wrench into our year there.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is entering the 1st grade at Buckman and so far we have been thrilled with our experience. She has been supported and encouraged in ways that we thought were no longer existent in public schools. We loved the art focus, and were literally amazed at the academic growth she accomplished in a single year. As a child of mixed ethnicity, she was not at all under-represented. There is a diverse community at Buckman, however these differences are not emphasized. At Buckman we are all truly a family.
--Submitted by a parent