Bache-Martin School

Bache-Martin has made significant positive changes in the past few years. The school received a $3 million grant focused on technology and project-based learning, a new principal and renewed commitment from the community. It's a true gem. Don't read old reviews, come out and take a look for yourself at the new Bache-Martin. Check out the new parent run website for up to date information www.ThePowerOfBacheMartin. It's one of very few elementary schools that has a full-time librarian who supports the 100 Book Challenge program for grades K through 8. We have a pottery course for elementary students sponsored through the Clay Studio. A theater program for our 3rd graders through the Walnut Street Theater. A supplemental reading program through Philadelphia Reads, and art program for 4th graders through the Philadelphia Museum of Art. WE have a recess program through PlayWorks. We have a violin program starting in Kindergarten. Our test scores have gone up every year since the new principal and grant. We are working on the development of a new play space and outdoor science lab. Most importantly, we have committed teachers who really care about the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Bache Martin is a school on an up-swing. A new principal has committed to making it a neighborhood school and keep it small. There is a very caring, positive attitude here. The diversity is wonderful and students are respectful of each other. My son had a great kindergarten year--learned to read, do early math and had a great relationship with his teacher (who is wonderful) and everyone in his class. Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom. My son loved his music class and art classes. Students have spanish, art, music, library and gym throughout the week. Well rounded education.
--Submitted by a parent

I enrolled my children in Bache because my husband was a student there in thee 70's and he raved about how involved the teachers were with the children and the community. I have four children who either graduated and/or are still attending and I dont feel they are recieving the same love and attention my husband felt. The last principal had set the precedent around how to miseducate a student body. Now that she is gone I am hoping the new principal who wants to engage the students, teachers and the community will do a better job.
--Submitted by a parent

I just read the student teacher ratio. It states its should be 15 students per teacher. My son class has 21 kids in it. I've have become very unhappy with bache in the last two years. I'm ready to move my son to another school very, very, very soon.
--Submitted by a parent

My child have been attending Bache Martin from 1-4. Out of all his teachers I really believe his 4th grade teacher is the best. I would recommend her to anyone. She is very passion with the kids and let you know how your child behave on a daily basis. He also learn how to play 3 different instruments will attending Bache. The only thing that disappoints me is the extended care program. Some of them do not take the time to help the kids with their homework. The kids just tell them they don't have any & they let them play or do what ever they want. In the third grade my son teacher didn't have the kids participate in the 100 book challenge nor did they do enough reading in this class at all. Now my son is in the 4th grade & he is struggling with his reading.
--Submitted by a parent

I have becone very dismayed about Bache Martin, I have 2 children ( one who graduated from Bache and one still there) My child is currently in the 7th grade and I feel that in the past 2 years she hasn't learned what she was supposed to. Her 6th grade teeacher went out on medical leave and her replacement couldn't control the class. Now in 7th grade, I feel that she is being pushed along because her reading scores are off the charts, but her math score is lacking. I have been told that her math scores are too high to qualifly for tutoring, ( I don't consider a 62 % very high). And so I have decided that the time has come for me to say good by to this school. They have no more to offer my child.I do give thanks for what they have offered my children.
--Submitted by a parent

I worked at Bache Martin as an intern and enjoyed my experience there. They have a great staff.
--Submitted by a staff

I went to bache martin from 4th-8th grade. It was absolutely wonderful. I loved it. There was alot of parent teacher communication. The teachers really cared about us. So when I had my own children I decided they would go here. It is not the same at all. I graduated in 1990 My oldest son started in 1997. It was okay in the beginning but it seems as though the teachers and principle don't have the same type of love for their jobs. They don't care enough about the children, they just teach. I will say though that it is one of the better public middle schools in Philadelphia. I guess if I never knew how good it was back then I would say it was a pretty good school. I like the school and the curriculm but I do wish they taught another language starting in kindergarten. It's Okay!
--Submitted by a parent

I don't feel that the school has enough academic programs for the children. I do not understand why there are hardly any extracurricular activitites. I feel that the overall involvement of the parents are extremely poor in attendance.
--Submitted by Karima Gordon, a parent

Both of my children are enrolled at Bache Martin as a parent I am pleased to see the great results from the school academicly. What I love best is the positive attitude of the teachers and staff when I visit, to me that plays a major role in chidren attitude and readiness to learn. My children come home every day wanting to share there day with me they are really excited to learn and they look forward to returning to school. I am also proud to know that Bache Martin have music and other fundamental classes they play a role in the children's education and also there life. You will never know if the students were not inspired by whats in school how can we today have talented musicians, great artist, and great athlethes for tommarrow.
--Submitted by ineza smith, a parent