Frenchtown School

I am very angry after I read the previous parent's comment about "personal plan to address his/her children's learning strengths and needs". There was no personal plan to address my children's learning strengths and needs. I discuss with teacher several times. She told me that she discussed with the principal. It went nowhere. Does this school treat every child the same? Why did some children have a personal plan but not the other? At the time my children left Frenchtown, they didn't learn ANYTHING in subjects they were good at. Their weakness was still their weakness. Eldredge is a much better school. My children grow in Eldredge.
—Submitted by a parent

I hope that as you read this, you realize that people look for a forum to voice their personal gripes. This school has been wonderful for each of my 5 children. They have each had personal plans to address their learning strengths and needs. The principal leads teachers in looking at student learning and redesigning the environment to meet those needs. The principal also takes time each week to meet with each grade for a Town Meeting, discussing what's relevant to the culture of the learning environment. Each Principal in RI has alot on her shoulders these days. This is one who loves children and it shows! Test scores are comparable to Meadowbrook and district scores.
—Submitted by a parent

I am surprised that the East Greenwich community has tolerated the poor leadership of this school over the last 7 years - especially given the diminishing performance of the school in the overall state rankings. In 2008-2009, Frenchtown was ranked 12th out of 171 elementary schools. In 2001-2012 it was ranked 22nd out of 173 schools. The principal at this school is controlling and dictatorial. The teachers are great and do the best they can within the environment but they have little freedom. Test scores are not everything but given the climate at this school the results are not surprising.
—Submitted by a parent

Frenchtown does not live up to its reputation. This is a No Child Left Behind and No Child Can Get Ahead school.
—Submitted by a parent

Extremely satisfied with Frenchtown! The principle, faculty, and staff members seem very professional, approachable and take their work seriously. The school is doing a wonderful job focusing on the "social, emotional, academic and safety needs of all children" providing effective incentives and reward systems within the classroom and the entire school. Our child is very happy with her teacher and TA, and reported that the principle knew how to talk to her in a respectful way when she was sent to her office for disrupting the class. There are many friendly and professional parents who are easy to get along with. Because it is a relatively high quality public school (ie free tuition--savings of up to $27K, more or less), the snob factor is kept to a minimum compared to private schools. Very clean and safe environment. Ample parking space for pick up and drop off. Tons of volunteer opportunities for active parents who like to be involved. PTG members are friendly and organized. After school programs available for a fee. I just wish some of the more competitive, pessimistic, and uptight individuals would just loosen up a little, but I digress.
—Submitted by a parent

I am new to EG community. I agree with the previous comment about "Sadly, this school teaches to the test (NECAP)... and NOT to the individual.". As a parent, I don't care about NECAP. It does not tell me anything about how my kids are doing today and if they are learning anything in the school. It is a grade level test and it only tells me how my kids did three quarters ago. Grade level education is not challenge enough for kids above 75th percentile. I am very surprised that EG community thinks it has a world class education. I have personal experience with education in several countries. My kids attended public schools in other states too. My honest words to EG community is that if I rank 10/10 for excellent public schools in other countries, I would rank 8/10 for excellent public schools in other states in US and I would rank 5/10 for Frenchtown and EG public schools. I do have to acknowledge that there are very few good public schools in RI. Frenchtown is a good public school in RI. Parent Teacher Groups in Frenchtown and EG schools are very different as other schools. They have meetings in the morning. Only none working parents can involve during that time.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to laugh at the parent who thinks the Principal is autocratic, I believe I know who that parent is and she is part of the "special interests" group that the Principal does not cater to. The principal is a wonderful women who has the interests of the children at heart. education, learning and safety. It's just a shame that those who have lots of money can't throw it around at Frenchtown and get their way! Kudos to the Principal and staff for keeping the children first!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The mission of the East Greenwich Public Schools is to maximize individual potential in pursuit of personal and academic excellence. There is no academic program to support this mission. East Greenwich public schools perform well on grade level assesement tests. It is because East Greenwich is an executive community. Most of the parents have done a lot of work outside the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Agree and disagree. I have been a parent in this school for many years and I have seen how the faculty and staff has grown with great leadership. This principal leads district and state changes at this school that benefit ongoing improvement. I have seen her develop and participate in teams that improve student learning. She focuses on what's in the best interest of the children and the school. She rremains focused on those goals and here role and does not engage in the agendas of the "special interest groups".
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is not a leader and is very unfriendly to parents. She has an autocractic leadership style that discourages creativity and innovation which is reflected in classroom. If you move to EG, Meadowbrook is a better choice.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school and I had a great time! The teachers were beyond outstanding and they still are! The school and like a flower and all of its students are the bees-as in, the students take some knowledge from the teachers so then they can apply it to their own lives. I would definitely recommend sending your child to Frenchtown Elementary School.

This school is great - I disagree with the comment regarding teaching to the tests and expecting boys to be docile - my son is a very active child, full of energy, and is thriving at Frenchtown. He is learning new things every day. They offer additional programs and go out of their way to include parents and communicate with parents -it feels like a community. My only complaint is also that the Kindergarten is only a couple hours - I know this is being looked at and I hope it is changed to full day for the benefit of my other children and because full day K has been proven to be more effective.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves her new school. Our only complaint would be that kindergarten is only a couple hours each day.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are dedicated and go the extra mile for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, I have a different view than the existing reviewers. I have 2 children in this school and it has been... less than a 'great' experience. Boys especially, are not able to learn in a sytle more suited to boys. But rather are expected to behave as docile, unimaginative, and almost latent individuals. My boys have been uhappy from the get-go. They are kind, respectful boys yet they have stressed out thier teachers because they do not follow the plan well... Sadly, this school teaches to the test (NECAP)... and NOT to the individual. We are very happy to be leaving!
—Submitted by a parent

Best place for kids. Focus on meeting the individual needs of all children through differentiated instruction and extra support through intervention plans. My children have had all of their needs met. Staff has open-door policy. Families are a part of the best plan.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone at Frenchtown is focused on making this the best place for kids!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Focus on continued school improvement. Emphasis on safety and security of all.
—Submitted by a parent