Byrns L Darden Elementary School

This school was one of the most memorable experiences in my childhood, in a bad way. Teachers had literally no control over their students, and we barely did any work. I am now in the 8th grade at Kenwood Middle, and it is gold compared to this school. I remember that I was bullied at this school, and the only thing good about it was the staff. While they were not good professionally, they were my good friends. I also remember that I was advanced by 3 grades, and the teachers had no idea about the P.A.S.S advanced program, and they didn't know about skipping grades. I could've skipped 2 based on my reading level, but no one was trained professionally and they were very uninformed, and communication was terrible. My mother volunteered at the school and made good friends with the staff, but she realized the flaws in the school. I now still am advanced by 2 or 3 grades, but I didn't get what I needed and was held back by everyone else. I personally am disgusted at this school, but the teachers that were there when I was there earned it one star. After 4th grade, they required a class my mom couldn't attend to volunteer and she could no longer work there during the day.

Like most I've been told horror stories about this school, so when my lil one had to change schools to this one I was scaried out of my mind. But now that shes here I've fallen in love this not only the school but the teachers and all the volunteers. My daughter has come out of her shell and has more firends then she ever did anywhere else. Not only that but her grades have improved greatly. Everyone from the janitors to the principal are amazing! Everyone is friendly, sweet and always smiling! The stories I've been told seem to be from the ones who are not involved in thier childrens academic career. The more your involved the more your children will succeed.
--Submitted by a parent

I have one student here. He is in Kindergarden. I am absolutely thrilled of this school. Everyone there is friendly, all the teachers and staff. I don't worry bout my kid when he's at school, I know the teachers are going to be attentive and a lot of them have classroom helpers. Grannies that come in and give a helping hand. My son comes home everyday with a smile on his face and telling me something new he learned. They also have festivals and family events that are put on by the school and their PTO. It makes me feel more envolved as a parent, and I feel I know more bout his day and how he's learning, so I can better help him at home. The principal is very friendly and really cares about the wellfare of our children and their education. I could not be more pleased with this school. Very happy my son's first experience with going to school was here at Byrns Darden Elementry. Thanks to everyone.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children in this school, they have been going here for 2 years and we LOVE it! The entire staff is friendly and they are all very involved with the children and their families. I volunteer their regularly and the school is always clean and they are trying to do a lot of family events which are great for you to get involved!!
--Submitted by a parent

First off, let me say that this is the worst school I have ever attended. The bathrooms are highly unsanitary, the teachers have no clue what goes on among students, and the playground is riddled with graffitti. I was bullied here, and had no friends whatsoever. Whenever I complained to teachers, they merely told me to stand up for myself. How could I when I was pelted with rocks daily? Now, in high school, I am sickened by this school. It is in a bad neighborhood, with bad students and has a horrible atmosphere. I would never send my child here.

I LOVE THIS SCHOOL!! I have 3 children there now and my youngest starts next year. All of my children have straight A's, have won numerous awards, test above their grade levels, and also love thier school! My oldest daughter went to KES for 3 years,we got rezoned just as my 2nd started kndergarten. My oldest's grades never dropped and my other girls have learned the same things here that she did there!The teachers at Byrns Darden challenge them and reward them for their hard work! The principal is an amazing woman who interacts with the children every chance she gets and even went out of her way to speak to us in Wal-mart when she saw us. The entire staff, from the principal to the custodial department, is warm and welcoming whenever I go in to volunteer! The only problem is that they do not have enough parent volunteers!
--Submitted by a parent

I absolutely HATE this school! My child is currently in kindergarten at this school and was in pre-K and head start before starting. When she was tested at the beginning of the year she was above average and tested on a first grade level. NOW she is behind due to her teacher being absent A LOT and having several substitute teachers whos basic job is to 'babysit' and not teach! I am moving to another area just to get my child in a school that will actually teach my child what she needs to know. I now dread first grade since i know she will need to catch up. The teacher is poor at communicating with parents concerns they may have. I am DONE with the school!
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers strive to assure every girl and boy that they are special.
--Submitted by a parent

I do not suggest any parent to send there children to this school. My 8 year old went there for 3 years and my 6 year old went there for 1. Now they are at another scool in clarksville and are haveing a hard time keeping up. Some of the things they should have already been taught. They are having to learn now. This was the worst thing i could have done is let my children go there
--Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this school for any child. In my experience, this school does not have the child's best interest or well-being at the forefront of its priority list.
--Submitted by a parent