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

I find Byrns L Darden a place where the student is first. This means from the moment they step off the bus to the moment they get back on. There is always a set of adult eyes, be they teacher or staff, to answer any question or make a correction. It is a place where staff members know a lot of students by name since we interact with the greatest number at different times. These comments few comments are foundational to what this school is all about: education. Because if a student does not 'feel the love,' then what follows is dead weight. I know firsthand that teaching is not buzz word but a fact. Each adult in this school is in the business of 'teaching.' From the principal on down, because education is not only the 3 R's, but much, much more. I believe in my school!
—Submitted by a staff

I loath this school. When my son was enrolled for kindergarten he looked forward to school with interest, and excitement. In the course of time he has attended the school he has learned to dred each day, due to the constant bulling. The school and tranportation departments inability to manage the problem in the school, on the bus or at the bus stop is more than disappointing. Requests for assistance go unheard as children are told simply not to tattle. This is not how we teach children respect and compassion for others nor build self esteem for themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

I do not consider Byrns Darden to be a worthwhile school. My daughter has a learning disorder and her teacher and the counsler ignored my repeated requests for help in understanding what her problem was. (I pursued matters on my own.) The response to parental involvement is minimal, physical activity is limited, and information about classroom activities and education is poor. If you are moving to the area, do not settle for this school district if you want what is best for your child.
—Submitted by JLC, a parent

My son is only in Kindergarden and I already know that Byrns Darden is not a school that he will return to next year. They ignore and neglect the children and their individual needs. t of neglect from more then one teacher including one instant with my own child. I strongly urge everyone to keep their own child(children) away from that school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a child in this school, I'd like to say that Byrns Darden is a school with the potential to be the best school in the area. Yes I say this with regret that we've lost a major player in our children's success. Ms. Nora Wyatt I pray that God will send someone to us whose heart is filled with the compassion this woman showed for our children. She knew the importance of these children's well being considering a high portion lived in public housing. If anything I pray for more teachers to lighten the burden in the classroom, and more help with students who are struggling to understand their work. I leave with a note to the Board of Education. Please consider our children when searching for a principal. Nora Wyatt will be hard to replace. I rate this school a 4.
—Submitted by a parent

Byrns Darden is a hidden gem in the Montgomery County School system. Their teachers are top-notch educators that really care about their students.
—Submitted by a parent