Barkers Mill Elementary School

What a terrible school. After moving from Lexington, I had high hopes for this school but those hopes were quickly dashed. While my daughter's fourth grade teacher seems fined, my son's third grade teacher wasn't as good. I took several trips to this school and noticed many problems. It seems that only young white women are employed at this school. I brought several issues to the principal this year and was ignored. In Lexington, the staff was more than happy to help me. This isn't the case here. The principal just likes to shift blame. She is extremely rude and doesn't always tell the truth. I don't know if she's intentionally lying or just so disorganized that she doesn't know what is going on. I talked to several parents about the school and was told that the school was in much better shape before the new principal took over. That's probably why some of the older reviews are good. I'm glad I rented a house in the Barker's Mill area instead of buying one. I'm moving out in July and sending my kids to a different school. The school is just too disorganized to give kids a well rounded education. Don't do your kids a diservice, send them to a different school. They aren't all bad.
—Submitted by a parent

I had high hopes for this school. The reviews were good, and the parents seemed to love it. Unfortunately, it has not lived up to he hype. I have been extremely disappointed in Barkers Mill. We came from an excellent school system, so I know what "good" schools are supposed to look like, and this is not it. This is the second year my children have attended this school, and it will be the last. The teachers have been a draw. Both years it has been one good and one bad. The administration is lacking, to say the least. They put on a good show, and I could see how parents would be satisfied if they didn't know any better. As long as you aren't one of "those" parents, you'll be fine. Question them or demand answers, however, and you'll see things from an entirely different perspective. Two years at Barkers Mill has been two years too long.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had my two children hear since last year we came in the middle of the year do to military lifestyle the teachers were amazing knowing the transition and how behind my children were they got them right up to speed. This is by far the best school in this town of Clarksville we attend another one and I removed my children back in 2009. My son and daughter are both 3rd and 1st grade moving up to 4th and 2nd grade and I wouldn't change schools if you paid me. By far amazing PTO and volunteer school activities. As for someone saying change of Principals Rhonda Kennedy has been hear for awhile and the assistant left last year however we have two new assistant principals that are amazing. As far as all teachers there are some I would be nervous about as I am too. Fifth grade teachers worry me because I am shocked at how they are able to yell at these students and not get in trouble. I'm impressed with many teachers so far though my children love BMES and I WOULD SO RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL OVER ANY IN TOWN! Tcap is crazy and all the benchmarks forced on the kids would be my only complaint to many tests before the TCAP prep them for one only is all then less stress on these children.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has really gone down hill in the last year. My child started Kindergarten here last year, despite the curriculum, the administration was great, and they were willing to work with the children and go an extra mile to get them interested and capable. The principle changed the beginning of this year and it has been one horrible cluster after the other. The lack of organization and communication is reflected in everything from the announcements to the operation of getting the children on the proper buses and proper times. Resulting in many children being left behind and buses being 3 hours late. One would think that three principles could manage to work of the one from last year, but they have not. in order for my child to be properly protected and educated I will have no other choice but to move, but I am grateful I have that option. If I had a choice of school, I would not pick this one.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has gone far and beyond to help our children out. The kids love it here. The teacher communictes with the parent and work with my them if they have any problems. I like their weekly letter to let us know what is going on during that week. Too bad where going to have to move again since were military.
—Submitted by a parent

The only reason why I rated BMES a 4-star is because no school is perfect. My 2 children have been attending this school since 2009. I have yet to have any major issues arise from the teachers and the leadership. I feel that as long as things are communicated to me in a timely manner (and they usually are) that is enough for me. My kids tell me new things everyday. I know they're learning something new daily. My kids aren't failing, as a matter of fact, they're succeeding, but I don't expect my children to have straight A's all through elementary school. They are still growing and learning. Honestly, just because a child doesn't get straight A's throughout their elementary, middle, & high school, it doesn't mean they can't graduate from college w/ Honors! We are all part of these children's successes. Afterall, these schools do have curriculums to follow to meet each grade's requirements which means it is and should be the same across the board for each teacher & class in order to pass each student.
—Submitted by a parent

We're a military family & have been at Barkers Mill for the past 2 years. We've done K-2nd grades between 2 boys. Our family LOVES this school! We've been very impressed with the faculty & administration. One of our boys is autisic & the school has been wonderful in helping to accomodate his needs. Normally, when meeting with staff to work on an IEP for a child...it's very painful. I can't say enough about how grateful we as parents were with the results! The staff TRULY cares about each & every student! If I could hand pick a schoo for my boys...I would pick this school. It's a very friendly, very safe environment for the kiddos. Class size is on the higher end but they work hard to higher new teachers to keep a good student to teacher ratio. The past 3 teachers we've had have been wonderful and amazing woman who truly care for thes kids!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Barkers Mill for two years now, and I could not be happier. Both of the teachers that she has had have been exceptional and all of the staff that I have encountered has been extremelly friendly and outgoing. My only regret is that it looks as if we will move to a new installation by the time my son is old enough to go to kindergartin. This school is very proud of their students, as you can tell by the artwork and pictures of the students all over the school. Parents are very involved in every aspect as well. Absolutely LOVE this school!
—Submitted by a parent

my son transfered into this school mid school year 2007. Because we now live in a military town, the school is used to kids popping in and out and they were helpful and patient with my child.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to this school a few months into the school year. We have a K and 4th grader (now 1st and 5th grader). On multiple occasions I was able to go into the school and volunteer, or help the teachers out. The school encourages the parents to be involved, and it shows. The vice principal and principal obviously care a lot about the students, as they are out and about and involved. I actually thought the vice principal was a teacher or an aide originally, as he is that involved. It was not until I finally met him in person that I realized otherwise. While the curriculum is not always perfect, and not all of the teachers are perfect I am sure, the ones that we had the chance to interact with were wonderful. So far I am very happy with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter did much better at her old school than this school. She says they make easy things soound hard.Shes in 5 th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been with Barkers Mill since it opened, and I am very impressed by the staff. Someone before mentioned that they did not think the staff was diverse enough, well I am sure that all has to do with the area that we live in. I am from the DC area, and oviously the area is more diverse just because of population. You have to look at the population here, and realize that it is not as diverse as other states. Would it be fair to hire someone just because of their race/religion just to get more diversity in the school? No, we want the best teachers regu=uardless of the color of their skin or religion. It's not fair to not hire someone because of the color of their skin, just like it is not fair to hire someone just because of the color of thir skin.
—Submitted by a parent

The people who are judging the entire school based on one person are rediculous. This school has many great teachers. Most teachers are young women, but this is who works at the elementary level. Many men do not work at the elementary level. The turnover is high, but just like the children turnover rate, it is due to the military. Many of the teachers are married to soldiers and often get stationed at other posts. This is something that cannot be helped. This school has a careing staff and caring administration. The students love going there and the teachers seem to really enjoy working there. It is warm and inviting and children and thier learning are put first.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has great teachers! The one thing this school lacks is great leadership. The principal and asst principal are the worst i have ever seen.
—Submitted by a parent

I would like to comment on the review posted 11/14/08. Before you judge please do your homework. As I have. Alot of men do not teach at the elementary level because they would like to coach a sport at the high level of education. There are very few application for men at the elementary level. As far as the ethnic back grounds they do work at BMES in other grade levels. We have been a military family for 20+years and my child has been in several schools. This is an amazing diverse student body.....We love it.
—Submitted by a parent

As this school is directly near a military base, and reflects a diverse student body, I am disappointed that the staff is not reflective of this. I would like to see the principal hire a staff of a variety of ethnic backgrounds. I think it's important for students to experience different teachers and make connections. My son has been at Hazelwood Elem and Barkers Mill for 6 years and has always had a young-middle aged white women as his teacher. Never a man, never an African American, it's always the same. Its a disservice to the students to not see people from their background/culture in teaching positions in the building. What statement does this send to the students?
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves going to Barkers Mill. Some of the teachers are a little young and lacking in experience, but the principal and office staff are wonderful. I would recommend this school to any parent.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school!! The principal is awesome and so is the staff!! My son loved his first year there!! Five stars!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Barkers Mill School has many wonderful teachers working there. I love Barkers Mill and feel great knowing that my children have a wonderful school to go to everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had nothing but problems out of this school. The teachers are young and our child's teacher is often rude and condescending to both our child and to us. Our child has been bullied and nothing was done to rectify the situation. The principal is nice and firm. However, even after speaking with her and our child's teacher about the problems, nothing has been done. The music teacher, guidance counselor, and PE teachers are nice and have been very supportive of our child. This is just one parent's view...however, the teacher turnover is great, so much so that pride in the school and stability is at stake. After two years at this school and the school is only two years old, we are going to do what the teachers are doing and take our child elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent