Farmington Elementary School

I am a mother of 4 and have 2 step-children. That makes a total of 6 children I have had the pleasure of raising. Between Shelby county redistricting, private schools, pre-schools, high schools, middle schools and moving I have had experience with 16 different schools in Shelby County. Farmington Elementary is by far the worst of them all. They focus too much on the rules and not enough on educating the children. The atmosphere is unfriendly to say the least. I did my youngest a disservice by sending her to Farmington her kindergarten year. She is far behind what my other children were in kindergarten. It was so bad that I almost transferred her to another school the last 9 weeks of school, but felt it would do her a disservice not to keep her with her classmates the remaining of her kindergarten year. I will not return, even through I am living in school district. I am opting for private education, and hoping to possible get a transfer back to Riverdale. The administration focuses too much on the RULES and not enough time educating the children. I feel sorry for those parents that do not realize there are better choices. If I could give a negative star I would.
—Submitted by a parent

As parents we have the right to share our experiences positive or negative. We relocated to Memphis two years ago and have had experiences in two prior school districts, both nationally ranked, outstanding public school districts. While the majority of parents whose children have only attended Farmington have had positive experiences we have a lot to compare to. Children are taught the same grade level curriculum even if a child has mastered the grade level entering that grade. I believe Farmington's minimum for the APEX program is much lower than most nationally ranked districts. Many comfortable teachers with little progressive approach to teaching, lots of worksheets and everyone reading/doing the same thing. We were most concerned with low math scores as our previous school was in the 95th percentile. It's shocking that with PhD administrators there is little if any effort to improve the school or offer cutting edge education.The school is rigid and it seems the parent volunteers do a lot to keep the school running. The focus is definitely on kids sitting down, being quiet or else conduct marks. The school needs to be more nurturing to children & supportive of families.
—Submitted by a parent

In response to the parent that wrote a very negative review of FES with respect to the education of gifted students, it is hard to believe we are at the same school! My 4th grader is in APEX (the gifted program) and my 1st grader probably will be (it starts in grade 3). Our experience has been great. not only does the separate APEX class challenge our daughter to do complex math and logic problems and to think and learn in a different, more complex way, but both of my daughters' "regular" teachers give them lots of individual attention and challenge them daily. Being a public school, they are unfortunately contrained by a set curriculum and required testing, but otherwise it is FANTASTIC. My prior review: We moved here from California a few years ago - and have 2 daughters at Farmington - now in 1st and 4th grades. Like another parent who posted, we were a bit unsure, but both girls have had wonderful experiences at FES - great teachers, administrators and classmates. They are learning a lot and having a wonderful time! I am also very impressed with the level of parent involvement and the true cultural diversity (not what I expected) which goes beyond black/white/hispanic.
—Submitted by a parent

Seeing all the reviews I opted Farmington for my gifted child. But my decision was wrong. They constantly demotivate and discourage for age barrier. They do not have enough experience and patience with gifted kids even though they say that they have lots of experienced teachers. Sometimes I felt they are discriminating and partial. It is very stressful for a parent and child. I strongly discourage special education gifted program for this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from Chicago few years ago and it was a big cultural shock for us. We were so afraid to put our 6-year-old daughter in public schools because of all what we have seen and heard. But Farmington Elementary had proved everyone wrong. I am a picky guy and I will look for what is wrong with things before I see what's good in them. I can tell you that this school had made me so happy with my move and with my decisions. My 1st garde daughter reads at a 3rd grade level and 2 grade math. She cannot wait for the weekend to be over to go back to her school. We are loving it.
—Submitted by a parent

2 words for you all: "BEST SCHOOL" I have read other schools ratings and how everyone's is happy with their school but you know what makes a difference? That # 10 you see year and after year after year. Other schools are going from 10 to 8 to 7 back to 9....that tells you something. My daughter is learning and improving so much and well behaved and that's all what I can ask for from a school. My wife is involved in school and she love to be around the teachers and staff. Good job Farmington Elementary and special thanks to Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Lasley.
—Submitted by a parent

We have three kids attending Farmington, and this is our 6th year there. I can't say enough wonderful things about the school. The administration and teachers are of the very highest caliber, academically and personally. I feel that our children will be very well prepared to continue on to middle and high school as a result of receiving an outstanding elementary school education at Farmington.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school with an amazing PTA and parent involvement. Great extracurricular programs too. Nurturing feel with high academic standards - we love Farmington!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a Farmington parent and we could not be happier there. It is a fantastic school. They provide regular PE, art, music and library classes. Lots of extracurricular programs, field trips, plays and other options. Amazing PTA and parent involvement. Having previously come from a private school setting, we have been very pleased with Farmington - it is great!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children enrolled a farmington and it is a GRE888888T School I really am thankful for this school...
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school! We have been pleased with everything from academics to extracurricular. PTA is awesome, too!
—Submitted by a parent

My child had attended another local school. When she came to Farmington, it was the first year she had been challenged. The teachers and administrators work well together to create a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Like any school, you have to get the 'good teachers' to have a high quality education. My child had terrible teachers in K and 1st - now in 2nd her teacher is very good. I was involved in discussing the issues with administration but they failed to respond and provided lip service. Although it is not possible, I would send my child elsewhere if time permitted. Most of the education in K and 1st fell upon us as parents due to teaching at the lowest level. So of this is due to 'No Child Left Behind' affect, but there needs to be better instruction in the first years and not just 'baby sitting'.
—Submitted by a parent

Farmington Elementary is a great neighborhood school! Students are exposed to and taught to use the latest equipment in technology. Mrs. Kight is a wonderful principal, and she is very open to parent input. I am very happy with the education my child is receiving at this school !
—Submitted by a parent

Our child is beginning his fourth year at Farmington and we have been extremely happy with his educational experience. The teachers and administration are top notch. They care about the students and challenge them to excel. There are many after school actvities and a very involved PTA. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child attending Farmington from K-3rd grade, later transferring to Bailey Station for 4-5. You really don't know how much better schools are until you are there. Farmington is adequate, but many of the teachers (in our case 3 out of 4) really are inadequate and undedicated. I would have to say, had I realized how behind, and lax Farmington was in the beginning, we would have put our child in a private school. Farmington really needs to benchmark other schools, as well as hold their teachers and students to a higher standard. Our child was happy at Farmington, and it's a 'nice' school, but it isn't a great educating school. If you are concerned about your child getting a top rated education, go somewhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

My third child is in her sixth year at Farmington Elementary School. I have been involved in various activities there since 1995, when my son (who is a junior in high school now) started school. I am now raising my grandchild who will start Kindergarten at Farmington next year. So, I guess it's possible that we will be there for 18 years straight. I feel that my children have had an excellent education and would like to remain in this area, just for that reason.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter spent 6 wonderful years at Farmington. Her teachers were nurturing and kind, but held very high expectations. They encouraged independent thinking and creativity. Her writing ability we still attribute to a teacher that took an extraordinary amount of time helping her to develop writing skills that have enhanced her high school years. Recognition for academic achievement helped to increase her self confidence and accept challenges. I was always welcome and made to feel significant as a partner in my child's education. Also, be sure to check out their academic report card which shows high achievement in all subjects. I am thankful we live in a great community that offers such exceptional academic opportunities for our children.
—Submitted by Jenny, a parent

I think farmington is a wonderful school. I plan to send my grandson to farmington because I know he will get a quality education. The teachers at farmington are caring and qualified to meet the needs of every child. Farmington is a welcoming school for parents. It also offers a variety of academic programs and cultural arts programs. Farmington reaches out to the children, parents and community.
—Submitted by a teacher

Farmingtonis a School of Excellence, truely! Great teachers. Care about the students academics and their self esteem! Great experience at Farmington!
—Submitted by a parent