Richland Elementary School

I have 2 students at Richland and am so sad that this is my daughter's last year there. I have been so pleased with the education that both of my children are recieving! I would not hesitate to stand them up to some private school kids here in town to compare!
—Submitted by a parent

Cannot get a hold of the main office for 2 days straight. I tried 18 times. There is no voicemail :(!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is such a wonderful school. We feel very blessed to have our two children attend school here. Parental involvement is a huge plus at this school. I volunteer every week for my children's teachers. I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me that I can come and be apart of their daily routine at school. I was so nervous about sending my first child to a public school, especially in Memphis, but after visiting this school and others; Richland Elem. is like not other public school in the Midsouth. It exceeded all of our expectation!!
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful Memphis City School. Better than Private in my opinion, because of the excellent and caring teachers, and the support staff. Mrs. McNairy is an amazing principal. The PTO raises all of the money needed for extra items for the school, since Richland is not eligible for Title I money. Parental Volunteering is the main backbone of the school. If it weren't for the joint effort of staff and parents the children would be left behind. Instead they are excelling in all areas. It is a caring and nurturing school. That puts the focus on the kids, not the money. I recommend to any that can transfer in or live in the district.
—Submitted by a parent

Richland is the kind of school every parent dreams of. It's better than a private school. It's the best of the public schools. My children feel nurtured and loved by a caring community of faculty, staff and parents. There is so much parental involvement at this school that my kids know all the other parents' names sometimes before I have a chance to learn them. Someone in an earlier post mentioned some discipline issues...each of those incidents was a one-time event that was handled quickly, professionally and to my high standards. I think any parent can feel like they are making the best decision to send their child to Richland. We love it here!!!!! The teachers are beloved, the administration is top notch and the parents who choose to get involved make the school exceptional in so many wonderful ways.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been in the system for years as both a parent and teacher, and I can truly say that it doesn't get better than Richland! The parental involvement reminds me of what you might see in a private school these days - there are ALWAYS parents in the building helping, reading, working, listening. The administration is tops and has the best interest of the kids in mind with every decision that is made. There are weaker and stronger teachers everywhere, and some teachers' personalities mix with better with some kids than others, so it is hard to speak to the fact that every now and then you might encounter a teacher who doesn't "fit" your kid. Overall though my experience has been that even when that does happen (and it wouldn't be often) everyone is open and willing to listen to come to the best solution for the kid involved.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very involved at Richland. Parental involvement is the norm there. It makes for a much better school. The problem I see is the lack of discipline with regards to trouble makers. The last year included a child loudly cursing at the Asst Principal, children ganging up on another child in the bathroom, and students creating facebook sites ridiculing students. My child was afraid of some students by the end of the year. I blame a lot of the discipline issues on the school system. The principal and teachers are left with fewer options. Since Richland isn't a Title I school, the school board treats the school like an unwanted orphan. The parents work together to raise money for even basics like copy paper. We will send the rest of our children here. I just know that the school could be even better.
—Submitted by a parent

This was our 3rd year and Richland and it just keeps getting better. This is an exceptional school with the best staff ever. I would definitely recommend this school for anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Have two grandsons that attend Richland.Teachers are great have seen them in action with students.My grandsons are in the 4th and 5th grades.Love tha education they are receiving at Richland
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Richland, one that just completed 1st grade and one that just completed kindergarten. We have been very pleased with this school. Parental involvement is superb and the administration is outstanding. I have never walked into the school during school hours where I did not see the principal or assistant principal walking through the halls, and it is apparent when children are in the halls that they know they are expected to be respectful of their school and others. This speaks volumes to me about the school in general, not to mention that I truly believe the education my children are receiving is as good, and in some cases better, than a private school education in Memphis.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been going to this school since 1st grade. In the beginning I truly loved it, however, my daughter has been placed in a special class of children and the teacher was highly recommended. After several years now, I have had so many complaints and physical issues with the teacher and do not recommend this school. If your part of the normal routine in school, everything is fine. If your child is a special student, the school seems to forget about them and appear to have their own set of rules. It's always a conflict of stories per teacher and child and resolution to correct any issues appears to work for short periods only. If your child is in need of special education, I would not recommend this school whatsoever.
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I are very pleased with Richland. We are African-Americans with a son in the 4th grade and has NEVER felt unwanted and the school is like a stir-fry; different races together but maintaining their own shape and identity. Our son has attended private shcool in another state and a different public school in Memphis with a great reputation, but Richland is the best school and fit for my son. He has ALWAYS been a straight-A student, excels in every subject, and is enrolled in CLUE. Why pay for straight A's in private school when Richland is like a 'free' private school. The staff, extra-curricular activities, and security are outstanding. Not one time have I ever arrived at school and witness kids being disruptive. Usually when parents complain about about teachers, grading system and/or racism it's usually personal and bad attitude toward the teacher and/or
—Submitted by a parent

Richland is like private schooling for free!!!! you can't go wrong, no matter what type of learner your child is. The teacher quality and parent participation or unmatched.
—Submitted by a parent

i moved to this neighborhood when i was pregnant with my first child because i knew i wanted her to go here. seven years later i have two happy girls who go to and love richland.
—Submitted by a parent

We are on a choice transfter and it was either Richland or Private. My children couldn't get a better education even if I put them in private schools. Best school by far. Save your money and send them to Richland.
—Submitted by a parent

The parental involvement at Richland starts at the top, with Principal McNary, Vice Prinicipal Lewis, the office staff, teachers and so on (in no particular order). My 2 children have had a fabulous experience at Richland. The warm welcome, the school activities and most of the teachers are a sturdy foundation year to year for students to learn and grow and parents to be involved.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Richland! This school is better than a private school; it has all the parent involvement and the diversity among the student body that helps kids learn tolerance, understanding, and how to work in a 'real world' setting. I find the faculty knowledgable, warm, and hard-working; they are student-centered and help each child achieve his/her best.
—Submitted by a parent

Richland Elementary is a wonderful school. Excellent Principal, Great Teachers, and a hardworking, dedicated PTO!
—Submitted by a parent

We love Richland! Great teachers, great school. Wonderful PTO involvement. We couldn't be happier with the education our son is getting there.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best elementary school in Memphis.
—Submitted by a parent