Richland Elementary School

As a parent of three children, two of which are currently enrolled at Richland, I cannot say enough about this school!! The teachers are amazing, parental involvement is outstanding, and the principal is great. My third grader is reading on the 11th grade level and my formerly shy kindergartener has blossomed under the leadership of his amazing teacher. This is the best school in the Memphis area- where else can you get a free education that equals, and even surpasses, most area private schools?
—Submitted by a parent

This school is Tops in every category. To enroll our child in KK, my Wife and I had to wait in several long lines at the Board of Edu. on numerous occasions to get the opportunity to register. It was well worth the time we spent! Our daughter is a straight-A student in the second grade. I am most impressed by the parent involvement at the school. Everything from Parents On Patrol, (POP), Dads of Great Students (Watch D.O.G.S), and the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Richland is not a Title I school which means they do not get some state $$. Richland does quite well with the PTO fundraisers and events. I am thankful for the outstanding leadership of the Richland PTO and all of the hard work they do to enrich the children's education.
—Submitted by a parent

I just love this school. My child has special needs and their counsler and teachers have worked very hard with us as parents. It's nice having them there for both our support as well as our child's. I would highly recommend them. There are also many things going on within the school to stay active and be involved in the community. I am a very proud parent.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Richland! My daughter has been there for 2 years and my son will start KK there next year. The principal is excellent, the teachers are wonderful and the curriculum is first rate. And I am a teacher so I feel like I know what things to look for. The thing that really pulled us there was the parent involvement. Richland has been selected as one of the top parent involvement programs in the state of TN twice in the past and still maintains a huge PTO group which contributes in innumerable ways to the school, including thousands of $$ from fundraising efforts. I am so glad there is a 'choice' in our public schools and encourage anyone who is on the fence to attend one of Richland's monthly tours.
—Submitted by Alice Somers, a parent

My child started this school this past August. I am so happy with this school. Last year, she was in private school and this year we decided to send her to public school. This school has far exceeded my expectations. I am satisfied with my child's teacher and the school principal. This has been truly a great experience for us. We plan to send my daughter back to this school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been great even though my child has some special needs, they have been great. We love the amount of parent envolvement here. Parents these days are going to have to do this if they want to change the future of public schools in this city. Take responsibility.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 children at Richland and I must say we have been pleasantly surprised with the quality of teachers and faculty available to us. The principle is proactive and responsive to the needs of the students and the parents. As with most things, you get out of the experience what you put into it. Active involvement in the school's PTO and the many school programs and activities is a must! Parental involvement is strongly encouraged.
—Submitted by Eric Harris, a parent

My children recently enrolled in this school.I feel the school is overrated and that the leadership wants to keep minorities away. We have never felt welcome and I feel they systematically fail children based on race
—Submitted by Concerned Parent, a parent

My husbnad and I moved into the neighborhood so that our daughter could start Kindergarten @ Richland. We have not been disappointed. Richland is an excellent school w/ a lot of parent involvement. The teachers are great and security is taken very seriously.
—Submitted by amy acker, a parent

My son has attended Richland for 2 years. It was an adjustment coming from private school. The principal made me feel good leaving my child everyday and I knew he was in good hands. He had a wonderful year and learned much. This year his teacher has worked hard to do whatever she can to help my child succeed. I appreciate their patience with all children. It is great to be apart of the Richland Family.
—Submitted by a parent

As I have 2 older sons who attended private school, I decided to try public school for my daughter entering kindergarten. She spent 3 years at Richland, and I have regretted it many times since removing her. While the overall presentation of the school is impressive, she had a kindergarten teacher who was not in the least nurturing, and although many parents complained, nothing was done, as she has been 'in the system' for a long time. First grade was no improvement, and in retrospect, I realize I did harm to my daughter, as she has a perception of school as very stressful, and has been 'turned off' from learning. Now I'm trying to reframe her thinking after moving on to a private school which offers a more nurturing environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Richland Elementary creates a nurturing environment for its students and instills a deep love for learning. The faculty and staff are outstanding. Both of my children have excelled at Richland. The CLUE program for the academically talented has allowed them to develop their higher thinking skills and supplements in class academic study. The level of parental involvement is high, with alot of support for the teachers. Richland is a jewel within the Memphis City School system.
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred to this school since we do not live in this district. It is fabulous. The principal is fabulous. He knew our names and my daughter's name the 1st full day of school. We were impressed since we were new to the school! Parental involvement is great. The teachers are great. Wonderful after-school program. We love Richland!
—Submitted by a parent