M Lynn Bennion School

This school was great two years ago, but the new administration has caused it to go downhill quickly. The principal likes to brag and take credit for great things but the teachers are doing all the work. He is running the after-school and summer program into the ground. The students aren't learning as much as before and he bullies, parents, students, and teachers. I don't know why the district allows this. He is the worst principal I've ever witnessed. I've seen him push kids by the backs of their heads, point his finger in teacher's faces and yell at them, and talk rudely to parents. Where are Salt Lake School District's standards? Also, the upper grades (5th/6th) have teachers who belittle students and cause a great deal of fear. Do not take your student here.

The Kindergarten teachers are great but the class sizes are huge for kindergarten (around 30 kids) Principal James E. Yapias very rude and bullies parents especially the parents that are immigrants. There is a complete lack of PTA because of the way he treats parents. I have witnessed him yelling and pushing the students to eat faster and will not let the talk during lunch. During recess I have witnessed him belittling the students for going on the slide the wrong way. I have also heard that he bullies the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Overly large class sizes. Somewhat rude and arrogant office staff. Mainly hispanic population, causing english in class to be slowed as teachers attempt to deal with the bilingual issues. Moved to Wasatch, and couldn't be more pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

The school teachers, especially Ms. Johnson are awesome. The AfterSchool program is great. Ms. Pittam is okay but her office staff are not so nice. They don't understand what good customer service is, and if you asked them about it, they probably wouldn't care. Their apathy keeps the school from being a great one.
—Submitted by a parent

M. Lynn Bennion Elementary School is one of a kind. They have some amazing teachers. Their After-School program is phenomenal. It is one of, if not the, best After-School program I have ever seen. Rachael, the cordinator, is fabulous, and her staff is top notch!
—Submitted by a parent

Although this school is in the downtown of Salt Lake City, the curriculum allows children to progress at thier own speed. Classes are broken up into groups of children that are on the same level in reading, math or other subjects so that they can achieve at the level that best suits them. If a child wishes to join another group, they only need to progress to that next groups level. YOu may take this a blessing or a curse, but as for myself, it was the best thing for our daughter who was on a second grade reading level by the end of kindergarten because she was not held back.
—Submitted by a parent

Again, terrible school. Low income area. Big class sizes. Moved from their to Wasatch, what a difference!
—Submitted by Travis, a parent