Botetourt Elementary School

I love this school. My child is in first grade and started this school in kindergarten. Her reading level was a little off when she started first grade and was reading at a preschool level. Now she is reading at a 3rd grade level. The teacher are wonderful and respond to ever one of my request, letters and emails. They greet you at the door and don't have a problem if you want to come and visit your child during school. I love this school!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter and I moved to Gloucester and she started 5th grade atthis school. I have had no issues at all what so ever with the staff or anyone at this school.If anything my daughter excelled wonderfully while at this school.I have no complaints about anything at all.Her experience at this school for 5th grade was GREAT.
--Submitted by a parent

They aren't very good with communicating with parents. They also try to lie to the children about the sol tests saying it will "decide your future" even though one of the teachers told me its not true and its just to encourage children to work harder, but it only stresses them out. Most of the teachers are old-fashioned, and are very mean.
--Submitted by a parent

I love all of the staff! The atmosphere is great and my son has excelled in all areas!
--Submitted by a parent

It is true that some teachers are not as great as others in this school, but I think thats something parents will experience in any school district. Parents need to ask questions and demand that their child(ren) receive the attention and assistance that they deserve. The Principal here is not social or engaged with parents. Parents must actively initiate communications with the Principal. I think that this creates a problem that trickles down to the teachers. Stay engaged, ask questions and demand that your child receives the attention he/she deserves and you will get the results that are expected, but If you drop the ball on the child's education so will they.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My child thrives here. My child is meeting all of my expectations!
--Submitted by a parent

This school lacks leadership from the principal. This is a great school if, in fact, your child didn't need a teacher for learning. Some teachers are excellent but will be where ever they teach. Writing skills taught at this school do not compare to others in the state.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended kindergarten this year (2006) and I feel that this school did an incredibly poor job at educating new parents about what to expect during the school year. Neither the principal nor the teacher have provided any communication. We were not provided the opportunity to ask questions or receive information of the typical day for a kindergarten child. It is obvious that they have not made it a priority to ensure that children entering into the school system receive the best possible experience. The transition has not been positive! Concerned parents MUST stay involved!!
--Submitted by a parent

If you have a special needs child do not enroll him/her at this school. They will not listen to your input nor will they provide appropriate services. Only enroll your child if you are ready to go through 'Due Process'. There are not enough qualified special ed teachers at this school and they refuse to provide aides for special needs students.
--Submitted by a parent

I think Botetourt is a wonderful school. My son has Mrs. Worthington and is in first grade, she is a wonderful teacher. I really could not have asked for a better teacher. He comes home every day with a smile on his face and something new learned. They have something called walk n talk after lunch where the kids walk around and talk about there day with the other students and I find that is wonderful because it increases there social skills as well as gives them a break while they are at school. I think Botetourt is a wonderful school through and through an give it a A+ in my book.
--Submitted by Amy DellaPosta, a parent