Bettie Weaver Elementary School

This school is more than average. I've been very disappointed with my sons teacher. It might just be her though...I'll check back in once I go to the principal this week. I heard they are the "Public Private school". Note true.. They are lucky to have a VERY affluent zip code and are benefiting from it. If these same teachers were at a different school they would not do as well, because you can't teach in a cookie cutter way. Don't move into the 23113 zip code just for this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Weaver has some amazing teachers but most than that crazy, emotional, and horrible teachers. The principal is horrible and has no common sense and is a person who does not understand how the world works. Two stars for the teachers that keep the school decent

I have two children at BWE and it truly has been a great experience for both children. It is a private school atmosphere in a public school setting. We consider ourselves fortunate to be in this school district with such great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff is AMAZING! Mrs. Burke has helped my son go from a non-talking toddler to a 6 year old that rarely stops talking!! Love that all the parents are so helpful and always willing to be there for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Best School. There isn't a better school out there. With one daughter that went to Greenfield for the specialty program there and one daughter that stayed at BWE I can positively assure you that Bettie Weaver prepared students better for middle school and high school as well. It is a tough school that teaches students diligence--yet the students have a blast!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with Bettie Weaver Elementary for the past four years. Now, my son is going to Midlothian Middle School. I moved to this area because I heard that BWE provides an excellent learning environment; and it is one of the best schools in the county. My two children love their teachers, friends, and the loving school environment. BWE enjoys a lot from a strong PTA, parents and teachers involvement, especially parent volunteer. However, there is always room for improvement. Edline really helps me a lot to monitor my son progress at MMS, especially when I am out of town. I wish BWE's teacher would post tests on a web so parents can keep up with their kid's progress.
—Submitted by a parent

In response to the most recent post, CCPS dictates what school levels post reports on Edline. As a parent of a CCPS student and a teacher at BWES, I appreciate the positive comments yet want all parents to realize we do not have access to posting grades on Edline as the upper grades in the County. My suggestion, not only to the most recent post but to several others is to become more proactive and question your child on what is happening in the classroom. When in doubt...ask....whether it's your own child or your child's teacher. Teaching is a partnership...not a one-sided adventure. Teachers in all schools support and appreciate parental involvement. Having said that, there is also a time when students need to be responsible and accountable for the choices they make. Students are responsible for informing parents of what's happening in the classroom and the assignments that are presented.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have only been moderately satisfied with my child's education at Bettie Weaver. Things I feel could be improved on is better communication between the teacher and child and the teacher and parent. Because there is little to no direct involvement in being allowed to help out in your child's classroom, often times I feel like I'm out of the loop. I feel I don't have the opportunity to see what is being taught or emphasized or even the opportunity to see how my child interacts in the classroom. It also doesn't help toward developing a rapor with the teacher. This has left me at times feeling frustrated. My child brings home very few worksheets so even through this means, I don't feel I have a good handle on what is being taught in class. I also don't feel there is adequate posting of test and other on the web site.
—Submitted by a parent

BWE provides an amazing educational experience for children in a warm loving environment. My child is a minority and has always felt respected and included. Her best friends are from two different cultural backgrounds. The school does not tolerate bullying and she has never been discriminated against because of her race. We moved three children from out of state and have been extremely happy with the quality of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I also feel that BWE is a great school. Overecrowding is a problem in Chesterfield County, not specifically BWE. The teachers here do a fine job teaching and mentoring, and for the most part we wouldn't change a thing if we could. My wife and I look at BWE as every positive experience for our kids and give it an A.. However, like everything else, we are VERY involved with the kids and this school, question everything, and watch everything.
—Submitted by a parent

What an awesome little school! Bettie Weaver is like our own little private school. Great, caring teachers are very involved with each child's education, and we felt our daughter got careful, thoughtful support in her learning. This school is a gem! Highly recommended.
—Submitted by a parent

When we moved here 7 years ago, our son was entering 3rd grade. He came from out of state and the first thing they did was to test him to see how he would rate on SOLS. Otherwise, the school was pretty good overall. I do think they are way over crowed, too many students in each class, bulling is really bad and the teachers are set to teaching toward SOLS. Over all, for public, BWE would be rated as a 6 or 7. Please keep an eye on bullies, and question anything you feel is wrong. Best Wishes!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very pleased with BWE! The teachers are great. BWE offers a variety of academic programs above the daily required class work. The parents are very involved with the school and the PTA is great! BWE adjusts very well to the individual needs of the child. My son is in Kindergarten and reads on the Third grade level and is advanced in math but needs help with his writing. Not only do the adjust their assignments for the advanced students but they also offer special instruction for those needing additional help.
—Submitted by a parent

BWE is a top caliber school where academics are phenomenal. Great for high achievers but more challenging for low achievers. Yearly musicals involving all children in each grade are wonderful. Parental involvement is over the top but does allow lots of extra programs. Diversity is limited but effort is made for exposure. Staff is top notch and principal has good vision. Recommend highly.
—Submitted by a parent

Superb teachers, Outstanding principal, Excellent academic program. Moved to this area because of this outstanding school system and have been extremely pleased with our decision.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically, BWE is an exceptional school! However, it doesn't support diversity nor provide an atmosphere for the minority population. Minority students are scattered throughout the school (appearance of diversity) and have no interaction with others like themselves. They are always 'the odd person'. These children are isolated (for self preservation or by the teachers who fail to see what is taking place). These students sit alone, or have behavior problems as they try to get attention. Rarely will you see minority students involved in after school activities (talent shows, plays, etc) because often they have no one to partner with them. We moved to the area because of the academic reputation, but never dreamed it would cost our child socially and emotionally!
—Submitted by a parent

Words cannot express what a phenomenal school Bettie Weaver is! The teachers, principals, and support staff are the finest! We have lived in 4 states and have never seen a finer school. The academic program is flexible based on your childs academic progress. In second grade, our twins have different levels of math and reading based on their abilities. The schools willingness to work with special needs is outstanding. The PTA and parental involvement is amazing. They have so many programs during and after school, I have had a hard time keeping up! It is truly the most wonderful learning environment for the children. We could not have asked for more. This school isn't only about learning. It is also about community and the family. We bought our home based on the reputation of Bettie Weaver Elementary. Our expectations have been exceeded! Most importantly, our children love Bettie Weaver
—Submitted by M. Hull, a parent

It has taken 2 years for my child to recover from her experiences at B. Weaver. The classes are over crowded, children have many dicipline problems. Overall the teachers are great, but overworked - when we were there they had 27 children in a class. Many students were disruptive, and there was a lot of bullying on the playground. The administration was not helpful in trying to resolve my daughters problems with the bullying. I pulled her out and she is doing exceptionally well in another school. Although she was a straight A student at Weaver, emotionally she was a mess. She is still a straight A student, but is happy. The best decision I have made as a parent was to take her out of that school.
—Submitted by a parent

After seriously debating private school education for my child, I decided to give Bettie Weaver a try. I had heard it was like having your own private school without the costs. I have been so pleased - it is incredible. I couldn't be happier with the academic challenges, after school programs, teacher communication, etc.
—Submitted by E. Dorneman, a parent