Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School

My child had attended KWB and did not have a good experience at this school. I was told that my child was below reading level and he was not comprehending what he was reading. I was told by my child that he would ask the teacher questions and was ignored. My child was also made out to be the problem child when the teacher decided to make a behavior scale which showed different faces which represented how my chum did through the day and if it was a good day a piece of candy was given as if he was a pet. The principal is rude, she has no communication skills and her level of professionalism is at a zero. I felt my child definitely experienced prejudice and unfair treatment at KWB. Since leaving this school my child has excelled, is much more confident and loves the teacher as well as the environment. I will never recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett is so much more than a school to these children. They are very giving and caring. From providing free winter coats to shoes to furniture for the house of needy students. And they are getting a top notch education as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Top worst. School has very low expectations for the students. Teachers are constantly being moved around. Low standards. Not making Adaquate Yearly Progress. The list goes on...
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended KWB for 3 years. He is a special ed student and most of the time it was a horrible experience for him. He was not learning and they were not teaching. The principle was hostile and not easy to deal with. He has now been in a Fairfax co. school for 3 years and and is reading near grade level. The move cost us financially but the experience has been priceless for Jacob. I am sorry we waited as long as we did to get him out of KWB. I would not recommend this scool to anyone with a special needs child.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experiences at KWB are excellent. We have two children attending. The third grader has one of the most enthusiastic and caring teachers I've seen. The other student's Kindergarten teacher means business and keeps consistent contacts with the parents. The office staff is helpful. The school also has lots of events and happenings during and after school. It's been a nice school!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has no communication skills. Some teachers lie about the assinments and most of all do no help your child. My child is scard do to the teacher yelling in many ways. I am suprized at this school of how there communication skill are so low and they are all so rude.
—Submitted by a parent

This school leaves a lot to be desired. I transfered my child from this school 2 years ago, and it was the best decision my husband and I made for our child. Since leaving KWB, our child has gone from reading below grade level, and hating school, to being at the top of the class, and acheiving perfect attendance 2 years running. The principal is not easy to deal with. As long as you don't raise any questions about things in the classroom or at the school, you are fine, but the minute you shed any kind of light on any issues, you will definately have a problem with her for the remainder of the school year.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in 4th grade. I have nothing but great things to say about this school. The communication is wonderful. I am a very active parent with my child and whenever I have a concern or question, the teacher, staff or principle is always there to respond in a very quick manner. My child has been at this school since kindergarden and I have not had anything except a very positive experience. I love this school and am excited that my youngest child will be attending in 2010. The staff really care about the students that attend here and their parents. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful school for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

i am so pleased with the one on one attention staff as with their students. my children's teachers are very available to me and any questions and concerns that i may have. i truly believe this school puts the children first and because of this have noticed a significant improvement in both of my chilren's academics!
—Submitted by a parent

I ahve nothing but good things to say about KW Barrett, my son was an original White Tiger and I too was apprehensive at first after having a bad experience at another school. I can honestly say that 2 of my children have attended Barrett and moved up to middle and high school with great success, my middle school son is also in accelerated math due to (I believe!) awesome teaching staff that was willing to go the extra mile, Kudos to the old NEW kid on the block! The principal/vice principal are great as well and really make things a family affair at the school. There are many teachers my boy's had so it is too hard to remember them all but I will say they were fantastic, every one of them. Keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent

i am a parent of a very succesfull girl i am very satisfied
—Submitted by a parent

So far what I've see is staff that is very involved with the students and parents. i'm am pleased how my son's teacher works closely with me to ensure his best achievement.
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett Elementary is a good school if your child is one who does not have a learning disability/behavioral issues. My child was recently diagnosed with ADHD during 5th grade and previous to that, the principal and teachers labeled him as 'bad' and would send him to In School Suspension. Thank God for his 5th grade teacher. Beware of the principal - don't let her and the buttkiss parents fool you. If your child isn't the perfect student, you and your child will have a horrible experience. I am relieved that my child will be starting with a fresh slate at HH Poole.
—Submitted by a parent

Home of the White Tigers-KWBES A school where the children are First. We are the village that helps and cares for All! My daughter just graduated from this school and she topped out on the VA SOLS.
—Submitted by a parent

kwb is an excellent school. Both my son and my daughter (kindergarten and second grade) love to go to school. Although, my son had only gone to a two day half day preschool, he felt very comfortable transitioning to the all day, every day routine of kindergarten. That must say something for the staff. The curriculum for him has been outstanding. I only wish my daughter had gone to kindergarten here. We just moved here this year and my daughter had had a hard time in first grade and hated going to school. I ended up having to home school part of the year. I was apprehensive about moving here and placing her in the public school, but her teacher is a true gem. I can't say enough great things about her. There have also been numerous afterschool activities and family events. Barrett Elementary School (Team) truly is the best.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, I can not fault the school for anything. Excellent teachers and assistants.
—Submitted by a parent

My son recently attended this school (He is a 1st Grader). I have since switched him to another school because we moved. In doing so, I have come to find out that my son is way behind. While he received awards at Barrett for being an excellent speller, he can barely keep up with his classmates at his new school. His teacher informed me after him only being there for 2 weeks, that my child is way behind. I am trying to figure out how a student that was doing so well is now behind. The only explanation is that he wasnt being taught at the correct pace. Now it is up to me to bring him up to speed. I am extremely upset!
—Submitted by a parent

The caring and talent of the teachers and the administrative staff is evident the first day your child attends here. The curriculum is taught as creatively as the state SOL's will allow. Teacher and administrators care more about the children learning then test scores. Parent input and involvement is encouraged. Teachers and administrators are actively involved in after school activities and visible at all school functions. Standards of Learning & commitment to quality education are high in Stafford but made manageable by the talented experienced crew at Barrett. We are thrilled to have our child there. Mrs Clark and Mrs Macey are awesome!
—Submitted by a teacher

My son attended 5th grade here for just a couple of months in 2004, but in those 2 months, my son's teacher showed more concern and caring than any other teacher he has had to date. I was very impressed with all of the support and caring from his teacher, the principal, and the vice principal and other faculty and staff. Wonderful school! I wish I had been able to keep my son there longer! His teacher was a rare gem! All teachers should be like her!
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett is a good school for your child. My daughter attends and she is doing good. I wish there were more advance lessons for her. Communication is a big thing. There needs to be more between the administration and parents. Great activities and variety for the children. Very community involvement. You should visit! Join the PTO!
—Submitted by a parent