Christopher Farms Elementary School

I have several children attending this school Pros: CFES is clean & nicely organized, PTA/PTA programs are A+. Good parent-teacher communication. Teachers do care about well-being of kids. Heavily involved staff & administration. Cons: Children get left behind because of lack of time for extra help. The 1-4 grading scale is hated by many parents and is used beyond 2nd grade (4=A, 3=C etc., I guess there is no such thing as a ''b'' anymore). NO guaranteed recess except MAYBE 15 mins after gym if time permits. The New Math program is confusing and graded unfairly. There is also a huge disconnect when 5th graders start 6th grade. Some of the history & science being taught is really not age appropriate.
--Submitted by a parent

Christopher Farms has a caring faculty that reaches all students through differentiated instruction. Students work hard and want to learn.
--Submitted by a teacher

Outstanding Spanish Immersion program, excellent faculty/staff/administrators in general, very active PTA, great neighborhood school!
--Submitted by a parent

I love CFES because the teachers are great IN and OUT of the classroom, the staff is always friendly, and whenever I 'pop' in I am confident that things are going as they should.
--Submitted by a parent

We have a rising third grader and first grader at CFES. We've had a very positive experience at the school, particularly with the Spanish Immersion. There is lots of parent volunteerism but we wish they would tone down the never ending fundraisers. However, it's a well maintained school with great teachers. My only slight criticism is the gifted cluster program doesn't seem to expand on the regular school curriculum and we never really got any individual feedback about our daughter's progress in this program. That said she seemed to really like the gifted teacher as well as her regular classroom teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I have compared schools to great detail, and found that I love many qualities in Christopher Farms. Mostly, having the Spanish Emersion Program. This is such a HUGE benefit to have our young students learn a second language at such an early age; especially in a non-bilangual home. My child has one up on me at the age of seven! The curriculum is true to scale, being across all of Virginia Beach. Teachers and staff are inviting and positive toward parents and students, giving the students the encouragement they need...a very stimulating atmosphere. The school is extremely clean and pleasant. It has a wonderful lay out and feels like the sun is always shining! Lastly, this school has a great sense of community. The parental involvement has such a play in school activities. It is a great area for children to grow up. Nestled in an endearing community.
--Submitted by a parent

Christopher Farms is a wonderful school. Tons of parent involvement, and a great academics. One of the best in the beach
--Submitted by a parent

I am not very happy with one of the second grade teachers, she is very hard to communicate with. She does not return any messeages either by letters, phone or by email. It is ver frustrating trying to find out about your child when a teacher behaves like this. I also have a child in first grade who is in the spanish program and I love the teachers. If i knew how this teacher was I would have not put him in this class nor would I recomend this teacher to anyone. A teacher is supposed to look out for the childs best intrest and this second grade teacher does not.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters 2nd year here, 2nd grade. She is in the Spanish Program (first year in the program). I absolutly loved her first grade teacher. The PTA sets up wonderful and fun activities throughout the year. She is looking forward to 3rd grade when she can participate in the school plays, etc. I wish the art program was better, but I think that is throughout all of VB. Overall, the academics are higher than some other VB schools, it's a beautiful school, safe and secure with a great staff.
--Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love this school. My daughter is in the 3rd grade and in her 3rd year of Spanish! Who else can say that? The students, staff and the parents of CFES are the best in the Virginia!
--Submitted by a parent