Providence Elementary School

Providence has been such a joy for both of my children. My oldest is in the "gifted" program and received wonderful diffentiated instruction from very knowledgable teachers. My youngest is also benefitting from the outstanding instruction. Being involved in the school lets me see first hand the quality and caring that takes place daily!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two girls who attended this school. The oldest was a sweet quiet girl who didn't cause waves. The teachers all liked her. She got almost straight A's, but received very low test scores... makes me wonder if they are just handing out A's because I've had to teach her a LOT at home since they aren't doing their job. She got either retiring teachers or first year teachers every year from K-4th. I will be homeschooling her next year to catch her up. My second child is gifted and just attended this school to learn to socialize (the principal and her teachers told me that) until she got into the most wonderful gifted school ever, Old Donation Center. That is a truly GREAT school. This school is just for socialization.
—Submitted by a parent

I just finished five years at Providence and they were amazing! I came in first grade and didn't know how to get around, luckily the staff helped direct me.Ms.Carstens/Born was a super principal for 3 years and so was Ms. Metzger. All of my teachers were great too (Mrs Joyce 1st,Mrs Meredith 2nd,Mr Conway 3rd,Mrs Pohlmann 4th,and Ms McNamara 5th) I was in the gifted cluster classes every year and Mrs Knight really helped me. I will now be attending a magnet/gifted middle school in the fall. Overall Providence in a great school and I (as a former student) totally recommend it!

Overall, a wonderful school. My oldest daughter attended Kindergarten in 2009-2010 and 1st grade 2010-2011. Warning to kindergarten parents who plan on doing parent drop-offs rather than use the bus, walk your babies in that first week of school! I trusted the staff and believed them when they said they would walk her to her class that first day. Not true! I drove up and dropped her off at the front of the school, carefully telling the lady out front greeting the kids she was a kindergarden student. She said no worries, there are people in the lobby taking them to their classrooms. My baby was "lost" in the lobby and spent the first few minutes of her first day of school crying in a first grade classroom with confused staff! Good thing I trusted my mommy instincts and parked my car, walked in just to make sure she was ok! Staff was often rude, but teachers are amazing, parent association very effective and active, and the kids are wonderful. My daughter loved this school, unfortunately we have moved, but she will always remember all her PES friends!
—Submitted by a parent

We have had a great experience at Providece Elem. My son transitioned to this this school durring the winter break 2 years ago. I was was very concerned about the switch because my son has an IEP and his previous school was GREAT. I never thought we would be able to find a school that compared. Our family moved and we were faced with the decision to drive him to school and stay where he was, or transition to Providence. We decided to meet the principal and vp to get a feel for the new school. Both of them were wonderful and took over an hour giving us a tour of the school and taking the time to get to know our son. We decided to go ahead and make the switch and have had great teachers both years. When I visit the school, everyone seems to know my son's name.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was in a DoDDS/DoDEA school last school year. The transition to a public school went better than anticipated. Her 4th grade teacher is excellent and communicates adequately. It was hard to get adjuted to, but the staff is well trained on checking in visitors. It is all for the security and safety of our children. I also like that they have PE everyday and work with the children based on their fitness levels. The PTA works hard to get parents involved and most parents respond. The volunteers for various programs are greatly appreciated as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Providence is an excellent school. The staff is friendly and both the Pricipal and Assistant Principal are wonderful. The teachers are excellent. Both of my children have attended there and I am very happy to have them there.
—Submitted by a parent

My views have changed of Providence. In the beginning I felt that it was such a warm and inviting place to be. However, with time I can see through the administration running the building and have begun to realize that so many of our interactions have lacked respect. I have been pleased with the teachers for the most part. My children are excited about school and do seem to enjoy their classes and friends. Overall I wish there was just stronger leadership throughout the building.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not impressed with how this school is run. I find the office staff to be very cold and uninviting.
—Submitted by a parent

I am just tickled pink with this school. I love the way the staff and Principal are, the kids are so happy there. I was very upset when my daughter's special ed program was ended at her old school and she was transferred to Providence...but I must say that they are accomodating to say the least! I love this school and it's staff!
—Submitted by Heather, a parent

All three of my children have gone to Providence Elementary.....All in all I think it is a great school. There is so much parent involvment and voluntering that they almost trip over each other. The parents always feel welcome and cared about. I would highly recommend Providence Elementary and the lucky thing is that once you move on from Providence you go to two toher wonderful Kempsville Schools, Kempsville Middle and Kempsville High both which are even better than Providence. That is where your childrens strengths and weaknesses are truly recognized and get help with. Advice is ...stay involved in your child's school and in communication with their teachers and let them know you are involved in your childs life and care about them accedemically.
—Submitted by a parent

Principal rules with an 'iron fist', including controlling the PTA to the point of 'you either do what I say or not at all'. Teachers are good, gifted program is excellent, but Principal's concern for 'political correctness' stifles creativity and fun, decreasing overall desire to learn. I don't think this Principal really understands how children learn!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been extremely pleased with Providence Elementary in the 3 years I've had children attending. In my view, Mrs. Carstens is doing a wonderful job. The gifted cluster program is top-notch, thanks to Mrs. Knight and the cluster teachers. Any time I've had an issue to discuss I've felt free to do so. Everyone has been approachable and likeable. I would suspect that anyone who thinks morale is low at Providence hasn't had experience at other elementary schools in Virginia Beach. I have, and words can't describe how relieved I was when I realized how much better Providence was going to be for us.
—Submitted by a parent

The morale of Providence is in good standing. I believe the teachers are doing a tremendous job and continue to strive towards giving all students a positive educational experience. Instead of tearing down and saying the moral is not good amoung the staff, maybe we should build up and repair the damaged spirts of those who read your remarks.
—Submitted by a parent

The parents are being shut out and Mrs. Carten is not doing such a great job. The teachers are great though. They really care about the students. It seems to me that not all the really great vollenters are being recognized. The school was alot better when Mr. Cowen was there.
—Submitted by a former student

This school needs an attitude adjustment. Parents sense they are not welcome, their input takes little weight, and now understand that pleasing those 'downtown' is administration's only bottom line. They have slowly built walls so most people feel it's no longer worth their time to contribute to what was a wonderful environment for learning. The volunteer numbers are down, SOL test grades are down, morale is low and the kids can feel it. It was a community school that has turned into one run soley by administrators-- not teachers, parents and students working with leadership. This school has mostly great teachers, but they being worn out by VBCPS sytems. They aren't using all the great tools available....open minds, excitement about teaching and parent/teacher teamwork to acheive success for all. It's hard to know if your child will flourish here. Visit, and listen to parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters first year attending Providence. I did not think I could like it as much as her last school. Mrs. Carstens is a wonderful principal and has an invaluable staff working there. I have never known a school to have so many parent volunteers! What a joy this year has been!