James River Elementary School

We are a proud Dolphin family who feel blessed to belong to the JR community of learners. Only on our first year, we feel the entire school staff knows us so well. Pedagogy and methods are truly IB. We do not notice any of the negaive feedback noted in other reviews. Our kids respond well to their teachers and come home daily excited to share their learning. They are encouraged to be critical learners who are engaged and have a voice. The best perk of living in Williamsburg - James City.
—Submitted by a parent

We were new to JRE last year and absolutely fell in love with the school! The teachers are wondeful, the administration is warm, friendly and helpful. The parents are 200% more involved than the previous school my child went to. We LOVE the IB program. It just teaches our children how to be so well-rounded, internationally focused and excellent citizens and community members. The IB program is such a great way to teach...we were definitely impressed. We also love the uniforms. It really levels the playing field and provides for a nice learning atmosphere with few distractions. This is 1 famiy that HIGHLY RECOMMENDS JRE!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The school of the Haves and the Haves Nots...and not much in the middle. Not ideal socially. The teachers are great however, the school nurse and the other staff members but there needs to be improved communication with the higher staff in command. I worked here and was a parent as well...we moved and were happy to go. Sorry!
—Submitted by a teacher

We love JRE. We transferred from the "top" school in the area, where one of my children's teachers was completely unresponsive, cold and totally uncaring and where the "popular" administration was selective in what they enforced and what was addressed. The principal at JRE is caring, talented and manages situations effectively and productively. Both of my children have wonderful teachers, each with different strengths and both highly experienced. The IB program is great and creates better citizens (not just emotionless test takers). Having transferred from the "fancy" school, I appreciate the uniforms and the lack of material distraction. The Spanish program is unique among the public schools in the area, and the Spanish instructor is the most involved, personable, invested person I've met. The school takes a lot of criticism based on its location, but having experienced less than enthusiastic security at the other local elementary, I feel much more secure at JRE, and have seen examples all year of dedication to preserving the security of the school The campus isn't as fancy as the 2 new schools, but it is a great and loving learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the uniform code gives them the sophistication that they desire but once you are in the school you will see it is all a show. The staff talks to the kids in really harsh tones especially in the lunch room when things should be more relaxed. I have had my son go into ABC for things that no one saw happen. They are just dealing with the aftermath of situations. There is simply not enough eyes on the kids. They do not have the kids best interest in mind as recess is being taken away from them. The teachers higher than K do not communicate to the parents about what the plan for the week is. I had hope with the extra things James River offers it would be a much better school. I am very disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and the office staff are always friendly and helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school. Great teachers, administration and staff. Our boys look forward to going and come home happy every day.
—Submitted by a parent

Because of the awesome atmospere the teachers and staff create for my daughter...It's such a nurturing, loving place. Proud to say my children have experienced such a wonderful public school!
—Submitted by a parent

I love James River Elementary School for so many reasons: because the teachers and adminstration are completely committed to our children, because the special needs teams are outstanding, because my kids know and like the janitorial staff.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school with a caring staff. Children are held accountable for their own learning, and the IB program promotes rigorous academic standards. My children love James River and know that they are cared for. I wonder if the parents who wrote the previous comments ever made attempts to actually involve themselves in the IB program. Anyway, we have been involved with many schools in and outside of Virginia, and JRE is the best!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is sub-par. Many of the students are not interested in learning and have serious behavior problems, and hte so-called 'IB' program is a joke. This school's failings were a real surprise, considering that Williamsburg would appear to be a sophisticated place to live with sophisticated schools. My children will be returning to private school in the fall. I am disappointed--I had great hopes for JRE.
—Submitted by a parent

James River is an unsafe and uncaring environment for children. The staff is uneffective beyond the 2nd grade. THe Office staff fails repeatedly to be on top of the many serious issues that plague the school. Our children have learned many things that we wish they did not have to know about until they were much older. It is hit or miss beyond the 2nd grade whether your child will have a good teacher or not. Teachers and upper staff may stress the IB principles but they definately fail to exemplify them. This school is unique in that the area's most weathy and most impoverised both attend JRE. The staff continually proves to be in over their heads and teachers lack caring and professional control in their classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

James River is an unsafe and uncaring environment for children. The staff is uneffective beyond the 2nd grade. THe Office staff fails repeatedly to be on top of the many serious issues that plague the school. Our children have learned many things that we wish they did not have to know about until they were much older. It is hit or miss beyond the 2nd grade whether your child will have a good teacher or not. Teachers and upper staff may stress the IB principles but they definately fail to exemplify them. This school is unique in that the area's most weathy and most impoverised both attend JRE. Beyond the 2nd grade, this makes combination of children is a volitile cocktail in this school. The staff continually proves to be in over their heads and teachers lack caring and professional control in their classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school,my first daughter went to James River for 5 years and she did really good,she is now in middle school.very good student and I have another daughter attending the same school and we all love it.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is going into 2nd grade this year. He has had great teachers and the staff are very supportive. I am so happy with the school and he has been attending since kindergarten. The school is an accredited IB elementary school and focuses on the whole student not just grades in their learning. They want their kids to be a good community member as well as a student. They also start them on Spanish in kindergarten. I love the school and the staff that work at James River Elementary.
—Submitted by Jenna V, a parent

My child went in a A and B student and is now failing all her classes. There are too many students with behavior problems and the issue is not really being addressed. There are some friendly staff members, the Vice Principal is fantastic as well as the office staff, and some teachers. Most parents are very unfriendly...there are few that will say Hello. Glad to be leaving soon. We will be using an Private school again. Now I see why most here either Homeschool or go the private school route.
—Submitted by a parent

My children and I love this school. It is an attractive enviornmnt. It is a friendly enviornment. Everyone; office staff, teachers, principles, building staff, and parents all work very hard to ensure the best learning experience possible. Our PTA is active and creative, our teachers are great, Gloria, Julianne and Mr. Howard are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

I can not express how excellent this school is. The teachers are wonderful, supportive and helpful. James River is like a community within itself. I am grateful that my children had a chance to attend this school. This school offers programs that many schools do not.
—Submitted by a payton, a parent