Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School

We have had some excellent teachers at this school and some REALLY mediocre ones as well. The administration is the downfall of this school. The principal interacts with the students very little and shows little or no enthusiasm. I have been very disappointed in how he has 'resolved' problems that my children have encountered. (More like swept them under a rug) Luckily, we have had a couple of excellent teachers that made our experience at CBB more positive than negative.
--Submitted by a parent

unfortunately our school has the lowest rating. I blame this on the principle and vice principle who do not support the teachers. They are not fair in allowing all children participation in clubs. Their focus is only on passing sols which unfortunately all schools are doing due to the no child left behind act. The superintendant does nothing with the many complaints on this principle even though the writing is on the wall-look haw the turnover is here! So far we have seen one great teacher- Mrs Seftas- if there are more- Iwe haven't seen them. This can be seen in our low scores in this school- we need a new principle to turn it around.
--Submitted by a parent

CBB has some wonderful teachers and resource teachers. However, the principal provides no leadership whatsoever. For those parents that have had deal with serious problems, he would rather brush the problem under the rug than problem solve. There is no support with discipline problems and the academic programs lack sound thinking. Currently, while CBB has the highest demographics, it has the lowest SOL scores. There are some major problems here, and the guidance counselor is the main person who keeps the school afloat.
--Submitted by a parent

I can't say I love or hate CBB. The teachers are really hit or miss. I have been disappointed at times - my daughter had an awful experience with her 4th grade teacher. She was mean and really didn't seem to like teaching at all. We have also had issues with the principle as his leadership.. He doesn't handle issues as necessary. He was of no assistance when my daughter was a new student being threatened by her peers. Now my son has been fortunate to have newer teachers who are excited about their profession. So like I said hit or miss at best. I am also disappointed in the lack of after school activities. My son had the choice of Yoga or Nutrition. Wow! Good luck with this one!
--Submitted by a parent

Great School! My kids love it. Excellent staff with an outstanding curriculum including music, art, and other activities. The best library in the area. Lots of extracurricular activities for the kids. It is safe, clean, and in a great area. We moved here for this school and are staying in the area because of this school as well as the middle and high school. I drive further to work so my kids can be here. You will not be disappointed in Clara Byrd Baker or any school in James City County for that matter. Come be a part of it. You will not be disappointed.
--Submitted by Tony, a parent

The Principal at Clara Byrd Baker is a very nice person, but has no handle on the many dicipline problems at the school: fights, uncontrolled behavior in the classrooms. In many cases teachers do not even send the kids to the principal's office because they know nothing will be done. While my children have had several excellent teachers (most of which have now left the school) a large number of teachers yell at the children and don't seem to like children very much. The school has a Wonderful Art Teacher, Mrs. Christoff, and very active parents. The bottom line is however, with so many ill-behaved students and unhappy teachers - I would not reccommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

CBB is an excellent school and I would highly recommend it to everyone. The leadership is strong, the teachers are highly qualified and very happy to include parents and the administrative staff is wonderful. My children have both blossomed beautifully under the expert and caring guidance of the teachers and staff in the last 4 years and they love going to their school. No matter if a child needs extra guidance or is above average, the teachers will respond immediately to help each child grow to his or her full capacity. I am very impressed with the insight, effort and care the teachers put into each individual child. The environment is friendly, very family orientated and professional. We will really miss everyone at CBB when we move next summer and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this outstanding school for 5 years.
--Submitted by Karin W., a parent

Great school. Great teachers and parents. New school should lower students and help with crowding.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended this school for his 6th year now. The administration is excpetional(a very dedicated and 'hands on' approach) Though a big school, it has not affected the personal-ness of the school , nor my sons academic progress. I would recommend this school to anyone who has children. The PTA is very involved and works well with administration, and the teachers are top notch. The guidance counselor is superb. An excellent choice in schools. We actually chose this school over a private school. The availability of Band, Chorus Chess Club,etc. is great! We have another child that will be a part of the Baker school in 2 years and we look forward to another long relationship with Baker!
--Submitted by a parent

As the parent of two children who attend CBB I can attest to the good experiences my children have had there. The teachers have been extraordinary. The administration and staff have been terrific. There is a fabulous guidance counselor available to students and their families. A very active PTA continues to contribute to the greater good of the school. I would have no problem recommending this school to anyone with children. Currently the school is over capacity due to housing developmentin the general area. Thus far it not affected the quality of education my children are receiving. Construction of an eighth elementary school should relieve this problem in the future.
--Submitted by a parent