Daniel Bagley Elementary School

Bagley is a great school. My son is in kindergarten and loves going to school. His teacher, the PTA, and the school culture are all exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent

My two grandchildren have blossomed in their Montessori classes at Bagley. It especially pleases me to see them becoming avid readers!

It challenges their minds and is gentle with their souls.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school. I have a 4th grader and 1st grader there and cant wait for my 2 year-old to attend there in a few years. Fabulous principal, with extremely dedicated teachers and parents. I cant imagine sending my children anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

Daniel Bagley has been a wonderful for my daughter, who is in 2nd grade this year. It is a smaller school with a warm old-world charm inside with teachers and staff that care so much about the kids. The Montessori program is unique to our school district and my independent daughter thrives using the small group learning methods. It is also easy for kids to advance at their own levels, making it more challenging and interesting for the kids. The health and fitness program is extremely motivating for the kids, and the art and library programs are also excellent, with committed professionals we are grateful to have. The parents are involved, happy to help and volunteer, and it is a close-knit community that I would recommend to nearly everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Caring teachers, fantastic leadership and significant parent involvement make for a wonderful learning environment. Our daughter loves being a Bagley Bee! She is in the contemporary kindergarten program, and we've had nothing but a positive experience. Her teacher has been attentive to her needs as an advanced learner, and the K/1 split classrooms have been a positive. The proximity to Aurora Ave. was an initial concern, but there has never been a problem.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is fabulous! It has an active parent body and is just a delightful community. In response to the comment below: the class sizes are sometimes large, but there are usually a teacher and an aide, so the ratios are quite good. Also, the class rooms are physically big. My son tested into Lowell, but we are keeping him here because we love it and feel like he is appropriately challenged. Teachers are committed, responsive, and very caring. Our new principal is simply excellent. The building itself doesn't look like much from the outside, but is charming inside -- tall ceilings, old fashioned woodwork and chalkboards, and a huge playground. Also, as mentioned, we have such a great health and fitness (PE) teacher who is adored by the students (as a parent of an active boy, I appreciate the PE program -- nothing like when I was a kid)
—Submitted by a parent

too many students in a class very slow progress in knowlege growth poor maintenance of the building
—Submitted by a parent

Daniel Bagley offers both Montessori & Contemporary classrooms yet still feels like one family. It is not uncommon for one family to have children in both programs, and it is so wonderful to be able to select the style of learning that works best for your children, in one building. The teachers are dedicated educators who truly care about kids, and always go the extra measure. We have an amazing art teacher, music teacher, librarian, and an especially amazing health and fitness teacher who together round out the superlative education these children receive. The PTA has near 100% membership, and through effective fund-raising, provides the music program as well as extensive after school programs. These include Spanish, yoga, art, science, kickball, basketball, sewing and many more. Not very many years ago, this school was on the way out, today enrollment is at maximum capacity with a waiting list! What progress!
—Submitted by a parent

This will be the end of my daughters 1st year as a Bagley Bee. She and I have both loved it. The teachers, the administration and the grounds are wonderful. They have new equipment on the playground and excellent school gatherings for the students and parents. The school has old world charm, yet has been updated in the places that matter. (ie. fire sprinklers).
—Submitted by a parent

Daniel Bagley is a blended model school, offering high quality education in both contemporary and Montessori curricula. Teachers in both programs work together to learn from one another, and to offer the best of both approaches for students. If one considers only the teacher turnover statistics, they might look worrisome, but the teachers who are there are some of the very best in the District. The school has undergone a major revival in the past five years, and improves every year. There is an active parent community, and PTA operated after school programs that are engaging and varied, from Spanish to sewing to kickball. As a parent of a child with serious food allergies and learning differences, I have had very good experiences in having his needs met. Teachers and staffhave been creative, cooperative and committed in finding ways to meet his learning needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school and am sad to have to leave. The teachers are very inspiring as are the parents. It seems that the whole community is part of the school process. My son is in Kindergarten, in the montessori program. I am very pleased at what I see, with the activity level, attention to individuals, and love of learning. We will miss you bagley bees.
—Submitted by a parent

Unique dual program school with a public montessori track or contemporary education track. Absolutely top-notch teaching staff who are dedicated, skilled and passionate about their student's success. Wonderful community of parents and neighborhood support. lots of interesting after school programs provided by the PTA. Equity for all children is a high priority. Excellent school dearly loved by it's community.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with outstanding teachers and students. It provides a superb Montessori option in a public school setting and feels like a small close-knit community. The principal Mrs. McShane is as dedicated as they come. Our family loves this school and we will be sending all 4 of our children there.
—Submitted by Karen Meadows-Hills, a parent

High quality school with small classrooms. Focus on art and health and fitness. Wonderfully committed teachers and VERY active PTA. GREAT neighborhood school in a beautiful 99 year old classic Green Lake building.
—Submitted by Coreen Nickerson, a parent