Garfield Elementary School

My child has gone to Garfield from K-6. Everything has been great up until this last year. Her 6th grade teacher has just been the worst. Now I am counting down the days until summer starts so my child doesn't get screamed at or treated badly anymore.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his second year at Garfield, and I couldn't be happier with the school. Everyone, from the teachers to the principal to the Express staff, has really made it a point to treat my son as an individual and get to know him. He has had a few difficulties, but I've always felt that the school addressed them appropriately and with genuine care. I feel like he's getting a great education from people who truly have a desire to see all of the students succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently volunteering at Garfield. All of the teachers I have come in contact with have been excellent and are wonderful with the kids. However walking around outside at recess, in the lunchroom, and just around the school, I have been disappointed with how some of the staff handles themselves. I find that the recess staff is constantly screaming at the kids, who are simply just kids trying to play. They'll be running in the grass or tossing around a ball, and I see all of the recess staff constantly just yelling, then turning around yelling more without any real reason. On the occasion that they are actually speaking to one child directly they are all over them without letting them speak or explain any sort of misunderstanding. I have talked to the kids and this sort of impatient treatment is greatly impacting their view of school negatively. The recess teachers are out there to create a "safe" enviroment for the children, but how is that supposed to happen when they are constantly intimidating them and, lacking a better word, being mean? That is not the type of adult that a child would feel comfortable speaking to and safe with. It's really disappointing.

The teachers and principal are extremely active in the children's schooling by learning what works best for all the students to learn to the best of their abilities. And they are number one at keeping parents involved in their kids' school lives. 5 stars
—Submitted by a parent

My grandson loves everything about Garfield. He loves his classroom teacher and friends. He enjoys every part of his busy day. He loves attending the Express Childcare program. He can't wait until his older to do some of the extracurricular programs. If you are looking for a great school in the Spokane area. Check out this absoulely awesome school. You love it here!
—Submitted by Liz Forness, a parent

As a teacher at Garfield for twelve years now--I have to say that I love coming into Garfield every single morning to see my wonderful students. I can honestly say that every teacher and staff member is devoted to making Garfield the best school that it can be! Do we have problems? You bet! But, we strive to find the best solution for everyone and to treat every child, parent and families with the respect they deserve. It's our job and we're proud to do it!
—Submitted by a teacher

Garfield and the APPLE program are amazing... I have 3 children all with different needs, from reading recovery for one child having a hard time, to challenging another with high level math, and all of the support that goes along with belonging to this community. Garfield is AWESOME!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had the priviledge of volunteering in this school while my daughters attend. Their teachers have always been amazing people with student success priority #1. Never have I met a more caring staff and administration. Thank you Garfield!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! High educational and curriculum standards, wonderful staff, including the principal who always has time to chat. This school really cares about kids. I would highly reccommend it to anyone moving into the neighborhood. It's the best one my children have attended in this district!
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent I have found that Garfield has a wonderful inclusive community feeling. It welcomes parents as volunteers. The teacher always takes time to talk to you when I as a parent have had a concern. There's a smile [and] a welcome every time an adult or child enter the building. My children love their teachers as do I. Garfield is a home away from home.
—Submitted by a parent

I started volunteering at Garfield in 1975 in my little brothers' classrooms. I decide then, that if I ever had my own children that I would love to have them attend such a warm and caring school. I have been a parent here for 18 years, and now a grandparent of a preschooler that attends Garfield Preschool. When September comes I can tell you that our family is excited to return to Garfield. The staff is wonderful. When you walk through the school the staff and children greet you with a hello and/or a smile. I know my children miss coming here now that they are grown. They love coming back just to say hello to their teachers and staff they had in their elementary years. Our family agrees 'Garfield Grizzly's are great!'
—Submitted by a parent

I took my son out of this school. I'm a very involved parent and found that i could rarely get in touch w/ the principal to discuss issues with my son's education. I would recommend to any parent that if they need a conference with the principal of this school they should go over her head and meet with the school board. It worked for me.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter Jocelyn has been at this school since kindergarten. She just loves it there. Everybody knows her name and who she is. They have always been helpful. When she had problems with reading they never hesitated getting her the help that she needed.
—Submitted by a parent