It was very disturbing when I learned that my great grandson teacher did not allow him to go with…read morehis classmates on a field trip to the YMCA for swimming lessons after setting his expectations to attend. According to my belief a previous incident that happened on February 26, 2024, between him and the educator had been resolved and there was no mention of him being detained from enjoying the future field trip with his peers. However, I recently just learned after a night of anticipation an a exciting morning of preparing to attend the field trip on March 4, 2024, my great grandson was meant with disappointment by not being allowed to go on the field trip base on a decision between the school counselor and the educator which was, due to the incident that took place on February 26, 2024. It is my belief as an educator that issues should be resolved at the time that they take place. That, as an adult we should not make decisions that would hurt or impair the growth of another individual. It is my strong belief that all children have different temperaments. It is our responsibility to provide the support that each child needs to help them to overcome whatever objective they are encountering. Based on your principal statement, "Together, we will be creating more opportunities for family engagement and look forward to a continued partnership. At Chalkley, we believe in "Unity through Empowerment and Inclusivity". We are a family and believe that ALL kids can learn, no matter what. It is not a hope, we guarantee it!" How does this statement apply to my eight-year-old grandson who is completely devastated by the actions of this counselor and educator? Not only did she not allow him to attend the field trip, once she and the other students returned to the school, she forced him to sit in the classroom while she and the other students discussed the field trip. My question is when does the action of the counselor or educator cross the line and become mental abuse?

Innovative principal and staff. Excellent math instructors and specialist. This is the premier…read moreelementary school in the area!

We love Banner! Our two kids have been going there for 3 years now. We definitely plan to be here…read morethrough high school graduation. The focus on GOD centered education is impressive. My 11 year old could probably teach a Bible study herself at this point. Bible is a core subject at Banner. They also focus heavily on academics! As a physician, I understand the importance of a quality education that encourages real critical thinking. Banner checks that box with flying colors! The kids are excelling in their education. I have seen there leadership skills grow as well. There is definitely a noticeable difference between them and their public school peers. The children at banner have a love for God and they hold each other accountable for their actions. We have not had an issue with bullying. I believe it is definitely worth the investment. At Banner, they are getting a very strong start.

My kid was bullied throughout the year and the school tries to hide the kids. Most of the kids are…read moreeither related to teachers or former employees of banner so nepotism is on unrealistic high level. Numerous meeting and complaints no change or action ever taken. Teachers are not helpful at all if your kid doesn't understand some concept they would not explain again. When I tried to pull my kids out they took extreme actions against our family because I had filed petition with board of directors.

My 7th grade child has THRIVED at Good Shepherd Episcopal School. We have been a part of the…read morecommunity since he was in kindergarten and could not have asked for a better education or more safe, nurturing, and familial environment. It's the most affordable fully-accredited (VAIS) school in Richmond. It offers all of the academics (including Spanish starting in kindergarten) as well as a diverse range of extra-curricular classes and activities. Perhaps most importantly, there is a maximum class size of fifteen. The average class size is ten, the ideal for maximizing individual attention. You would be remiss were you not to research and visit Good Shepherd while shopping for your elementary and/or middle school child's perfect school home.

My son has been at Good Shepherd for three years and we've been very happy. He has had made great…read morefriends in the small classes, and gets plenty of attention from the dedicated teaching staff. He also loves the "perks" like the outdoors program, where they walk over to nearby Forest Hill park and down by the James River to learn about nature and Richmond. We also like that, even though it's small, there kids from all kinds of different backgrounds, which was different from what we found in a lot of the other schools we looked at.

Not sure about the school but the many playgrounds are great for toddlers. There a couple to choose…read morefrom that are very close to each other. They are usually very well maintained and clean. They are probably not open during school hours since the students might be using it.