Benchmark School

Pros and Cons before enrolling: Pros. Good curriculum, math and science lab (actual animals). family atmosphere. Lots of parties. preserves childhood innocence. Parents interactive. Cons. The school lacks checks-and-balances. It's Board of Directors is made up of 4 people, the two principals plus their spouses. So if a parent has a differing opinion or disagree with administration or a teacher, "there's a wait list of kids unable to get in...there's the door" which means parents should not expect, nor offer, improvements or change as it is not welcome. The outcome of this limited representation Board means lower accountability with leadership, teachers and ultimately students. It is also a conflict of interest. An example, it is routine that 5-10 minutes after school begins the principals/front desk allow kids to scoot to class as they encourage 'hurry up!' with no consequence for tardiness. Biggest deficit = no lunchroom/auditorium or indoor common area. As it often happens, it's too hot outside, raining, state testing - kids are relegated to their classroom and teachers often put on Disney/Pixar movies because the kids have no where else to go AND most teachers are fine with providing non-educational choices. Kids are repeatedly told these Disney/Pixar movies i.e. Lion King, Aladdin etc. support Core Knowledge (or what ever the monthly curriculum subject is). Administration is aware of this longstanding tradition and has yet to change or provided National Geographic, etc educational videos as an alternative. It is documented but not well advertised that in first grade they average more than 10 movies (yes, they go back and finish each one) by Christmas. What if you don't want your child watching it? That child is put in a closet if they are disturbed by the noise. Or if the parent provides it they can draw with their back to the class. In one of the upper grades a teacher puts on a movie every day during lunch. Please Google that scenario and see what discussion comes up regarding health and nutrition. Sadly the outcome is that most students would rather watch a movie than play outside and improve social skills. Fitness is an emphasis but not nutrition. For example on principal-for-a-day (lucky kids!) each winner gets donuts for breakfast and an XXL candy bar as a parting gift. Every child's birthday is celebrated during school, plus in the lower grades each student is special-for-the-week and each is encouraged to bring in a treat for the class. Most weeks students get sugary treats with healthier choices not encouraged. There are tootsie roll rewards for good behavior in math, the list goes on... All in all it is disappointing as the school really has potential but it seems to be resting on its laurels and doesn't seek parental input, balance and accountability.

My son is attending since Kinder. Grades are excellent, their program promotes discipline and learning wile having fun. Kids learn to be independent and develop live skills.