Riverview Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland

“Unfortunately, I cannot give this school a high rating. I had a son in 5th and I worked in the school. The teacher staff is predominately young, willing to do new things, but they labor under several negatives. A low income neighborhood with a small minority of involved parents. The administration is overwhelmed with the behavioral issues of some of the students. As a result, when my son began to have educational problems due to health reasons, we were not accommodated at all. Everyone assumed that he was just another child who needed to 'try harder and apply himself. ' They were very jaded. The year ended on a negative note for both my son and I, and I was very happy he was moving on. On a positive note, I am going back to educate them on my son's medical issues, so another child will not suffer like we did.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I moved here from a rural school district. I am shocked by the way some children act in the classroom ex. kicking the teacher and going out in the hallway. I do not think it is all the schools or the teachers fault, but I am still disappointed that children with severe behavioral problems are allowed to disrupt the whole class. We have decided to pay more rent and move to what we hope will be a better place for our daughter.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child transfered from a high performing school into this school. The teachers were extremely involved in making sure she was challenged and learning everyday- she is in the gifted & talented program. The staff is incredible under the circumstances. The neighborhood is not predominantly populated with parents who value education-very few made sure their children did their homework or showed up for parent/teacher conferences-those that did had students who excelled and/or got the help they needed- but the teachers and staff still work above and beyond to give each kid a chance. Some of the behavioral problems of this particular demographic of students impeded the progress in the classroom- the teachers try many methods to get the student back on track. The school does it's best-- but the community needs to improve.The teachers and staff and students need more support in this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think this an excellent school. I have a older child who attended this school year over 7 years ago and has done wonderful ever since. This school and it's staff have given my son and daughter their love of learning. My daughter attends this school now and the teachers are caring, they really give it their all. I can't say enough good things about this school and Mr. Small.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love Riverview Elem. This school yr all 3 of my girls will be in attendance there. My older 2 girls this yr 5th grade and 3rd grade..have a blast at school with learning and they get well rewarded with the Uncle Martys luncheons and Ball game at the end of the yr. The neighborhood isnt at its best but thats the parents job to picth in at home with their kids and community. The school is a big part but as a parent the parents are/should be the biggest influence and guidence for our own children. It can be hard at times as I am a full time working mother with a full time working dad also, but it can be done.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school is wonderful. It is a poverty stricken area, but the school does its best to provide the children with incentives to learn and better themselves. I've had four children in that school, believe me I know. It's not academically grueling, but it does provide challenging programs for academically gifted children at the elementary level which is appreciated.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“I currently have one child attending this school and a child that attended a few years ago. I feel that the teachers & staff give their all to these kids. The children , most of them, come from what I consider low income/one parent homes. It is a poverty stricken area and the teachers are trying to give these children hope for the future. I know that the teachers spent their own money to provide the children treats & rewards for having a good day at school. I also know that they encourage the parents to get involved... If the staff seems too harsh , maybe it's because the kids need some discipline in their lives. Great job by the asst. principals. The school is decent, but the community is a wreck.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a low income area.You never see the Principal unless some importatnt person shows up.The assistant principal runs the school.For being elementary sometimes they are to harsh on children when disaplining.It's hard to get special help for a child who needs it.Some teachers don't seem to care about the kids it's just a paycheck.The second grade teachers do try there best.The teachers are the ones who doesn't find out about certain events until the last minute.I feel bad for the teachers because they get a bad wrap and parents holler at them when it's the school systems fault or the adminastration.The school needs new pencil sharpeners as well as other supplies.”
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