Research Providence Elementary School public Schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia

“My views have changed of Providence. In the beginning I felt that it was such a warm and inviting place to be. However, with time I can see through the administration running the building and have begun to realize that so many of our interactions have lacked respect. I have been pleased with the teachers for the most part. My children are excited about school and do seem to enjoy their classes and friends. Overall I wish there was just stronger leadership throughout the building.”

“I am not impressed with how this school is run. I find the office staff to be very cold and uninviting.”

“I am just tickled pink with this school. I love the way the staff and Principal are, the kids are so happy there. I was very upset when my daughter's special ed program was ended at her old school and she was transferred to Providence...but I must say that they are accomodating to say the least! I love this school and it's staff!”

“All three of my children have gone to Providence Elementary.....All in all I think it is a great school. There is so much parent involvment and voluntering that they almost trip over each other. The parents always feel welcome and cared about. I would highly recommend Providence Elementary and the lucky thing is that once you move on from Providence you go to two toher wonderful Kempsville Schools, Kempsville Middle and Kempsville High both which are even better than Providence. That is where your childrens strengths and weaknesses are truly recognized and get help with. Advice is ...stay involved in your child's school and in communication with their teachers and let them know you are involved in your childs life and care about them accedemically.”

“Principal rules with an 'iron fist', including controlling the PTA to the point of 'you either do what I say or not at all'. Teachers are good, gifted program is excellent, but Principal's concern for 'political correctness' stifles creativity and fun, decreasing overall desire to learn. I don't think this Principal really understands how children learn!”

“I have been extremely pleased with Providence Elementary in the 3 years I've had children attending. In my view, Mrs. Carstens is doing a wonderful job. The gifted cluster program is top-notch, thanks to Mrs. Knight and the cluster teachers. Any time I've had an issue to discuss I've felt free to do so. Everyone has been approachable and likeable. I would suspect that anyone who thinks morale is low at Providence hasn't had experience at other elementary schools in Virginia Beach. I have, and words can't describe how relieved I was when I realized how much better Providence was going to be for us.”

“The morale of Providence is in good standing. I believe the teachers are doing a tremendous job and continue to strive towards giving all students a positive educational experience. Instead of tearing down and saying the moral is not good amoung the staff, maybe we should build up and repair the damaged spirts of those who read your remarks.”

“The parents are being shut out and Mrs. Carten is not doing such a great job. The teachers are great though. They really care about the students. It seems to me that not all the really great vollenters are being recognized. The school was alot better when Mr. Cowen was there.”

“This school needs an attitude adjustment. Parents sense they are not welcome, their input takes little weight, and now understand that pleasing those 'downtown' is administration's only bottom line. They have slowly built walls so most people feel it's no longer worth their time to contribute to what was a wonderful environment for learning. The volunteer numbers are down, SOL test grades are down, morale is low and the kids can feel it. It was a community school that has turned into one run soley by administrators-- not teachers, parents and students working with leadership. This school has mostly great teachers, but they being worn out by VBCPS sytems. They aren't using all the great tools available....open minds, excitement about teaching and parent/teacher teamwork to acheive success for all. It's hard to know if your child will flourish here. Visit, and listen to parents.”

“This is my daughters first year attending Providence. I did not think I could like it as much as her last school. Mrs. Carstens is a wonderful principal and has an invaluable staff working there. I have never known a school to have so many parent volunteers! What a joy this year has been!”