Research Dare Elementary School public Schools in Newport News, Virginia

“I have a kindergartner and a 3rd grader at this school. I could not be happier with every aspect from this school, and I was surprised to see it rated an 8 - this is a 10+ elementary school. Stacia Barreau as the new Vice Principal is absolutely amazing, and Mr. Carter, the Principal, is also wonderful. I cannot say enough great things about Dare Elementary! - Brandi Hollenbeck”

“My daughter entered Dare Elem this year as a Kindergartener, and I could not be happier. The school is wonderful. The faculty and staff have all been friendly, helpful and professional, and my daughter was very lucky to get a great teacher. I have had zero negative issues with Dare. I will say I have not been impressed with the school cafetaris, however this is a county-wide issue involving a new outsourced company and does not reflect on the individual school.”

“We have been at this school for several years with two children. We have/have had children in K,1,2,3,4. The admin is great, very active and involved in every aspect of the school. Parent involvement is encouraged throughout the school and volunteers help make lots of extras possible for the kids. The teaching staff is excellent and this year ratios ave 18-21 per class. With in room teachers aides for K and shared aides in 1st-5th. Fairly large military population due to several nearby bases (AF,USA,USN)so they are familiar with and embrace their military families. PTA has made a great start this year so please come out and get involved. This is a really good school and they work hard to keep making it better.”

“Excellent teachers! We are a military family and were only there for two years but were fortunate to have Mrs. Duke and Mrs. Forester as our child's teacher. They were both extremely helpful with our child's first transition. My child flourished academically and socially under the guidance of Mrs. Forester. My child and many other students call her the best teacher they have ever had! I think the PTA program was cliquish and did not welcome newcomers very well.”

“Excellent Asst principal (Mrs. Pennycuff). Growing school trailers coming for 06-07, addition planned for 08. Class size is 20-22. Teachers worth special note Ries (k), all of first grade staff, Mrs. Callaway in 2nd grade is one of the best teachers I have ever met. Most teachers are great,there are just a few that aren't. Art, music, PE, guidance weekly. Recess every day. On site before and after care. Extra curricular clubs: CHROME, Kids Saving Earth, Chess, Daisy scouts, more clubs being added each year. Parent invovlemnet is encouraged. New playgrounds, nice school. PTA is very active and does a lot of good but needs to be a bit more open and friendly to newcomers and miltary families. On-site severely disabled program and ECSE preschool is very well run. Guidance Counselor (Coates) is very good with miltary (deployments, transition). Magnet Schools and Gifted program also available. Overall a great school.”

“My child has been attending this school for two years now. I have found the teachers outstanding but the principle does not follow through with disciplining behavioral children.”

“Great Teaching and Administrative Staff...plenty of community involvement. Parents routinely in the school tutoring children. Only thing lacking is sufficient physical education training. The kids need more PT to help physical and mental fitness.”

“I absolutely love this school. My son started here in 2003, and I am looking forward to this year. My husband is in the Navy and before moving to Virginia I researched schools for 2 months before making up my mind, I haven't regretted choosing this school a day since we've been here. His teacher was awesome and the Principal and vice principal are always there when you need them, and even just to say hi. They knew me and my son, the day I registered him I talked to both of them and they answered all my questions on the spot. I also like the small classes, my son was in Kindergarden, there was the teacher and a teachers aide, and only 15 students in his class. We get the small town school in the not so small town.”

“My child has only been in this school for 6 months. I am very happy with the administration and teachers. The principal and vice principal can be seen in the halls regularly and are always willing to stop and talk with me. There also appears to be quite a bit of parents volunteering as myself.”