Benjamin Foxen Elementary School

Posted: July 13, 2023

This was our first year experiencing Blochman and we were extremely impressed. My daughter started first grade at Blochman after coming out of a HORRIBLE Kindergarten year at a different school. She hated school, and would through fits about going. Last summer she had major anxiety about starting a new school, fearful that it would be another bad experience.

Her first day of school it was a struggle to get her out the door and do to pandemic precautions parents couldn't walk their children to their classroom, understandably. A staff member guided her to her classroom and I was a nervous reck, waiting for a phone call saying my daughter was having a hard time, but my phone was silent all day. I picked her up from the bus stop and she was so happy. Each and everyday of the school year was the same. She had an amazing first grade teacher who really made that classroom a home away from home for her students.

The rest of the staff I experienced throughout the year in the office and volunteering were wonderful. Everyone was friendly, helpful and really knowledgeable.

Though we are very sad to leave my daughter's first grade teacher behind, we are very excited for next school year.

Posted: July 13, 2023

Posted: July 13, 2023

Posted: July 13, 2023

Posted: July 13, 2023

Posted: July 13, 2023

Posted: July 13, 2023

Posted: July 13, 2023

Posted: July 13, 2023

Posted: July 4, 2023

This is a great school! The principle is excellent. The teachers are excellent. What really make this school are the families. The parents really care about their children and it shows. The school is in the country and the culture is reflective of a country school. It's not a big school so don't expect that they have all these programs and options like a bigger school.
What they do have is a big heart for children. To give you an example. My son went to the school there and had graduated. We walk into a local grocery store. I'm shopping for avocadoes, and I turn around and there's this little kid about half his height hi fiving him and doing some crazy hand shake, the mom has a quizzical look and boom there's big smiles, and a bond of love, acceptance, hope and community. I asked him about it. He said, "Oh yeah, that's "so and so" he's a fifth grader at Blockman.
If you are a parent and you want to be involved, you can be. They are always in need of a robotics coach, a basketball coach, some parent to chair a dance, or just get involved in the planning of events, and you get to have an impact on the education of your child. As a parent, a lot of times at other schools I've felt like my help is discounted, but here your receive support in doing the things. The students, parents and the staff make the whole family feel welcome. It's worth investing in helping. We did a famous Santa Maria BBQ, a pancake breakfast, and more.
This is a school that can be accessed from Santa Maria. So if you are not satisfied with the schools in Santa Maria, and you are looking for a school that has a family feel and a welcoming community. This is a great school.
Remember, you need to get out your cowboy boots, your lasso, and be ready for the rodeo. The Santa Maria Valley culture runs deep in this school. Some of the people who go to this school can trace their roots back to the Foxen's and the San Ramone Chapple just down the road from the school.. It's worth getting to know the history in the area and it will give you a sense of the school.
The current principle at this school has been there for around twenty years. He is incredible. He taught math. He knows all the kids. He is an advocate for children. He's a dad himself and is a model for young men. enough said. This is truly a five star school .

Posted: July 4, 2023

Posted: July 4, 2023

Posted: July 4, 2023

Posted: July 4, 2023

Posted: July 4, 2023

Posted: July 4, 2023

Posted: July 4, 2023

Posted: June 1, 2019

This school is a 5 star school. My children have thrived since attending Blochman also know by Benjamin Foxen School. The first grade teacher Mrs. Rapp is out of this world amazing. She truly takes the time to not only get to know her students, find their strengths and help them grow, but she gives them the confidence to continue to become more independent, and reach for the stars. Students come into her classroom everyday excited to learn and leave at the end of the year not just better students but kinder, more thoughtful and considerate people. Mrs. McCallister who teaches third grade is also a top notch teacher. She too really takes the time to get to know her students. They feel listened to and in-turn students are wanting to learn from her . She teaches and the students are eager to learn. Mrs. Arkinson is also an amazing educator at this school. She has an excitement for what she teaches and she engages the students with it. Those older kids, like mine who thought they were too cool for school really found themselves becoming more involved and engaged in what they were learning about.

These teachers have a passion for teaching, love what they do and are 120% there for the students. The other teachers are great as well but the 3 teachers I mentioned specifically are the ones my children and their friends have grown the most with. All of the teachers at Blochman love our children and I am so grateful that I was able to come across this amazing school where my kids have grown and learned so much not just in reading and math but in what it means to be an amazing human, caring for everyone and how to make this world a better place.

Posted: June 1, 2019

Posted: June 1, 2019

This group of teachers is exceptional. They are dedicated, and focused on giving their students the VERY BEST.

Posted: June 1, 2019

Posted: June 1, 2019

Posted: June 1, 2019

Posted: June 1, 2019