Folger McKinsey Elementary School

Posted: May 29, 2021

Posted: May 29, 2021

Posted: May 29, 2021

Posted: May 29, 2021

Posted: May 29, 2021

Posted: May 29, 2021

Posted: May 29, 2021

Posted: May 29, 2021

An inviting, inclusive experience for our daughter with Down syndrome. From the administration, to special educators, to teachers, to aides ... everybody values diversity and goes out of their way to promote inclusivity. “The Positivity Project” is an example of the schools dedication to empathy, kindness, and compassions

Posted: July 23, 2019

Two of my daughters had brief issues with being bullied, and the counselor on staff helped quickly each time even though one daughter was being bullied outside of school.

Posted: July 23, 2019

Most teachers here really care about their students a lot.

Posted: July 23, 2019

Posted: July 23, 2019

Current principal (2018-2019) is fantastic. She has made positive changes, listens to students and parents, and helps the PTO do great things for the school.

Posted: July 23, 2019

I have a daughter with some issues that teachers already spotted in first grade. In second grade the teacher saw the same issues and started to help her even though we did not yet have an official diagnosis or testing. When we finally got testing done at the beginning of third grade, the staff formulated a plan to help her achieve her academic potential, and she has been doing fantastically ever since. We had a plan review (imitated by the counselor) at the beginning of fourth grade and made an adjustment or two, but I don’t think we’ll even need one for fifth grade.

Posted: July 23, 2019

There is some homework, but, other than an occasional take-home project, it hasn’t been a huge amount.

Posted: July 23, 2019

Folger McKinsey has been fantastic for my two daughters to attend. The school always has great teachers even when there’s turnover, invites parent involvement, keeps the academic bar high but not impossible, and provided excellent help for my daughter with learning issues. Our oldest daughter briefly went to well-rated private school before coming here and actually had to do some academic catch-up in first grade.

Posted: January 12, 2017

It has never been an issue for us. They do many guidance counselor sessions on it for the kids.

Posted: January 12, 2017

My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD - primarily because her third grade teacher noticed it and talked to me about getting her tested and treated. Not always easy for a teacher to take a risk like that. The school has helped us work through many issues with the ADHD and helping us monitor reactions to medications and given preferential seating etc.

Posted: January 12, 2017

There is a new Principal at the school who has really brought the teachers back together and made them enjoy working there even more.

Posted: January 12, 2017

They definitely try to foster a caring environment.

Posted: January 12, 2017

With 2 kids having gone through every grade in the school, we never had a bad teacher that my children didn't like. A few were more strict but that is to be expected.

Posted: January 12, 2017

Their philosophy is that elementary school children should only spend 15 to an hour minutes on homework. If they child becomes upset or frustrated by the homework, send a note in why it did not get complete so the teacher can address the issue/confusion with the child to help them understand the concept. No tears at the dinner table during homework is a great concept! Especially since many of us find the way they are teaching math so confusing now - it is hard for parents to help our children with their homework.

Posted: January 12, 2017

I have had 2 children go - through K-5th grade and it has been a great experience. The school was recently refurbished (we have been there for the before and after) and has all of the new technology available. Kids use I-book chromes and smart boards are in all of the classes etc. All of the teachers and staff know the children very well and are supportive. They really stress Math as opposed to Arts/Music which could be a con for some parents. There is not a lot of ethnic diversity - suburban white middle class. My biggest suggestion is to become a classroom volunteer to get to know the teachers - there are a ton of opportunities to get involved at the school.

Posted: August 23, 2014

This is an absolutely fantastic school. The teachers are warm, caring, and truly excellent at their jobs. Very strong parent involvement.

Posted: October 31, 2013

I am am graduate of Folger McKinsey and my kids attend there now. The new school is beautiful and I couldn't be happier with the quality of the education and the teachers. When I ask my kindergartener what he liked about school each day, he always responds with "All of it!!"

Posted: March 6, 2013

We moved into the area for this school and have been thrilled with our decision to do so. The teachers and staff are fantastic. The curriculum is quite impressive, and the amenities they make available to the students in above and beyond. They take a lot of pride in their school and making it the best it can be. I couldn't be happier to have my son attend Folger McKinsey.

Posted: February 28, 2013

I truly cannot say enough great things about Folger McKinsey. Both the staff and the facilities are top notch. Parental involvement is outstanding. There is an abundance of before and after school programs to keep the kids excited about learning. This is our third year at Folger and I am incredibly impressed with the curriculum. I look forward to having all of my children attend this fantastic school.

Posted: February 28, 2013

This is an excellent school with excellent teachers. It is a refurbished school so it is completely up to date with all the new technology and academics are extraordinary!

Posted: January 8, 2013

Folger McKinsey is a beautiful school inside and out. With the completion of the new facility in 2012 teachers have access to all the latest technology and beautiful classrooms at their disposal. The school has recently been named a "Green School" and has a large focus in recycling. There is even an outdoor classroom where the classes can plant gardens, compost, spend time in the sunshine for lessons or make use of the outdoor stage! Excellent teachers, strong principal and parent involvement, challenging academic programs and SO SO many after/before school clubs! Our oldest daughter currently attends Folger and we can't wait for our other two kids to follow in her footsteps. I can't say enough about our experience at Folger McKinsey!

Posted: April 29, 2010

The parental involvement is amazing. The kids of our school are very fortunate to have hardworking volunteers pull off the many great learning as well as fun events, fundraisers and community work. The staff is flexible and genuinely want to see our future succeed. We are very happy here and would reccomend this school to anyone moving to the area.

Posted: March 24, 2010

We've had an extremely positive experience at Folger in the 3 years we've been there. The teachers and staff we've encountered have been positive, supportive, and inviting of our participation. The parent volunteerism is a phenomenal contribution to this school. Our new principal's energy and openess to new activities, such as Drama Club, school dance, and Bingo night is refreshing. This school is definitely worthy of its Blue Ribbon and Green School status!

Posted: March 12, 2010

Posted: March 12, 2010

Folger McKinsey is an excellent school. The teachers are receptive to parent involvement and the children love going o school. Our principle is very involved with the families and answers questions and concerns swiftly and fairly after finding the answers needed.

Posted: March 11, 2010

This school has been a wonderful part of our lives. I have two children at Folger. There are so many parent volunteers and a great sense of community. The Principal is making it fun to learn and keeping high expectations of the students. This and the dedicated teachers make Folger a great place to attend.

Posted: March 11, 2010

I have 3 children in Folger now and it is my 6th year at the school. I am thrilled with our new principal who has a passion for learning and leading. I am thrilled about the new school being built. It is long over due and will help the students and teachers achieve at the hightest level. Changes are tough at times, but the Folger community can handle it.

Posted: March 11, 2010

As a family who moved to the neighborhood specifically for the schools, we are very disappointed. At the start of the year, we were surprised when other parents, unbidden, offered us sympathy and support upon learning who my child's teacher was. This seemed very odd! Now we know why. Throughout the year, the teacher has failed to meet our child's needs. Additionally. I have witnessed the teacher being unkind to other children and complaining about them in their presence. More than once, she has compared one child unfavorably to another, by name, when talking with parents. Principal turnover has been high the past few years. Tension between the teaching staff and the principal is palpable, and students get caught in the middle of 'battles' over what a teacher thinks his/her responsibilities should be vs what the administration thinks they should be. Positives? Committed and involved parents and a great support staff!

Posted: March 11, 2010

Posted: March 10, 2010

I have four children who have attended/are attending Folger McKinsey. They have received an excellent education and there is an amazing sense of community. The parent involvement is great - I don't think I've ever been there when I haven't seen at least two or three other parents who are volunteering at the same time. Teachers who come to Folger tend to stay for a long time, and I'm guessing that we only lose one or two teachers per year. We have moved away once and chose to move back to Folger, and we are preparing to move again and keep our house so that we can come back to Folger next time we are living in the area.

Posted: June 18, 2008

Posted: June 15, 2008