Grafton Bethel Elementary School

Posted: September 11, 2022

Posted: September 11, 2022

Posted: September 11, 2022

Posted: September 11, 2022

Posted: September 11, 2022

Posted: September 11, 2022

Posted: September 11, 2022

Posted: September 11, 2022

I don't get why this school has very low rates. All of my 3 kids have been going this school from Pre-k or kindergarten, and my experience has been wonderful! Sometimes I wasn't quite happy with some teachers, but most teachers here are great and hard workers.

One of my kids got extra help for English learning program on beginning of her school years, and she had amazing experience with the program (they even did special craft programs before school start for few days to build bond with students).

Also, they have a team coding program which is also amazing which my oldest was in. On the end of the program, they competed on a coding competition sponsored by WHRO-TV and got a chance to represent their program at York County School Division meeting.

Their special need student service is another great program. They respond very fast and keep touching with you every month.

York County School Division also sent a special letter for my son when he got a good score which I thought so sweet. He memorized the person's name and recognized him when he went to the YCSD meeting.

People in Yorktown area has pride about quality of school here and I think this school deserves better.

Posted: March 2, 2022

Today I met with the vice principal and a substitute principal because my daughter has been sexually harassed and bullied by another student. It is important to note that I am not the only parent who has voiced their concern about the student. The solution was to move my child to another class. Then the substitute principal went on to say that she doesn't think that I want the matter resolved at all because I am not going to accept their "methods" of dealing with problem student. This is like reporting a sexual harassment situation to your boss then getting fired. I don't know what this school is thinking but it is NOT a safe environment to send your child into. My child has reported this other child to her teacher on more than 9 occasions and nothing has happened. My child is a straight A student, and we are very involved in her school and home life. But this school is taking my child and stealing her innocence by victim blaming and punishing her for another child's actions. DO NOT send your child here. If you have a problem child, make sure you send your child here because they will enable their behaviors and reward their behaviors by making an example of the children that they have preyed on. They teach all about bullying and what to do when you are bullied by letting you wear crazy socks and going to school in your pajamas for a week, and if a student does learn anything and goes to apply what they have been taught they will be sent away while an "investigation" is done. And at the end of the investigation the child making the bullying claims will be told to stay away from the bully. This is the craziest thing I have ever seen, and Grafton Bethel Elementary School is setting children up for failure.

Posted: March 2, 2022

Posted: March 2, 2022

Posted: March 2, 2022

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Posted: March 2, 2022

Posted: May 2, 2019

Posted: May 2, 2019

Some are however this school employees teachers that do not care.

Posted: May 2, 2019

Posted: May 2, 2019

The Assistant Principal is not equitable to all students.

Posted: May 2, 2019

The school barely supports those with different learning styles let alone a special needs child.

Posted: May 2, 2019

My child has been consistently bullied this entire school year. Let Deb Ellis handle it and the outcome depends on the ethnicity of the child.

Posted: May 2, 2019

Not happy and my child will be moved to another school with a stronger administration.

Posted: March 1, 2018

Posted: March 1, 2018

Posted: March 1, 2018

Posted: March 1, 2018

Posted: March 1, 2018

Posted: March 1, 2018

Posted: March 1, 2018

not happy, but thankful that you can do out of zone and after this school promotes bullying will take advantage of that option. You can't interigate the victim and excuse the bad behavior the bullying and the obvious racism that's overlooked.

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

Faculty, staff and PTA are amazing and always go above and beyond.

Posted: January 28, 2016

Posted: January 28, 2016

Posted: January 28, 2016

Posted: January 28, 2016

I agree with another rater who questioned the school being rated a 7, but I suppose a few unwarranted low scores will bring the rating down. We have been very pleased with Grafton Bethel Elementary. The entire staff from the front office to the custodians are so warm and approachable. We are a military family, so our children have attended 2 schools prior to GBE and I can honestly say it's an amazing school. The teachers are not only caring and compassionate, but they challenge each student to their ability and encourage them to reach their goals. Parents are involved at this school and it shows! We have loved our time in York County and will be sad to leave GBE at the end of the school year.

Posted: November 5, 2015

This is the best elementary school in the county.
I don't believe the 7 score rating is accurate. It is likely it has not been updated recently. I am glad we chose to live in Grafton and go to this elementary. Both my sons have been going to GBES since they were in kindergarten and have excelled. I have read the other comments and there is no bullying and if there is it is dealt with immediately.

Posted: December 21, 2014

A very caring staff. The teachers were willing to listen and work with me to ensure the best teaching for my child. My daughter no longer goes to school there due to a military PCS move and she misses it. Even after moving her teachers were still willing to help her. I would highly recommend Grafton Bethel elementary school!

Posted: December 16, 2014

I am a former student that was enrolled in this school. All i can say is that this school is not meant for students that need special education needs. As i was special needs, i was treated like i was sub-human by teachers and students alike. So if your student has special needs, avoid this school at all costs.

Posted: September 21, 2014

Majority of Teachers are excellent . New Principal /Assistant Principal are a promising duo and PTA is outstanding. Parents are very involved in school and children enjoy going there on a daily basis.

Posted: February 25, 2013

Teachers who have been at this school for a long time make it a great learning environment through their dedication and genuine caring for their students. However, beyond the classroom, many of the children are very cliquey and there is downright bullying although there are signs everywhere against bullying. The administration turns a blind eye as do the parents whose children cause the trouble.

Posted: March 26, 2012

This is a great school for elementary kids. The student body and teachers on a whole seem happy and engaged, and there is an active parent/caregiver presence. The admin staff, especially the principal, is very good. They seem to value childhood as well as childhood learning. Your child will learn without the specter of over-involvement at an early age.

Reviewed: October 23, 2017

My daughter attended Grafton Bethel for first-third grades, and she really liked it. I have younger kids so I couldn’t volunteer in the class/school as much as I would have liked, but I enjoyed chaperoning field trips, occasionally joining her for lunch in the cafeteria, and helping with class parties and the school-wide field day in the spring. All my daughter’s teachers were good, and she seems to be well prepared academically (dare I say “ahead of the curve”!?) now that we are at our next duty station. The ladies in the front office (especially Ardi) were always friendly and helpful, and the administration did a good job of keeping parents in the loop, to include making phone calls to indicate when buses were running late, and providing updates during a tornado warning.