Capt Johnston Blakely Elementary School

Posted: May 29, 2026

Our child went here for 3 years. The level of teacher engagement and experience varied from year to year, but overall we found students are not held academically accountable for doing their work, learning, and communication throughout the year on your child's progress and work may also vary. One year communication from the teacher was non-existent and we had to keep asking to see some work. Another year was better, but still not truly representative of how he performed since starting to homeschool. We are now homeschooling. The test percentages on this page are surprising as well. Kids spend too much time on devices. Kids are told they cannot keep score during games at recess (may hurt someone's feelings), nor show joy or cheer if making a goal (may hurt someone's feelings), and don't run when playing tag. Christmas, Halloween, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc are disregarded at this school. Prior principal explained to us that because a couple families may not like Halloween, nobody should partipate or wear costumes. This is not universal across all Bainbridge schools. Principal made this decision individually, disregarding parent opposition at the time. Yet, my kid tells me his teacher brought a small tree into class during December and made the class recite, "this is not a Christmas tree," when it obviously was. My kid looked around and said, "Yes, it is a Christmas tree." Too many inconsistencies at this school; however, the main disappointment was in the overall lack of academic excellence and accountability.

Posted: May 29, 2026

Posted: May 29, 2026

Posted: May 29, 2026

Posted: May 29, 2026

Posted: June 3, 2024

Honestly, Blakely is amazing and people love this south end grade school. There is a strong feeling of community and caring that occurs here.

Both my children went through Blakely, both very different learners, and the teachers, staff, and administration were amazing and thoughtful.

Most people feel this way about the school. Kids are allowed to be kids, get messy and dirty, and be themselves. Parents are welcomed and treated like assets to the education system.

Posted: June 3, 2024

Posted: June 3, 2024

Posted: June 3, 2024

Posted: June 3, 2024

Posted: June 3, 2024

Posted: June 3, 2024

Posted: June 3, 2024

Posted: June 13, 2021

First experience at public school on Bainbridge--granted, this is a COVID/hybrid school year.

We were in kindergarten and it was not a great experience. Once asynch went to hybrid, the k teachers were shuffled around and a first grade teacher took on one of the K. Unfortunately, it felt like the curriculum did not shift. We checked with several other K teachers and they agreed the work being asked for was not K work. When we commented on the disconnect, we were told that this was just our perception. In addition, after a year of teaching without a social component, we got feedback our son's skills were not up to expectation in terms of independence. Evidently he should be able to read multi-sentence math problems all on his own.

The last week of school, communication has vanished. Assignments dwindled with little or non communication, and to say the teacher was "phoning it in" would be a stretch. I agree with other parents who have said Blakely's focus seems more on performance and maintaining their "Blue Ribbon" status rather than on helping their students reach their potential.

Posted: June 13, 2021

Posted: June 13, 2021

Posted: June 13, 2021

Posted: June 13, 2021

Posted: June 13, 2021

Posted: April 21, 2017

My child attended this facility from 2013 to 2015. During his time there he was often scolded for acting like a boy and even prevented from playing with legos by his teacher. This was not because my child did something wrong, it was done to all boys for reasons unknown to me. Recently I came across an article in which a former teacher bragged about this practice. I am absolutely appalled by this behavior and shocked that a school would hire somebody like the woman who bragged about lying to my child.

Posted: May 7, 2013

I have an active boy, and while the first year was hard for him, the second year was great. I think it very much depends on the teacher and the skill set they have to deal with an active boy. The first teacher was frustrated; her style was less structured and it didn't work well, but the following year, his new teacher let him know the boundaries so he could be reminded to work to stay within them. It is all about a really good teacher-child match. I can't say enough about Blakely's staff; their warm caring is evident. I liked Mr Jones's vibe better, so I understand where some parents are coming from. It does appear that the principal has fewer comfort zones, but you can't have it all. His staff more than make up for it!

Posted: May 6, 2013

Horrible for active boys. Its not acceptable to have energy and not be able to sit still. As the principal informed us that we can not have that behavior here, because these are microsoft employees children attending here. If the child's parents are of the right status, your child will do fine there. Principal Andy is all about the status quo., not for equal education for all.