Sumner Elementary School

15 Basile Street

School District

Boston Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 24, 2021

We’ve been at the Sumner two years and our very pleased, especially with the remote learning. If I could give the Sumner 4.5 stars I would (because hey no school is perfect and BPS facilities do need upgrading - though the Sumner has an amazing brand new playground). We’ve had two fabulous teachers and have been able to connect with other families. The school is large but I have never gotten the impression that it’s overcrowded. I love that the preschool classrooms are by themselves on the lower level and likewise the wraparound care for the youngest grades. I think the school and especially the parent council try hard to reach out to engage families and are especially concerned with doing so equitably, given how diverse the school is.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2018

I would say overall my experience has been mixed. There are some fabulous people working for the school, and I know they care deeply about the children. However, there is very little communication with parents. Also, the school facilities are old and overcrowded which makes for an environment that is not very conducive to learning. The kids only get one day a week on the playground equipment at recess--the rest of the week they choose between teacher curated activities like four square which effectively turns recess into a second gym class.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2017

The principal at the school is incredibly engaged and forward thinking. She knows what her goals are and works with the resources she has toward achieving them. The parent council is also very active and a great resource for parents trying to navigate through the school issues. I've noted the comments about the secretary - which may be fair, but not enough to give this school a negative rating. The teachers and staff are caring and ready to work with parents to ensure that their children are being educated in a manner that works best for them and have a sense of pride and community in their school.
Submitted by other on February 04, 2017

The Secretary threatened to call the police on me because I was late picking up! (2nd x) Wait. Huh?why? No one from the school CONTACTED me or anyone on the EMERGENCY contact. Her teacher didn't call, I called her cell at 3:46pm and then this UNKNOWN PERSON gets on the phone very rude and aggressively, threatening me with "calling the police"No one called ME! NO one called GRANDMA, OR AUNTY. Who are you lady? (I still dont know who she is and why her teacher put her on the line to direspect me Why would you call the POLICE and not MOM 1st! I do not sit well with THREATS or this INDIVIDUAL! This lady has a personal agenda. I hate to do so, but filing a complaint with the superintendent due to her misconduct is a MUST. I hope the headmaster reads this and makes some changes.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2017

Worst school ever! Teachers/staff do not communicate with parents nor do they respect parents! The lady at the front desk is very rude and unprofessional! Dont believe me? Just call (617-635-8131) and she'll answer. Or go by and visit. She's the lady who'll buzz you in! She threatened to call the police on me because I was late picking up! (2nd x) Wait. Huh?why? No one from the school CONTACTED me or anyone on the EMERGENCY contact. Her teacher didn't call, I called her! No one called ME! NO one called GRANDMA, OR AUNTY. Why would you call the POLICE and not MOM! I do not sit well with THREATS or this INDIVIDUAL! Replacing her for someone more pleasant and professional would be great Start! I hate to do so, but filing a complaint with the superintendent due to her misconduct is a MUST. I've already registered for a transfer. I hope the headmaster reads this and makes some changes.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2016

This school has a high retention rate ...the student is only as good as the teacher retentention does not cure ignorance. .there is to many students and not enough teachers .....why?
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2016

Teachers in non-inclusion classes seem really burned out, and regularly miss almost half the days (they have a lot of sick and personal time!) The assistant principal is awful and doesn't seem to like children, but the principal herself seems fairly on top of things. Overall, unimpressive. I'm working on getting my kids out of there. Redeeming qualities include extremely affordable before and after school care if you can get off the wait list, free lunches (that's any school in BPS), racial diversity, and some dedicated teachers in the inclusion classes.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2013

The Charles Sumner Elementary is one of the best schools of Boston. The teachers really care about the kids and go above and beyond to help your child get to where he/she needs to be academically.
Submitted by other on August 11, 2013

Our granddaughter just finished up her 1st year in K2 and had a wonderful experience, Her teachers really helped her to overcome her shyness and brought out the best in her. We were very pleased at the progress she made in this multi cultural environment.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2012

This is a great school! Students and Parents are saying great things. Over the last three years they have made great progress on the state testing. The administration is no nonsense and have high expectations for academics and behavior.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2012

Worse school ever. Was glad to get my daughter out of there. The principal and assistant principal don't know what they're doing!! Thank god we're through with that school.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2012

The Sumner School has proven to be a great choice for our family. Two of my three children attend/have attended and we look forward to our third entering when he is old enough. The teachers so far have been phenomenal and our children have developed a real love for learning as a result. The principal is dedicated to continuing to develop communication strategies so that all parents are "in the loop" when it comes to their own child and the school in general. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2011

I didn't know how my child was doing until report card. There was no feed-back before the report card period. i reqested home work results but never got it. This time my child got a 2 in home work. i always go over all home work and correct any problems so why the 2??? Harrasment by other kids. No, correction by teacher.
Submitted by student on March 27, 2010

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Submitted by parent on April 07, 2008

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