Barton Open Elementary School

4237 Colfax Avenue South

School District

Minneapolis Public School Dist.
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Minneapolis Public School Dist.

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 July 22, 2023

For 6 years both of my sons went to a different MPS about two miles away from Barton. We were very happy with the social and emotional progress our oldest son had made due to the specialized Autism focused education program they provided. However, I couldn't understand why they never had homework or why the boys never had any projects or assignments that required any academic effort. Due to the redistricting in 2021 my then 3rd grader was transferred to Barton. Neither of us were pleased, and my son even put up a fight to go to school for the first few days. Fast-forward two years - we are so glad that he ended up at Barton. This school is more academically focused. I feel like an effort is made to create an environment in which parents feel included in every aspect of their child's elementary school experience. We are encouraged to visit, any meeting with staff has been centered around "what do you as the parent feel like we should be doing to assist your child?" My son is a spitfire, he is in the special education program and can cause some disruption at times, however, he has shown consistent growth and has met all of his goals as each school year progresses. I've never felt like he's been disciplined inappropriately and he's mentioned that if have to drag him kicking and screeming back to his old school.
Submitted by other on June 08, 2023

I have seen my child’s self confidence plummet at this school. I have expressed concerns that my daughter is autistic with the appropriate staff only to have it dismissed for months. Finally at the end of the school year they are taking it seriously, but the year is over and there’s not time left to help, which feels convenient for them. My daughter needed help and was asked to not return to school for the final week due to her behavioral issues. This is discriminatory. Many of the great teachers are quitting or have quit and many who are left are not modeling emotionally healthy or supportive behavior for the students. There’s a lot of denigrating, yelling and sending kids to the hallway as a way to manage the classroom. I know from my time working there as support staff. The current principal is not experienced and takes a tough on kid’s approach. She lacks communication skills and seems to be most concerned with numbers and outward appearances. The good reputation of this school is from its past not present state. If I could give zero stars I would.
Submitted by other on January 11, 2023

This was a great school and really felt supported. All the teachers were really nice, funny, and kind.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2021

Not happy with the discipline policy at this school. There seems to be none.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2013

Clara Barton is an amazing community of students and teachers. Everyone works together to build a sense of community where students feel safe and cared for. Teachers work hard to meet the needs of each student and care about the child as a whole person. We are thrilled to have our 3 children attend this school. Highly recommend it to others.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2013

There is an amazing community at this school among the students, teachers and parents. Our children have thrived here.
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2012

What impresses me most about this school is how they try to practice what they preach. Kids are happy and learning. They multi-age classrooms and no grades in the elementary. The teachers and administration seem to really care about what they are teaching and what they are doing. There are kids from all different backgrounds playing and learning together. They don't claim to be perfect, but are trying to do what is necessary to have a really good school in an urban setting. The middle school kids get great opportunities to explore their unique gifts. Just today I saw Barton 7th and 8th grade kids dancing, doing a lesson on hip hop, and reading really superbly presented, personal poetry in front of 800 of their K-8 peers and teachers. It gave me goosebumps! Love the leadership and vision of this school. I hope that they continue to champion open education!
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2012

It s considered a great school so there are many teachers with seniority, but many are burned out. Teachers do things like give kids with good scores Smartees candy, the others Dum-Dums, and in other ways mock or belittle kids. If kids complain to an adult it s dismissed as joking, a classic bully response, and adults stand by when kids are taunted day after day. (There are some nice posters, though.) Some teachers don t know their subjects. When parents push for changes, teachers just get moved or get a lighter load. Standards are very low so all can succeed. Special Ed and non-English speakers are in regular classes with no aide. There are 10-12 field trips per year, many of no relevance, wasting both time and a significant amount of (our) money. Middle school starts at 7th rather than 6th. The 7th and 8th graders are together with no differentiation as to academic level except in math, and in 1st 6th there isn t even that. It s a Somali magnet but there s no training for teachers, apparently, on culture. For example, girls might have to hold boys hands, and conservative Muslim kids can t do that. Obviously, we left. No one from the school ever asked us why.
Submitted by other on April 06, 2011

I am a student at this school, (8th grade) and its not the best school in the world. Bullying is a big problem for me. I get bullied in front of teachers and they do nothing. And what do i get bullied for? Being a different nationality. They do not stop it what so ever. I get made fun of by teachers, TEACHERS! Thats not right if you ask me. Also, they put the 7th and 8th graders to together. And to save money i bet. You only learn science one year may it be 7th or 8th grade. Then take history the next year. Or the other way. Cause of this i am going to fail my Science MCA's. Its not a good program if you ask me. This is coming from a student. NOT a parent I do not suggest this school what so ever.