Blackman Elementary School

586 Fortress Boulevard

School District

Rutherford County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for Rutherford County School District

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 15, 2025

My son started kindergarten here during Covid. I agree that communication was a bit tough during that time because parents weren’t allowed in the school for the kids’ safety. Since Covid ended, we’ve been able to walk him into class on the first day, we’ve always had a good relationship with his teachers, and overall he’s had a good experience. He did deal with some bullying, but when brought up to the right people, it was handled. I’ll also agree with some of the older posts that Mrs. Ford was not the best principal, but the school is in its second year of having a new principal. The transition year was a little unpolished here and there, but I think this second year has been much better. Overall I think it’s a solid school. My son seems really happy there.
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2022

Great school, great teachers, great communication, Great Community
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2022

Literally the worst school my children have ever gone too. The Principal (Ford) picks and chooses who she wants to discipline, she bully’s parents, and disregards any parents concerns. Definitely not who I would want running my schools. She is a lawsuit waiting to happen, because believe me it is definitely coming. If youre looking for a school for your kids keep looking because this is definitely not one you want your kids at.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2022

Absolute worst school my children have ever been to. Principle (Ford) is Disrespectful and does not care about the safety of the children. Teachers are the same way (only a handful care about what they’re doing) They do not communicate import things with parents, and are very unorganized. I highly recommend not sending your children here.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2022

I told the teacher that my child was not to go on a trip and they (ASSUMED) it was okay to take my child anyway without informing me . I am very disappointed that they think this is okay and nothing is being done about it.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2021

Awful school. School is not fun for the children, or welcoming. My son loved going to a previous school. But when he had to transfer there, he hated going. He said his teachers were "grumpy". Front desk is rude. Most teachers are not friendly, and they look like they're miserable there. The principal can't even pronounce Kindergarten correctly. She says "Kindygarden". Her moto is "learning is not an option, it's a requirement". It's elementary, how about a moto that is fun, exciting and doesn't make it seem like a prison. Not a welcoming environment for students or parents. Took my son out of there and put him in another school.
Submitted by student on December 11, 2020

I love everything about this school and its teachers,staff, and principals! They are all so amazing and I wanted to thank them all for everything they have done for me so far the entire time I have been at Blackman Elementary School!
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2020

Overall, I would have to say ok. I have nothing but great things to say about Mrs. Ford, assistant principals, staff, and most teachers. But when you get a bad teacher, it is really bad and you feel somewhat helpless for the school year.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2020

we love Blackman teachers, as a foreign family we found all the support we needed
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2018

My daughter attended Blackman Elementary School from Kindergarten through fifth grade, and is now at the Middle School. My son started here in Kindergarten and is in the second grade here. I have enjoy being at this school. The staff and administration are very supportive and do all they can to take care of all the children in the school. The principal knows every child by name and calls them all family.
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2017

My daughter is 4th grade. she has been without a math teacher for two months now. it started with different sub every day and now they are with a retired teacher who is not patient at all. besides, there is no line of communication between the parents and this sub at all. My daughter has not made any progress in math for two months now.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2017

I have had children in this school for 8 years now and we have nothing but great things to say about the teachers and administrators. They are treated well, with great respect and their education has been outstanding. Mrs. Ford and Miss Whitt (principal and assistant principal) are fantastic and know and interact with all of the kids (and parents) both in and outside of school. They even remember my child who has moved on to middle school and make sure to stop him in the store or restaurant to see how he's doing.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2016

Since transferring here, my child is learning a lot and has a very patient teacher. Ms. Hoffmeister is awesome.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2016

I cannot stand this school my student is very very behind because of them! They wanted to give my student speech 1 time a month!! And did not want my student in a cdc class, thank God we are at a different school now where he is getting more help.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2015

I love this school all 3 of my kids went here and Mrs. Ford was amazing, my house burned around Thanksgiving 2007 and Mrs. Ford (principal) took all 3 of my kids Christmas shopping with her own personal checkbook. My family runs into Mrs. Ford at the grocery store from time to time and she always remembers each child by name. We love you Mrs. Ford and all of the Blackman faculty
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2014

I have 3 children who have been to 4 elementary schools and 3 middle schools. Ms Ford is the best principal we have ever had. She is very much a disciplinarian and runs a tight ship. She also loves her students and I have often come to school and found her teaching the students and interacting with staff. I find this incredible bc my kids have been at schools where I didn't even know what the principal looked like. My son had some behavior issues when we first got to Blackman, so we interacted with her more than most. Believe me when I say the negative reviews are from helicopter parents who have poor parenting skills. You would be lucky to have your children attend this school!! It is also THE MOST DESIRABLE school district in which to purchase a home....doesn't take a genius to understand why.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2014

My son attended BES in 2013-2014. We had the worst experience ever. If you like a prison-like attomsphere where teachers act more like wal-mart employees, you will have a great experience.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2014

I like the following about Blackman Elementary: *It's clean, both inside the building and outside area. *The teachers project friendliness and professionalism at all times (when I've been there visiting or at an extra curricular event). *They seem to be technologically with the times. Projectors, computers, emails, etc for example. *They have a nice library system, where the students use a UPC bar-code system. It makes checking out books quick and easy. *The administrators have a policy where they hold parents accountable for the students. This makes sure that students both learn at the classroom and reenforces what's been taught at home as well. What I don't like about Blackman Elementary: *Art, PE, other programs that I had as a kid are not offered everyday. *The technology is present, but seems to be dated. CRT monitors, seriously? *Constant fund raising. It feels like there's one every other month. *Other than federal holidays, it's seems that there are always in-service days and a half day EVERY month.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2014

The principal Mrs.Ford is not a great principal. She is more concerned about punishment vs. guidance. Test scores vs. emotional security. The whole vs the individual. I wanted to make sure I was comfortable in who I was untrusting my 6 year old to, however he came home everyday discouraged and down trodden. Punishment like taking away recess were given away liberally instead of helping him change his behavior through other avenues. We moved here from the capital region of NY, from the best school district out if 84 school districts, from the best elementary school in the district. I realizing now why that previous school was so great because they treated each child as their own and really wanted each child to succeed. I am very disappointed, especially since we moved to this area for this school. Even the teachers don't agreed with a lot if Mrs. Ford's rules and look scared of breaking them, almost like deer in the headlights. On the other hand we are dual zoned and Overall Creek has been a Godsend. They are the exact opposite and tell you that they treat each child as their own and really love them.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2014

I have visited with and had conversation with this school district staff and members of the community multiple times. I am moving from a top ten dying city in Ohio to here a top 10 growing city in multiple facets. My current school ranks a 4 from a 6. This is Suppose to rank a 9. This is our families future and last hope. This is be the right decision. Follow our progress on multiple medias. We are The Fox Family.