Larchmont Elementary School

1145 Bolling Avenue

School District

Norfolk City Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Norfolk City Public Schools

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 August 09, 2023

My daughter has been attending since Kindergarten and is going into 2nd grade. We couldn't be happier so much so we have another Kindergartener starting this year. The principal and the vice principal are amazing. The front office staff is great. The teachers really care. And most of all the parents and the PTA are wonderful and ever present. The school is beautiful and new. The playgrounds there's four are great. So much so my kids asked to go play there on the weekend.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2023

My son graduated last year after attending from kindergarten through 5th grade. Most of my experiences with the teachers were wonderful as with the other parents. The problem I did face was with the administration. Specifically the assistant principal. She does not belong in a school. She would call our son names, mock our son, and say rude remarks. I do not want to put the exact quotes on here in fear that my other child who is still at the school would be punished for it. The front office staff is also extremely unprofessional and unwelcoming. My husband was stationed in Norfolk so this was the most convenient school but if you have options I would recommend looking elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

I absolutely love Larchmont and how they make sure our kids are safe. My daughter since her transfer here has completely blossomed with learning and elevating to gifted studies. I had to remove her from her prior school due to a suicide note she left me which was a cry for help the school and her teacher actually promoted excessive bullying even though it was also a NPS based school that does not tolerate bullying. Larchmont worked with her every step of the way to help her recover process from the trauma to flourishing! She is currently in her 5th grade year and a honor student. They also have her doing things that I need for my business such as coding and digital artwork. I thank them because now she is ready to be a scholar and a young entrepreneur that will actually get it the right way!
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2019

We are very happy with larchmont ! The best school we could have asked for !!!
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2018

We Love and adore this school. It has made a huge difference with our son. He is such a strong read and has grown a lot academically. The 7/10 rating is false. The test scores shld speak for themselves. This school has a nice diverse group of pupils. For a Public School you can not find a stronger foundation.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2018

This school does not seem very supportive of parental involvement overall. I have walked into the front office and heard the staff mocking a parent on the phone. We moved to this area because I thought this was one of the better schools in this area. It's a beautiful, new school with some great teachers but, given their interactions with the parents, I believe we were mistaken. I hope other parents take note of this as well.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2018

This is not a school that uses research. Learning time is not respected.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2017

We are extremely disappointed on somemany levels! The school administration does not put children first, they disclose a childs information for personal reasons and the PTA is run and controlled by the “cool moms”
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2017

Overall I hope our experience changes for the better . I will review again mid year
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2014

We love this school. The sense of community is maxing, and like no other I have seen in the many, many moves our family has made. The teachers and staff are extremely open and friendly, and most importantly, you can tell they love their jobs. Ms Kimball in the front office is especially wonderful and very warm with both kids and parents. Last year, great schools rated Larchmont a 10 out of 10 and Taylor a 5 out of 10, though this year both are 7s. I doubt that that much has changed in just one year, and feel that Larchmont is closer to that 10. We love it!
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

Our district is riddled with problems, but LES is a wonderful school. Its location close to ODU and NATO means a culturally diverse student body from all around the world. Chinese is offered as a weekly resource and many of my children's friends are bilingual. With over 500 students, the school only has 3 buses because most of the children live within walking distance. This "neighborhood school" feel is rare in the city and creates a great community feel every morning as families all walk and ride their bikes to campus. The PTA is the most active I've ever seen, offering regular after school enrichment activities and raising money to fill in the gaps with district funding. Such a great environment (and strong parental network) means high teacher retention and quick turnover of not-so-great teachers. On the downside, the building is ancient, some of the grades are over-crowded (we don't get any sympathy from the district), the gifted program is weak (because district standards are so low, a huge percentage of LES kids qualify as "gifted"), and some of my friends with "special needs" kids have been frustrated with the school. Our personal experience, however, has been very positive.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2012

If you have a special needs child, think educational success is more than just high SOL scores, value arts/music/creativity, believe kids should have access to a playground, or have a child who is different in any way this is NOT the school for you. I was repeatedly told my son was getting services when he wasn't. He was also forced to stand against a brick wall at recess most days as punishment for things related to his disability instead of being given help. He was bullied relentlessly and punished when he tried to defend himself. 3 kids told me separately that they could say or do whatever they wanted to him because they knew they wouldn't get in trouble. We are vegetarian; at lunch kids repeatedly shoved meat into his face. A teacher wrote the names of kids who were in danger of failing on the board in front of the whole class, which was denied.The list goes on. He turned into an angry, defensive child, gave up trying in school & came home crying at least once a week.A year later in a private school, he is finally making friends, getting good grades, starting to believe there are teachers who care & will help, & happy. So much for rights to free, appropriate (& safe) education
Submitted by other on July 21, 2012

i went to this school in fourth grade.This school is the best ! Thanks for teaching me Mrs.New !!!!!!!
Submitted by other on May 20, 2012

My three children attended this school for several years but we ultimately became discouraged by the overcrowding, lack of resources and condition of the building. The school is about 25 years beyond the need for a renovation. The class sizes are beyond the max allowed limit and the lunchroom situation is a true shame. My husband and I always wanted to support urban public schools but Larchmont Elementary School does not live up to its prior reputation.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2012

We have had a very positive experience at Larchmont. It is unique as many of the kids walk to this neighborhood school. I believe this fosters a closer community. We've had great teachers and our children have thrived. No school is perfect, and my only issues with the school stem from the school district's heavy emphasis on standardized testing. Overall this school has great teachers, staff, parental involvement, and extracurricular activities. Get involved! There are many opportunities to get involved in the school community at LES and your children will benefit!