Varner Elementary School

4761 Gaydon Road

School District

Cobb County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Cobb 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 October 09, 2024

You’re child will be treated differently if you inquire toomuch about their behavior chart from the teacher. This school is filled with white teachers who doesn’t like black children. I took my son from this school and there is a big difference. I’m happy i made that move.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2024

The fourth-grade teachers, two in particular, lack empathy and display favoritism towards select students. I observed this during our initial interaction with one of the teachers at an open house meet-and-greet event. The teacher praised a child extensively, but when it was our turn, we received minimal acknowledgment. At that moment, I sensed a negative vibe, confirming that her objective throughout the year was to undermine my intelligent, beautiful child. During the academic year, my child's graded work was marked with question marks, smart remarks, and incorrect markings, impacting self-esteem. We received other students' graded work. The same assignment completed by the other student had several items that should have been marked, but they were not. The teachers are disorganized, unsupportive, lagging in key subjects (math, social studies, science) and maintain a negative attitude. There were instances of negative gestures witnessed by my child. Another incident involved the teacher accusing my child of cheating for taking notes, a behavior learned from home. My child went down a slide and encountered a puddle of water. The teacher asked my child if she had - on herself, but she used an informal, unprofessional term and did so in front of all the students. Their teaching methods hinder a positive learning environment, and the principal's lack of effective leadership exacerbates the situation. The principal also lacks the necessary skills, knowledge, or effectiveness to successfully manage and lead a school, and supports behaviors that are not conducive to a positive learning environment. We requested a conference with the teachers, principal, and other administrators and during the conference the principal mentioned that the teacher referenced throughout this entire review was "highly requested." During this same conference, this same teacher blatantly lied about a situation and proceeded to work through a math problem, getting it wrong. At that point we realized our efforts were futile and as a result we withdrew her from the school promptly. I hate to leave reviews like this because there are passionate, dedicated teachers at Varner, but please be aware that there are some who lack tremendously.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2024

The fourth-grade teachers, two in particular, lack empathy and display favoritism towards select students. I observed this during our initial interaction with one of the teachers at an open house meet-and-greet event. The teacher praised a child extensively, but when it was our turn, we received minimal acknowledgment. At that moment, I sensed a negative vibe, confirming that her objective throughout the year was to undermine my intelligent, beautiful child. During the academic year, my child's graded work was marked with question marks, smart remarks, and incorrect markings, impacting self-esteem. We received other students' graded work. The same assignment completed by the other student had several items that should have been marked, but they were not. The teachers are disorganized, unsupportive, lagging in key subjects (math, social studies, science)and maintain a negative attitude. There were instances of negative gestures witnessed by my child. Another incident involved the teacher accusing my child of cheating for taking notes, a behavior learned from home. My child went down a slide and encountered a puddle of water. The teacher asked my child if she had urinated on herself, but she used an informal, unprofessional term and did so in front of all the students. Their teaching methods hinder a positive learning environment, and the principal's lack of effective leadership exacerbates the situation. The principal also lacks the necessary skills, knowledge, or effectiveness to successfully manage and lead a school, and supports behaviors that are not conducive to a positive learning environment. We requested a conference with the teachers, principal, and other administrators and during the conference the principal mentioned that the teacher referenced throughout this entire review was "highly requested." During this same conference, this same teacher blatantly lied about a situation and proceeded to work through a math problem, getting it wrong. At that point we realized our efforts were futile and as a result we withdrew her from the school promptly. I hate to leave reviews like this because there are passionate, dedicated teachers at Varner, but please be aware that there are some who lack tremendously.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2019

Administration is supportive and concerned for each student. They are always willing to lend a listening ear for parents, staff, and students. Each teacher my child has encountered has helped her growth as a student. I am pleased with my child's experience at Varner.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2018

This is a great school!! We have tried 3 different elementary schools in the area and this is the best one. The teachers, principals and the rest of the people who work there are amazing! :) My kids are gifted learners and this school has helped them excel :) I highly recommend going to this school in Powder Springs .
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2018

Our kids were previously at a 10/10 Greatschools in Cobb County and honestly I think the school was better for their growth and achievement, and I think our children are excelling better here. STEM studies available and STEM night was a hit. If your child is on the cusp of Target qualification but doesn't always make it into gifted, Varner is a good choice because they give some high-performing students that don't qualify based on state rules the chance to go to gifted class each week as long as it doesn't interfere with their studies. Elementary school children need a mix of a structured and nurturing environment. The teachers will respond. Just keep on top of your child's achievement since the school isn't an authoritative military style school. They are happy to provide updates beyond progress reports if you care to ask.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2015

Needs Improvement While I appreciate what the school has going for it, there was too much negative. You really got the feeling they did not care to deal with anyone. This was the same among most teachers, staff, and office. They would rather you just turn a blind eye and go along with whatever. They do not really want to hear from you. If you do speak up, know you will likely get on their bad side and be disliked.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2014

My children attended private school before coming to Varner. My husband thought it would be great for the kids to try the neighborhood school. Dare I say he was correct! Our kids are continuing to excel academically. The two teachers my kids have had are Outstanding! The PTA is very active.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2014

Varner is excellent in my view! My 3rd grader special need student got everything and more in relation to her education, to the added tutoring and the teachers went over and beyond in helping with the Common Core. If I would have another choice of schools, I'd want my children to remain at Varner. Teacher/ parent contact is excellent. Programs offered for enrichment to students and family is there. I have found all the staff kind, courteous,professional, and knowledgeable in their instruction and caring for the child. My child and I have nothing but positive experiences to say about this school. from the Principal to all staff, they have been more than accommodating to help the students succeed. They genuinely care about their students success. Today, my child came home crying because it was her last day in 3rd grade. She said the total class of 16 was in tears -minus one child-. I can just imagine what an impact these teachers made on their classroom. They dealt with this hormonal classroom in a very compassionate manner. I hand 1.000 kudos to the teachers, Principals, and staff at Varner for helping us raise caring, honest, compassionate, and intelligent children.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2014

If I could have sent my kids to another school or even home schooled them, I would've done it in a heart beat. The front office staff is rude and makes it seem like it is such a chore to help you. Other parents warned me about this school and the unhelpfulness of the office staff, but I had no choice to send them to Varner. I could write more but I just gave myself a headache thinking about the frustration this school has given me.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2013

This is our fourth year at Varner. We have a 1st and 3rd grader and both are excelling and reading above grade level. Teachers have been willing and eager to give more challenging work to help them continue to excel rather than allow my kids to get lazy. Every teacher my children have had have been wonderful! More parental involvement would be great but those parents I have volunteered with have been awesome.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2013

What a wonderful start to the 2013 school year. This is our 4th year at Varner. The teachers are excited to teach and are embracing the new Common Core. I appreciate the attention and fast response from my daughters teacher when I have questions about homework. I think the Principals Breakfast is a wonderful way to recognize students accomplishments. Mrs.Lair the new assistant principal is very personable and took the time to address my concerns about the increased class size. The only thing I see it that Varner needs more parent involvement. A few years ago I feel like there was much more parent involvement. - We love being part of this community and school!
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2013

Varner school doesn't give homework on Friday. Student can easy get lasy. The school should set focus on 2 areas at least : reading and math every day + have student write a paragraph of their readings. As for teachers, they do not even follow up with homework.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2013

So glad my son doesn't go here anymore. Varner... What comes to mind? Uppity attitudes & lackluster school... Besides a few caring people just so glad we have moved away and moved on. Whenever I think of the dreaded experience with this school I just breathe a sigh of relief it's over!
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2013

This is the 2nd year my children has attended. I have a 3rd grader/Kindergarten. The staff/administrators have been very professional and always voice their concern when your child has any issues. We moved from another Cobb school. As far as academics, this school has meet my expectations. I've noticed this school offers more challenging areas of study then the recent school my son attended. My oldest is in Target program since he was in his 1st grade at the old school and I can tell you the other school was not as challenging enough for my child. My kindergartener, it's his first year at Varner. Compared to what my oldest was taught in the other school, Varner has advanced the way kindergarten is learning. When school started for my kindergartener (he attended preK at a daycare for 1 month), he only knew a few alphabet letters and numbers. After three months, he has learned all the alphabets and knows how to count to 100! My support as well as education given from teachers on top of your child willingly to learn is always a key to your child's success. Reason why I did not give 5 stars,there's no such thing as "perfect". I hope many more good yrs from this school.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2012

The principal is a phoney, arrogant woman. She tells the parents what they want to hear to keep them happy. The teachers are good at their job, but miserable working there. The principal plays favorites with the teachers. She lets the parents walk all over her because she has had so many parent complaints.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2012

Hello Parents, Take my advice from parent to parent and do not enroll your child in this school. The lack of concern from the teachers and administrators is unbeliveable. My daughter went there for 2 years before I pulled her out.I was doing everything I could as a parent to help my daughter to excel. But when you have teachers who do not have a dedicated passion to teach, learn, help and grow the students, then you are hindering your child from learning above and beyond of what is expected.Her 5th grade teacher was extremely unhealthy and I know that was why she was so laxed. It took me 2 years to realize I made a wrong desicion in enrolling her in this school. Now she is in a great school with teachers and faculty who really care about the students. STAY AWAY!
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2012

I have to say the teachers and administrators are very professional and treat my children with respect and desire the best from them. I think the curriculum is challenging and my children are enjoying the after school choir and art club.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2012

I love Varner! I have a rising 1st grader who reads on the 2nd grade level. My other children attended elementary schools out of state and neither could read above grade level when starting first grade. Teachers are kind-hearted and involved. It's only been our first year as part of the Varner family but we plan on staying for the next 5 year. ~One Very Pleased Mom
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2012

I daughter just "graduated" from Varner and we are pulling our 7 year old out of the school.Trust me, Varner is NOT a 4 star school, and we saw NO real improvment after six years. Although there are several outsanding teachers there and good students, they are held back by the horribly watered down/ teach to the test Cobb County curriculum. The principal and administration are AVERAGE, and don't really want meaningful parental input or involvement. If you want a paint by the numbers, bare bones, AVERAGE education for your child, send her/him to Varner. If you desire a rigorous, challenging education for your child, look at one of the better charter schools or a private one.