John B. Cary Elementary School

3021 Maplewood Avenue

School District

Richmond City Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:8
Type

public

School Map for Richmond 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 January 25, 2023

We were hesitant about Cary, but now we couldn't be happier. Our son began kindergarten there in August 2022. We adore his teacher, the principal is very involved, and it has the welcoming feel of a small, neighborhood school. We love their values; Cary won a presigious "Green Ribbon" award from the Department of Education for it's commitment to environmentalism and encouraging the children to learn outdoors; especially for a public school, they really try to keep the kids outdoors and moving around as much as possible. My son has gardening class at the raised beds near his playground, and is learning about soil and how to make things grow. I also LOVE their commitment to social/emotional learning. Every other week he has "guidance" class with the school counselor where they learn about being a good friend, setting boundaries, how to cope with big feelings, etc. The school has some problems just like any city school, but we've been pleasantly surprised by so much and we are very happy that he's there.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2022

Great small with active community and engaged staff.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2021

My son has been attending this school since kindergarten and is now in 4h grade this year. This school has been a nightmare. I have had to call the police to the school a few times this year already along with getting the school bully and counselor involved. When I reported bullying issues to the principal he proceeded to place the blame back on my son and tell me my son was an incident on a bus and that he provoked a fight. My son has never rode a bus because he has on open enrollment and there is no bus for him I pick him up and drop him off every day. That's just one example of the many lies that have been told on my son at the school. I have reported this man to the school board and I have also reached out to the superintendent karmers by email about this issue and asked him if he could send me a email back or call me and I still have not heard anything back from him I feel like the school and the school board should be handling this matter better and taking it more seriously. As of today December 7th 2021 my child no longer wants to be in class with the other students he would rather do his work in the office so he will not get picked on. One of the other students that was picking on my son I saw his mother outside the school and spoke to her about what was going on she knew nothing of what was happening at the school and said that no one even notified her. My son has been injured at the school to the point where I had to take him to the doctor and no one called and told me anything I had to find out from my son. At this point it's just sad that the school nor the school board can get a handle on this situation it's a sign outside the front of the school that says No Child Left Behind while my child is being left behind and this is affecting his academics.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2016

They focus on the phrase "Bloom where you are planted". I think this line of thinking is perfect. A school is just an extension of the community, we all need to work together to make this our home. This school has a great art, and music program. We have great teachers who care about the students. We have some of the smallest class sizes in Richmond. The assistant Principal Dr. Smith is wonderful and I believe they are grooming her to lead this school back to greatness. Come and see why JBC is right for your child.Be a part of your community and make the place you live wonderful. Take charge and contribute to our future in John B. Cary. Join the PTA, and lead our children to a brighter future.Much love and support from a local parentPeace
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2015

My son has been bullied and they had the nerve to say it was him just because he is a nerdy type child. It is only 3 weeks into school and he has been hit in the chest 2x and pushed around and smacked and he is only 9. The anti bully policy is not in place and when my son got punched in the chest the teacher told him to brush it off. When he got hit on the bus the school did not request the video tapes to be pulled. If the school won't protect him then I will. They buz anyone into the school and so the school is not securing our children. Then don't ask for ID when picking up your child. This is the worst school I have ever been to. Be afraid to drop off your kid at John B Cary Elementary. Before my son would be bullied with words and it's only in the school that it became so physical. Kicking is one thing but a punch in the chest can damage or even kill a person. Breaking a rib can force the bone into the heart. I called the school board and apparently the is no one above the principal
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2015

I'm a parent of three girls that have gone or are going to John B. Cary. I'm also the PTA VP of the school. John B. Cary is a smaller size school so your child gets way more individual attention. Classroom size is usually no more than 15-17 students in grades K-4th grade, while the two 5th grade classes have the highest number of students at around 25 or so. The teachers are hard working and I can honestly say they teach because they believe in children. While the Principal and vice-principal may be new as of 2014-2015 school year they are not new at what they do and are very caring individuals. The school becomes more of a second family and if you are the kind of parent that likes to be involved than it a perfect fit! Don't be fooled by these bogus scores, Jbc is a great school with fantastic art, music, Spanish, and PE. resource teachers. We have a good selection of extracurricular activities for after school and a great after school program. I feel anytime you decide to attend a City school rather than a county school there will be a different set of issues, but as far as Jbc it doesn't get much better.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2013

We love John B. Cary. Our daughter has attended several Richmond schools that we were not happy with. Only at Cary do we feel truly safe, happy, and secure. Our daughter has several medical issues but the staff has never failed to watch over her properly. The staff loves and cares for all the children and makes sure they get a great education and are allowed to have fun at the same time. The parents are friendly to one another and the teachers become like family. Everyone is welcome at Cary!
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2013

I am a proud Cary parent of two scholar students. We moved from a well funded school district in Westchester ,New York. I couldn't be happier with my children's education! Cary does not get enough recognition as the other local schools do. The teachers at Cary are very committed and love their job. Our principal is a warm and accommodating woman with strong leadership skills. As a whole,the school is a close-knit family and I feel confident that you will feel the same!