Bell-Graham Elementary School

4N505 Fox Mill Blvd

School District

Community Unit 303
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Community Unit School District 303

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 February 06, 2025

Our experience with Bell Graham Elementary School has been profoundly disappointing. While a few teachers genuinely care about their students, the school prioritizes standardized test scores and ratings over the education and well-being of the children under its care.Although the school day is long, the actual learning period is short, and academic progress is negligible. For our children to truly develop, we have had to make significant efforts as parents to teach them outside of school. One of our children required additional support but was initially rejected for summer school despite clear evidence of need. We had to advocate forcefully just to secure an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The process was unnecessarily difficult, reflecting the school’s reluctance to provide meaningful support for struggling students.The school also advances students to higher grades regardless of their readiness, seemingly to maintain ratings. This forces children to struggle with both catching up on foundational material and learning new concepts simultaneously, leading to emotional distress like enduring bullying from peers who call them names like "dumb" and "stupid," yet the school fails to address this harmful behavior or provide adequate support.Leadership at Bell Graham has demonstrated a troubling lack of accountability and communication. While we were contacted immediately for minor issues, there was no response when a teacher humiliated our child in front of their peers. This lack of urgency for serious matters is deeply concerning.Additionally, we were informed that when standardized test scores recently dropped, tests were redone, and several students were reportedly "supported" during assessments to protect the school’s ratings. Such manipulation undermines the integrity of education and highlights a focus on appearances rather than substance.Our children, once excited to attend school, have lost much of their enthusiasm since enrolling here. The environment feels insincere—what some might call "fake nice"—and prioritizes maintaining high ratings over fostering a supportive learning environment for all students.While some teachers are passionate and supportive, systemic issues at Bell Graham prevent most children from thriving academically or emotionally. I hope future changes in leadership and policies address these shortcomings so all students can receive the education and care they deserve. Even if we can no longer keep our children there.
Submitted by parent on December 25, 2024

Our son has moved up to top 1% of the country in reading and math there.
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2024

Worst principal ever. Thrilled to be got gone!
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2015

Great teachers who really care about the success of their students. Warm and compassionate, Principal is awesome. She is very involved and a great communicator with both students and parents. Services for students who need academic/emotional support are fantastic!
Submitted by other on May 02, 2011

AWESOME!!! Iove it so much it is a great school i recomend it very much yeah it is pretty cool and the teachers are good
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2011

I have two children who attend Bell Graham, one of which has some special needs. I could not be more pleased with the teaching staff, management and education provided. The staff is resourceful, informative and compassionate. The curriculum at Bell Graham is challanging and cutting edge however, the staff continues to impress me with thier abilities to help the children reach that higher standard. In addition, thier resource staff is second to none! The insight and services provided are simply incredible. The intellectual and educational growth we have seen in our children is a true testiment to the quality of this school and it's staff. Cudos to Bell Graham, where every ounce of each teachers compassion always shows through!!
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2010

I am not satisfy with the school, they don't put more weight in teaching the kids proper education. There are a big sizes classes,it's a lot of kids in one room.That'w why I choose to transfer my daughter to another school,it was hard decision.