Laurel Lane Elementary School

112 Laurel Lane

School District

Williamsburg-James City Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Williamsburg-James 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 13, 2024

I have two children, my oldest does great in school and loves it. My other child, she had already failed a grade in a previous school, shes not doing so great this year and they won't approve an IEP or 501 plan even with the medical documentation showing she has multiple of learning disabilities and she expresses constantly how overwhelmed she feels with the type of work she is given. I have tried to contact the school twice already to set up a meeting for this school year to discuss the plans and attempting her to enroll, even had her speech therapist say she would vouch that she absolutely needs assistance, but nobody will return my requests. If you have a child who is in need of a 501 or IEP, I do NOT recommend this school. (By the way, for those who are just researching, this school was renamed to Laurel Lane Elementary). I moved here for this school and now regret I did so as I watch my child struggle through another school year causing her to have breakdowns.
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2016

My child has done excellent since starting this school. She completed 1st-3rd grades and is now in the 4th. She went from being misunderstood to a social butterfly. The teachers are very caring, and LOVE it when the parents are involved. I show up for lunch and visit the classroom often with no problems. My child came from Fairfax County where they tried to label her, and now she's allowed to showcase her strengths. This has been one of the best schools for my child. And the diversity has been much better here than in Fairfax. It's not just with the teachers, WJCC bus drivers also care. My daughter's first bus driver didn't recognize my loaner car (when my car was in the shop) and wouldn't let my daughter get off of the bus! Amazing! Considering FFX County lost her by letting an aftercare pick her up who wasn't authorized to pick up ANY children from the school. I am definitely going to miss this school when we move. However, I feel she will adjust well and is prepared for her next adventure.
Submitted by student on April 20, 2016

We have had a very difficult time adjusting to this school. I moved my son to a new classroom a few months into the year and it just got worse. Staff is not interested in the needs of your child. I am pulling all four of my children for homeschool next year. It was that bad!
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2015

We love Rawls Byrd. Faculty care and the administration know each child and what each child needs. Could not be happier. Thank you to everyone at Rawls Byrd.
Submitted by other on May 11, 2015

It was grate fun when I was there in elementary school. My parents are so happy that I got a grate education at that public school when I was there in half of 3, half of 4th, and half of 5 so wish there were more schools like that around. Hope everyone there still has a blast. Form a former student Now in high school.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2014

I love the unique pod design of the school and for elementary children it stops the school seeming so overwhelming. The teachers are amazing and the running club is an awesome option, my son loves it. The atmosphere is wonderful and my son has already settled in despite moving in 3rd grade, highly recommended.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2014

We transitioned to RBES from a private school, and have been pleased with public school in WJCC thus far.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2014

Rawls Byrd is an incredibly warm and inviting learning environment with excellent teachers who are committed to excellence.
Submitted by parent on December 31, 2013

My school is Rawls Byrd Elementary School. I can't say enough about the principal and how professional and caring she is. She goes out of her way to get to know parents and students and always makes herself available for concerns. She is a wonderful leader of the school and this carries through to the entire teaching team and staff.
Submitted by teacher on December 28, 2013

My school is a wonderful place for children to learn from pre-school through 5th grades! We have full-time specialists on the faculty including a movement specialist, music specialist, art specialist, and media specialist. In addition we have a band/orchestra teacher, a counselor, and nurse, and a teacher of the gifted and talented. Our students are well cared for and happily being educated to become the citizens of the future!
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2013

RBES is a phenomenal place. The administration is very supportive and the teachers are outstanding. My daughter is in 2nd grade and all of her teachers so far have been caring, driven, and hold my daughter to high standards in academics and behavior. The students are well behaved and I never hear of or see any big behavior issues when I'm visiting Rawls Byrd. There is always lots of great student work hanging in the halls. They have a lot of events throughout the year and they always seem to be well-attended. I can't recommend Rawls Byrd highly enough!
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2012

My sons both go to Rawls Byrd. The administrators at this school are amazing. The teachers are INCREDIBLY dedicated to their students and the curriculum goes above and beyond that offered at other area Elementary Schools. I am so happy they are there. We are military and have been in SEVERAL schools in several states and this is by far one of my top two favorites! The only thing really lacking is parent involvement. I was once a teacher (for 5 years) and I understand how hard this staff works, and how wonderfully they advocate for their students. Good schools can be born out of excellent staff alone. Great schools are born only through parent involvement COUPLED with excellent staff. I think many of the parents of these students take the staff for granted.
Submitted by teacher on July 25, 2011

I love teaching at Rawls Byrd Elementary! I recently moved here from another state and was thrilled with the high quality of teachers in this school. The principal and assistant principal are very strong leaders who are always accessible to students, parents and teachers. It is fun to teach in an environment filled with inspiring educators and children who are excited to learn!