Barnette Magnet School

Posted: March 7, 2022

I love this school because it has so many great teachers and they all teach great. Each student who goes there will have a great education and learn new thing every single day.

Posted: March 7, 2022

Posted: March 7, 2022

Posted: March 7, 2022

Posted: March 7, 2022

Posted: March 7, 2022

Posted: March 7, 2022

Posted: March 7, 2022

Posted: February 20, 2019

Great teachers! It's only because of them that I am keeping my children there. The teachers care about their students and their academic success. They see the best in every kid.

Posted: February 20, 2019

The school has character counts, which I feel like it's a watered down version to creating character in students. The principal never made parents aware as to how students are selected and recognized when they do something of "character". My experience is that a child only learns how to impress the teachers and staff to be "recognized" versus truly learning what character is.

Posted: February 20, 2019

Poor communication with parents on what is taking place within the building. I used to feel 100% comfortable going into the school, now I feel like I'm not welcome. The school being run like a military school and every student is to "conform" to the rules the administration has. The current principle comes across as caring and interested in the concerns of parents, but once the parent interacts with the principal, it's revealed that he wants things HIS way and is not open to parent feedback - only if it is HIS idea. I feel like if students don't fit the definition on what a student should be they are considered a "bad" kid and the student is targeted.

Posted: February 20, 2019

while I agree that he school is highly sensitive to complaints, I feel like the administration is quick to target kids and label them bad. Instead of creating learning moments for students to truly learn from their mistakes, and in turn growing in their character, they are punished and quickly written up and given suspension. There is no way for students who are accused of being a bully to have a voice and tell their side of the story.

Posted: February 20, 2019

I truly enjoyed this school overall, until the current administration took over. In talking to other parents, this school was not created to be the current model, but a place to foster creativity. I'm very disappointed in how things have turned out. The only aspect of this school that makes it worth my childrens time are the wonderful teachers who put in their hard work to ensure they grow smart, compassionate children.

Posted: February 20, 2019

The teachers allow students to submit late homework and classwork. This is not adequately preparing them for high school.

Posted: January 31, 2019

Posted: January 31, 2019

The principal is very hands on and visits the classrooms.

Posted: January 31, 2019

My granddaughters are ahead of their grade levels and their teachers give work accordingly.

Posted: January 31, 2019

My younger granddaughter had a problem with a bully and it was effectively and quickly taken care of.

Posted: January 31, 2019

I love this school and hope to find another school in the lower 48 that is comparable!

Posted: January 31, 2019

They don't overload the younger kids in first and second grades.

Posted: January 31, 2019

Open communication with parents and posting updates online.

Posted: August 23, 2018

The new administration over the school is completing undoing everything that made Barnette unique and magnetic. The administration wants to take credit for achievements earned by the students and will not allow the students to have any input into their learning environment.

Posted: August 23, 2018

Posted: August 23, 2018

Under Ms. Elsa, this school was phenomenal at helping students understand compassion and celebrating differences. With Ms. Elsa gone, that role is completely unoccupied and bullying is worsening.

Posted: August 23, 2018

For the first few years, I was Barnette's biggest cheerleader. Because of the changes that have occurred under the last two administrators, I have pulled my child from the school in favor of a neighborhood school. I wish that Barnette could live up to its history and its reputation. I see nothing more than a neighborhood school in its future that is not magnetic, not creative, not unique or special in any way. I'm saddened for Barnette's future.

Posted: August 23, 2018

Posted: August 23, 2018

The teachers at Barnette are no longer allowed to be as creative, effective, caring or concerned as they want to be. Under the new administration, the emphasis on ensuring that each student is best learning in the environment perfect for him/her is completely lost. Standardization and socialism is the new norm. Individuality is admonished. The teachers USED TO BE fantastic. They are no longer allowed to be that.

Posted: August 23, 2018

Barnette used to encourage character. Now, "character counts" is about showing character, not truly having it.

Posted: March 16, 2014

We love this school! The teachers, class sizes, and K-8 set up, and exploration set up that allows kids to choose to learn in multi age groups designed around their chosen interests ignites a love for learning and for collaboration. We felt so lucky to have gotten "in" with the lottery - and for us, the worst thing about moving away from Fairbanks, was leaving this wonderful school.