Ketcham Elementary School

Posted: September 28, 2020

This Principal greets every child in the morning by name which makes the interaction personal

Posted: September 28, 2020

Posted: September 28, 2020

Posted: September 28, 2020

I have had three grandchildren graduate from pre-K thru grade 5. 5 more still attend and will graduate from this school all are academically above grade level

Posted: September 28, 2020

Incentives are given to the class. Different incentives or rewards are given for students who achieve above average goals

Posted: September 28, 2020

The teachers go above and beyond for their students and the families

Posted: September 28, 2020

Posted: October 3, 2018

My son only reported one instance of minor bullying involving being shoved, but he said the teacher dealt with it and whenever I would ask questions about it afterwards, he did not report any further bullying.

Posted: October 3, 2018

My son is in kindergarten and gets a few pages of homework a night (with a few problems on each page). The work is age appropriate and based on what they learn in class that day (the latter statement is regularly confirmed by my son). This is good because it is hard for younger children to offer detailed information on what they are working on from day to day. He does his work and the amount of homework seems just right.

Posted: October 3, 2018

My son has progressed steadily through pre K and leading into kindergarten. Parents are provided with anonymous data at the class level and most of the students are progressing steadily as well. My son gradually increasing the amount of letter names and letter sounds, as well as his numeracy, throughout his pre K years and that progress appears to be continuing in kindergarten. He now knows all of his letter names and sounds and can read some small words. He can also do simple addition of single digit numbers in his head.

Posted: October 3, 2018

Students hold the stairwell door for people behind them and are orderly when they walk down the halls. Students listen to teachers (with rare exceptions) and appear generally focused. My son is being taught about good citizenship in kindergarten and came home yesterday explaining how he was a good citizen, with specific examples like cleaning up after himself, etc.

Posted: October 3, 2018

The principal appears to be well respected and addresses problems that are pointed out to her very quickly.

Posted: October 3, 2018

I do not know much about this area, but the schoolwide test scores are higher than schools with a similar number of special needs students.

Posted: October 3, 2018

I think my son is learning a lot and has made great friends. The staff is very kind to him and the other children. Ketcham feels like a big family. We have just started getting more white and Latino students and they have been welcomed. I urge any family who is serious about education to send their child to Ketcham.

Posted: August 27, 2017

Posted: August 27, 2017

Posted: August 27, 2017

This school is a gem. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful school nearby. When we moved to the area three years ago we entered the lottery to find another school , as most "gentrifiers" would. We weren't successful getting into our choice schools and we only got into our neighborhood school. Coming from Capital Hill we weren't sure about Ketcham at the time because we made assumptions and had no knowledge to go on except for out of date test scores. But my husband and I met with the principal and were impressed. Classrooms are bright and organized. The teachers are hardworking and dedicated to every child reaching his or her potential. Now, two years later we want our child to stay at Ketcham because he is learning and ahead of his age group and grade. He's also made lots of friends, I see them smile, wave and hug him on the way out of school. They've always had an amazing school garden which they incorporate into lessons in the outdoor classroom. And bonus...they also just added Before care so I can finally be on time for work. Overall this is a great school don't hesitate to send your child here like I did at first.

Posted: July 26, 2017

My son was in PK-3 last year he gets a packet for the week. He gets to do is homework during aftercare and I've definitely seen improvement. At the parent teacher conferences his teacher shows me all of he school work and gives me activities to do at home with him.

Posted: July 26, 2017

I notice that the children at this school are very polite to adults they all scramble to hold doors and say please and thank you. I believe that respect for elders is a value that is promoted at this school

Posted: July 26, 2017

Ms. Riddlesperger (sp.) has been a very effective principal. She has been able to bring in partners and programs that enhance the school experience and community. The teachers and administration all seem to be on the same page and her leadership is likely the reason why.

Posted: July 26, 2017

My son's teachers have been able to get improvement out of all the children in the class. However I can't speak for the rest of the school

Posted: July 26, 2017

I don't know. I have witnessed bullying out of sight of school staff in the stairwell. However, when I reported it to the front office they seemed to take it very seriously. I have also witnessed my son get hit in aftercare. I report it and the child was put in timeout and it seems that it is always that same children that are behavior problems. During the school day there is likely more structured discipline in cases of hitting.

Posted: July 26, 2017

The school is great. The Principal is energetic and effective. It is well kept and has caring faculty and administration. My son's classroom, part of the renovated portion of the school, is bright and airy. His teachers are amazing and he as learning so much. For next year, I would like to see a stronger PTO and before care. And please don't judge the school by the immediate neighborhood which is sketchy. I encourage parents in the neighborhood to check out this diamond in the rough, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Posted: November 11, 2014

i am very impressed with all the new changes ketchum has made this year i am very excited to be apart of the ketchum family. i am looking forward to all the great thing they have to afford.

Posted: October 30, 2013

I am very happy that there is a new principal She is very open as well and the staff. I am excite to see what other program that can come to Ketcham so that the students can continue to learn.

Posted: September 10, 2012

This is my second year teaching at Ketcham and I love it! We have a wonderful leadership team and a staff that supports each other. Our new building looks amazing and is so bright and cozy! My students love reading in our library by the new windows and enjoy exploring their new classroom. Ketcham is a place that seeks to partner with parents to promote student growth!

Posted: September 10, 2012

The "new" Ketcham has had a great start to the school year! Teachers, parents, and students are all eager to get a fresh start. We have a new leadership initiative, a parent center with computers and meeting space for parents, and brand new classrooms thanks to a modernization this summer. All of our classrooms have SmartBoards, and students have access to laptops to support instruction. This is a great place for children to learn!!

Posted: September 10, 2012

The new school has brought forth a new and improved level of commitment from teachers, students and parents to ensure that students are developed appropriately academically and socially. All the classrooms have new technology and other materials that are helping the students learn while they are entertained. This is a great place for anyone to learn!

Posted: September 4, 2012

The New Building looks AMAZING!!! Overall Ketcham has made a complete turn around in their commitment to the kids and community. I love this school and I am happy to see that it is thriving and doing well. I have sent 3 of my children there my youngest is still there.

Posted: October 11, 2011

My child has received an amazing education at Ketcham. Not only were her academic needs met, but her social and emotional needs were addressed as well. I was pleased with the staff every time I interacted with them. They were professional and accommodating and went above and beyond to ensure that I was satisfied with the entire education process. I would not hesitate to refer Ketcham to friends and family.

Posted: October 5, 2011

This school has shown many improvements. The staff there really care about children and the new principal is working hard to turn it around. So far, so good.

Posted: June 18, 2008

Posted: June 23, 2007