Florence Bowser Elementary School

Posted: October 11, 2025

My daughter has ADHD and was diagnosed with Autism. When I informed them she was going to be tested for autism, they told me to let them know and they would adjust their IEP. They lied. I informed them and they did nothing. No re-evaluation. They knew of her limitations and did nothing to help her succeed. They reduced her hours not because it was best for her but it was best for them. She is now in middle school and cannot handle being in multiple classes. I had mentioned my concerns to them about her learning and her being in several classes. They just brushed my concerns under the rug and completely ignored them. Luckily, the special education case worker and other teachers at the middle school recognize and have validated my concerns. They too feel she shouldn't be in multiple classes as it is too much simulation for her. We are working a re-evaluation due to her autistic diagnosis. This never should have happened if the teachers at Florence Bowser did their job. They made me feel that I had no say in my daughter's education and they were in charge. The middle school has let me know I am in charge and they will do whatever I feel is the best for my daughter. If you have a child who has an IEP, make sure you do your research so you know your rights. Invite an advocate. Otherwise the teachers and administration will take advantage of you and will ruin your child's success in education. They did with mine. I am sorry that the middle school is having to fix their negligence. At least I know they care. The teachers and administrators at Florence Bowser do not care. They set my daughter up to fail and that is unacceptable.

Posted: October 11, 2025

Posted: October 11, 2025

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Posted: November 23, 2024

This is the 3rd year I volunteered at Florence Bowser and love the staff and positive atmosphere! I’ve helped in the classrooms, cafeteria, recess, etc. and I was amazed to see how organized and well managed the school is. My children love it here. The kids are fun and loving. The teachers and staff are so helpful. I like that the principal doesn’t just sit in the office. Dr. Taylor and the other administrators are always out and about helping students and staff! So far a good experience.

Posted: November 23, 2024

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Posted: November 14, 2024

My granddaughter attends Florence Bowser Elementary, and she seems to enjoy it. I came to the school for grandparents’ day to have lunch with her and was very shocked by the lack of guidance and structure in the cafeteria. While eating with my granddaughter I noticed there was only one person in the cafeteria for her lunch period, to monitor what seemed to be over 5 large classes of students. I asked the person who was in the cafeteria, were they the only person that stayed during lunch, and they stated it was supposed to be someone else but more than often they have been alone. With the nature of today’s time, I cannot believe this is something an elementary school would even allow; it just seems foreign and is unsafe on so many levels. I was an elementary school teacher for 25 years and within those years we were mandated to eat lunch in the cafeteria with our students. What I saw while I was waiting and eating lunch was troubling. There was no order and I watched teachers walk in and out of the cafeteria as if the mayhem was their norm. As a grandparent I do not take this lightly and when I asked to speak to the principal that day, I was told she was unavailable but I could leave a note along with my contact, and she would get back to me about me concern. Unfortunately I never heard anything back.

Posted: November 14, 2024

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Posted: August 12, 2024

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Posted: August 12, 2024

We were a little nervous about starting here, but we are thrilled with our experiences now! FBES has a lot of family engagement events which I really appreciate. Dr. Taylor is an amazing principal. We are going on year four here, and are looking forward to the next school year!

Posted: February 6, 2024

Posted: February 6, 2024

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Posted: February 6, 2024

Posted: February 6, 2024

Our child loves it here. It is their 1st yr here.

Posted: July 18, 2023

Posted: July 18, 2023

Posted: July 18, 2023

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Posted: July 18, 2023

Posted: July 18, 2023

Posted: July 18, 2023

Posted: July 18, 2023

I have two students currently attending FBES and we’ve had a great experience. Both of my children’s teachers took time to get to know my children and differentiated instruction to support their academic needs. My children felt well loved and grew tremendously this year. The administrators were all visible at school events and very friendly. I’m looking forward to more great years at FBES!

Posted: July 12, 2023

Posted: July 12, 2023

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Posted: July 12, 2023

Have 2 kids in this school so far. One in Early start pre-k and another in kindergarten. They love it and the teaching staff or so friendly. Safe environment, very diverse and open minded! Which is what this country needs!

Posted: June 15, 2023

Posted: June 15, 2023

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Posted: June 15, 2023

Posted: June 15, 2023

Posted: June 15, 2023

Posted: June 15, 2023

Previous ratings had scared us when my child started at this school. They have been at FBE for two years now, and we have had an amazing experience. The school tries very hard to get families involved, providing seasonal events, an award ceremony every nine weeks where parents are INVITED to come! They also started a "watch dog" program to involve students male influences to volunteer DAILY at the school. What a great way to get parents involved! We have been very happy with FBE, even more so now that the new principle is here, Dr. Taylor. We are glad we gave FBE a chance.

Posted: May 18, 2023

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Posted: May 18, 2023

Posted: May 18, 2023

Excellent school! Family atmosphere, great teachers and administrators, and very welcoming to families.

Posted: May 3, 2023

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Posted: May 3, 2023

Posted: May 3, 2023

best school for kids and it is a great place to learn.

Posted: November 6, 2021

Posted: November 6, 2021

Posted: November 6, 2021

Posted: November 6, 2021

Posted: November 6, 2021

Posted: November 6, 2021

Posted: November 6, 2021

Posted: November 6, 2021

Beautiful school in a beautiful area that consistently prepares students well and scores above state and national averages.

Posted: January 9, 2014

This was my son's very first school. He had the BEST Teachers ever...Jenny L. Kelly F & Robbin. The rest of the staff is pretty phenomenal too! I would recommend anyone sending their children here if you want the best teachers, staff and overall feeling. They ALL go above and beyond all expectations. WE REALLY MISS THEM ALL!!

Posted: November 6, 2011

FBES was a gem in the Suffolk School system. Unfortunately, the Superintendent and School Board have elected to increase class sizes to above the Virginia Board of Education and Virginia legislature standards. Now good teachers and aides are unable to provide the attention and direction needed for an excellent education. At times they are reduced to providing crowd control. The students, PreK through 1st grade, are overcrowded, denied needed individual attention. Children who need extra help are being missed and students who could excell are not challenged to do so. Communication with parents has also suffered, making it difficult to continue educating the students at home. This is not a reflection on the teachers, but on the conditions provided by adminstration moves.

Posted: October 9, 2011

Due to the reshifting of teachers within the Suffolk Public Schools, the class sizes are at and above maximum capacity this year. Unfortunately the kids will be the ones to suffer for the lack of School Board planning and lack of City Council Funding education. I have lost all confidence in the Suffolk Public School System and will be sending my children elsewhere.