Birdneck Elementary School

Posted: April 22, 2026

This school is good untill you get higher up in grade level

Posted: April 22, 2026

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Posted: March 20, 2026

As a former employee, I would not recommend sending your student here if you can help it. The school is not student centered at all. The staff does not have empathy for students or family or other teachers for that matter. This school does not seem to focus on student development. Its primary focus seems to be getting teachers and administrators promoted while making the day easiest for the adults. The communication is terrible. Sometimes the cause of the poor communication is lack of empathy, other times the lack of communication is due to flat out ignorance and pride. As a teacher, they attempted to ruin my career. I received evaluations with limited evidence to the findings. This building is extremely unprofessional, and no one is looking to improve it. They cover up broken policies and unsafe conditions. There are many unsafe conditions presented in that building. If your child must go here; my advice would be to check after the administration and teacher often, they will try to get away with a lot. Secondly, make sure you know how to contact your school board.

Posted: March 20, 2026

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Posted: June 12, 2025

I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the conduct and professionalism of the staff at Birdneck Elementary School in Virginia Beach. Based on my experience, this has been the most troubling school environment I’ve encountered, particularly in the context of how they handle family dynamics and parental rights.

It is highly inappropriate for school staff to involve themselves in custody matters—especially when one parent is employed by the school, giving them undue influence. This has led to the other parent being effectively shut out from building any relationship with teachers or administrators.

There have also been alarming breaches of protocol, including allowing unauthorized individuals to pick up children without proper parental consent, simply because it was not the scheduled week for the other custodial parent. Such actions not only violate trust but raise serious safety concerns.

Additionally, I am extremely concerned about allegations that teachers have allowed students to stay in their private homes while a parent was out of town, without notifying or involving the other legal guardian. This behavior is unacceptable and lacks the transparency and professionalism expected in any educational environment.

Efforts to obtain information or clarification are often met with resistance, delays, or being placed on hold for excessive periods, apparently to avoid addressing legitimate concerns. The sign-out logs are not made accessible, and communication from staff is evasive and dismissive.

The teachers I’ve interacted with have not shown the empathy or engagement that parents should reasonably expect when entrusting their children to a school’s care.

I urge the appropriate school authorities, including the Virginia Beach City Public Schools administration, to investigate these matters seriously and implement necessary changes to ensure all families are treated with fairness, transparency,

Posted: June 12, 2025

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Posted: August 19, 2020

I would rate my experience at this school a strong 2. This was the worse school my daughter had been too. Being a military child this was her 5th school. The few teachers I had met were unorganized and didn't communicate. I dealt with rude staff ( art teacher ). It was ridiculous. I had never contemplated homeschooling before till my child went to this school. I'm glad I pulled her. Would not recommend this school.

Posted: August 19, 2020

Same thing was constantly sent home every day.

Posted: August 19, 2020

The past two teachers my daughter had never communicated effectively. ESPECIALLY when things switched to virtual learning. Barely heard from her teacher. I actually had to reach out and ask what was going on when things first started. Then we were told to use all these apps and portals that I had NEVER heard of till this all happened. Wasn't instructed how to even get to them. Nothing. Awful.

Posted: August 19, 2020

Kids at this school are MEAN. My daughter came home a lot telling me about the other things kids would say. Nothing ever got done about it either.

Posted: August 19, 2020

I've had multiple conversations with the principal. One involved bullying and because "he knew" the family because their kids had been going there, the kid that said mean things to my daughter was exempt basically. Basically nothing got done except for the kids parents being notified. Took WEEKS for this kid to get removed from my daughter and that's only because she came home one day and told me he got moved to a different class because he was bad. Hmm....

Posted: August 19, 2020

Posted: August 19, 2020

See the other statement on leadership above .

Posted: November 15, 2016

always give me the run around to getting anything done!

Posted: November 15, 2016

not challenging enough for my child to further their leaning!

Posted: November 15, 2016

My child has been bullied, I have contacted the school and always get the run around just for my child to get bullied again and the school to do nothing about it! I have contacted the teacher and the principle with no avail to my problem, I would take your child elsewhere if you are worried about your child's safety!

Posted: May 25, 2016

Posted: May 25, 2016

Posted: May 25, 2016

The school staff victimizes children who are bullied for attempting to do something about it.

Posted: May 25, 2016

School has a SEVWRE issue with bullying including physical altercations. My child has been tormented at this school since we moved here. The principal and staff have done nothing to fix the issue. So far my son has been kicked slapped spit on had his back pack taken and all his belongings scattered everywhere and most recently elbowed in the throat. And after everything he's put up with the school is saying he is the one in trouble because he defended himsekf. Though there are witnesses that his story is the truth and not his bully's story.

Posted: March 6, 2016

My son has been at Birdneck since Kindergarten. He is now in Fourth grade. My son has had learning difficulties and is high functioning autistic. I have to say this school has excellent teachers, and good services for those with learning disabilities. We did have some problems with bullying which I addressed on several occasions, and it was taken care of. They have many field trips, and a good after school program that is affordable through Parks and Rec. Do not let the lower rating fool you. I believe school ratings often come down to how the children score on testing, the teachers are top notch over all.

Posted: March 6, 2016

Posted: March 6, 2016

Posted: March 6, 2016

Yes. This school has a large range of students from all different backgrounds. It is multicultural and the teachers are great.

Posted: April 7, 2015

I always had good experiences with the staff, but I will say that the kids that attend are more mean spirited than other schools. We had bullying issues daily. But I don't see that being the fault of the school. The district for this school is primarily low income and unfortunately with low income neighborhoods come low income scum that do not know how to properly raise children.

Posted: December 2, 2013

Teachers and staff are all excellent, my daughter has learned so much at this school and the parent/teacher communication is great.

Posted: October 24, 2013

My child started kindergarten this year and absolutely loves the school and her teacher. The administration is awesome, always friendly and willing to help the students /parents in whatever they may need. I have never walked into the school and not been greeted warmly. The parent teacher communication is great, and I love how informed they keep the parents. So happy we decided to come to Birdneck elementary. The whole school makes learning fun, and encourages each student to thrive. Very happy parent!

Posted: August 9, 2013

was the best school Ive ever taken, the teachers are very nice,in 5th grade, there was many field trips.

Posted: July 9, 2013

Our 2 children have been lucky to be a part of the Birdneck family for 4 years and now we have to move on, just like all the other military families. It has been a tough road for our children and the staff of Birdneck have been amazing. They are professional and supportive. The families of Birdneck come from many different backgrounds and children are continually enrolling and moving away. The staff is very welcoming and makes transition easy. The number 4 rating doesn't truly capture Birdneck's greatness. We came from an area in the U.S. that has top rated schools and that is our basis for comparison.

Posted: April 21, 2013

This is a good school. My son loved his teacher, Mrs. Scott. The staff is very polite and filled with school pride. I love that when we lived in base housing across the street, every court had their own bus. So my kindergartner was on the bus for a short time. There were no other stops! Very reassuring to a worrying mother!!!

Posted: September 30, 2012

Never Again. The VP of this school is rude uncaring and just awful.. A "SNAKE" When I called to speak to her on the phone, she is always in a meeting or at lunch and never calls back. she has no heart and very sneaky. She placed my child in the wrong grade and advanced classes at that after I told her that my child is behind. Then the day I took him out of school and placed in a private one she called his other school asking questions and saying he cannot read or write. So please watch the VP and when you deal with her.. she is not kind and cares only for herself and school budget. watch out for this witch.

Posted: January 10, 2012

Other schools had written our son off as a "problem child". Noone took the time to investigate beyond the behaviors that didn't fit "in the box". This school took the time! Our son is finally thriving and is being seen for the special boy he is!! We are so greatful to this school. We love it!!

Posted: September 14, 2011

Don't judge a school by test scores alone! This is a school with a diverse socioeconomic demographic- many military and lower income households BUT the school does so much to help ALL of it's students maximize their potential. It's got a differentiated curriculum from gifted to remediation, extra funding and resources due to "Title I" designation, small class sizes..... exposure to kids and families from diverse backgrounds. We are very pleased with Birdneck and are glad we chose to stay with our "neighborhood school". From the office staff to the on site After-Care staff and all teachers in between we appreciate their genuine, caring efforts.

Posted: December 10, 2010

LOVE this school!!! We are a military family and move around A LOT. It is always a little scary where your children will attend school and what type of environment they will be in. Since going to Birdneck elementary our children have expressed nothing but happiness. As with every school they have attended they are still straight A students and thriving here. We are parents who do check out the schools prior to moving ANYWHERE and we do recommend this one. Before enrolling your child at any school I would suggest going in, talking to the principle and staff as well as the teachers your child/children will have and see if it s a good fit.

Posted: November 16, 2010

This is THE WORST place a child can EVER GO!I am all for safety and learning and unfort. you wont get either from here. The past 2 months we have 2 diff bullying issues where NOTHING has been done. I guess its promoted! The VP and Principal (HA) BIG JOKE scared of the students and parents of color, and is a serious waste of Tax $.His grades have gone down and HE HATES going there because he is treated unfairly, and bad. Its a shame that living in the neighborhood that we do paying 500,000 for a home and my son HAS to attend this school. RE-ZONING is deft needed. I wouldnt reccom. this school for a goldfish. VERY DISGUSTED with it and EVERYTHING about it. If you are any kind of parent and love your kids DO NOT send them here. Will be contacting the BOE and Super. of VA Beach Today!!! ZERO STARS is not a choice but it should be!