***Disclaimer: I am a homeschooling mom. Before this past year, I homeschooled all of my three…read moreboys. I am skeptical about public schools and have many issues about them. (I love and respect teachers!) When my youngest son said he wanted to go to school, I had misgivings. However, I decided to let him go. Honestly, I figured he would stay for a few weeks and then he would hate it. The school year is just about finished and he not only stayed for the whole year but he plans to go back for 5th grade. Named after the first African-American superintendent from Suffolk, Mack Benn Junior Elementary School opened back in 1998. Sadly, Mack Benn Junior drowned during a boat accident. Here are some pros and cons about the school: * The classrooms are small and too many students are crammed. The teachers do their best; speaking about teachers, my son's teacher is Mrs. Maskelony and she rocks! I was so pleased that my son had an awesome teacher for his first time. I also like the principal, David LeFevre. This was his first time at Mack Benn and I think he has been great. He is warm, caring, and attentive. * I am impressed about the gifted program called Quest. Compared to another school and gifted program for my middle son, Quest is much better. The students got to talk to an astronaut virtually and a video conference with Barbara Bush. * I didn't want to talk about the administrators (office staff) because I know it can be a hard job. However, many parents say some of the staff is rude and even my son said the same. When I asked him what he didn't like about the school, he said some administrators aren't very nice. I would rather have my son at home but I have been more impressed than I thought I would. My son has been happy there and that is what matters. I think Mack Benn Jr. is one of the best elementary schools in Suffolk but keep in mind that all of Suffolk schools are subpar.

I don't know how many reviews I can write to say how impressed I am with this school and all they…read moredo for their kids. The teachers and staff go beyond just classroom education to make sure that kids are learning after school by giving up their own off time. PROS: - Teachers are amazing and do their best to educate each child and meet them where they are. - Administrators and office staff get the short end of the stick having to deal with a myriad of personalities and still be expected to smile all the time but they somehow manage to do it. - Community engagement to help parents and students get extra help where needed. CONS: - These poor educators oftentimes have to drag parents in and coerce them into helping their kids with reading and math. The amount of coaxing that is done so that the kids can do well on tests is sad but the school does a good job of trying to entice both students and parents to study after school with their engagement nights. (not sure if this is really a con because it just shows the dedication and lengths these educators will go to for student success)

The grounds at this school are beautiful they have done an amazing job incorporating the school…read moreinto the natural area surrounding it They have an outdoor classroom and several bridges connecting the areas They have quite a few playgrounds for the kids including an obstacle course The art patio has a beautiful statue and a few art installations The school itself has high recommendations and I know several students that have graduated from here it is one of the top schools in the area and has all grades on the same campus

This is one of the best schools in Hampton Roads. They have superb academics and sports. The…read moreteachers are all great with the children and they are very active with the community.

This is a 39K a year day care center. Avoid. Grew too fast to maintain quality. Ignores input…read morefrom parents on what is effective for their child. Bought by some corporation a few years back and it shows. Founder/director has filled the employee roster with her relatives and that is usually poison. Will call a parent a "bitch" when the mood strikes them. Says one thing and does another. Would give ZERO stars if I could. Dumped our kid on the street without IEP process. Failed to address behavioral issues despite guidance from effective home therapists. If you want your child to live the next 70 years in an institution, apply here.

I makes me so sad to see the last review. I know that each person's journey through Autism is…read moredifferent and am thankful that our experience at River's Bend (and Step by Step) was a positive one. My son (now age 11) is PDD, spent 5 years there (ages 5-10), and enjoyed every minute of it. He had the equivalent of an IEP as well as an ABA plan. He was treated with respect and given opportunities he was not given in the public school system. Parents are invited into the classroom and encouraged to be involved in the PTA. Best usage of the ECHO program I have seen to date. RBA is not perfect.............but the people there care and will do whatever they can to help each and every one of our kids :)