Research Buckman Elementary School public Schools in West Linn, Oregon

“My daughter is entering the 1st grade at Buckman and so far we have been thrilled with our experience. She has been supported and encouraged in ways that we thought were no longer existent in public schools. We loved the art focus, and were literally amazed at the academic growth she accomplished in a single year. As a child of mixed ethnicity, she was not at all under-represented. There is a diverse community at Buckman, however these differences are not emphasized. At Buckman we are all truly a family.”

“It is a great school with lots of potential. In terms of diversity, racial discrimination, acceptance, and integration of students it has a long way to go. It is my child's neighborhood school, but for my African- American child it falls short.”

“Our older daughter is a kindergartner at Buckman, and we love the school, the curriculum, the faculty, the SUN classes, the vibe, everything! Our neighborhood school is one of the best in Oregon, but we lotteried into Buckman because we wanted our children (we have two younger kids) to have the arts-enriched learning environment. Our daughter is so fired up about learning because of the arts aspect of the curriculum. And the diversity of the student body enriches our experience as well. We love Buckman!”

“I have been at Buckman for 9 years. The teachers and staff have always been very supportive of me as a parent. My children have thrived in a very carring community. The intergrated arts gives our children the opportunty to express themselves in many ways. My son is in boys dance. Through dance he has created a self confidence that has shown up in all areas of his life. Buckman is a community of carring adults and children. This furthers the childs education in such wonderful ways. Sincerely, Pamela”

“Buckman is far more than just a school. It's a supportive, welcoming family; it's a place where kids and parents can express themselves and make a real difference. And it's where Portland's future leaders are learning to think creatively, challenge themselves, make mistakes, and become stronger as a result. Arts are integrated into virtually every academic lesson, which helps the kids to learn in a deeper, more meaningful way. Plus, they take dance, visual arts, drama, and music classes several times a week. What's more, the arts teachers and the classroom teachers work together, so that the subject matter being taught in the classroom relates to the work being done in the arts specialists' classes, and this reinforces both the academics and the arts. The school is also wonderfully accepting of different learning and parenting styles, and ethnic and cultural diversity of all kinds. Buckman is really a wonderful treasure.”

“Buckman is a safe, fun environment that embraces all types of kids. It is a place where they can learn feeling safe and empowered by their abilities. The families are equally as welcoming. It is really a wonderful school, with art and music and drama and dance. The kids are busy and happy. The staff is experienced in arts integrated education. The combination of arts focus and core subject education is powerful. They do an amazing job all year long. Check it out!”

“I have almost only good things to say about this wonderful school. I have had one child go through K-5 and one attending right now. Great leadership and visions by the pricipal and staff. Knowledgable, loving, caring thoughful are some of the words that come to mind when I think of the teachers. The ARTS teachers are amazing! This is where my older child discovered how much she loves drama and she has continued to do it. We had issues with math not being taught very well. Every other week they would move on and if the kids had not gotten what they had just done too bad. There were about 10-15 kids in our class at one point that was behind, which the teacher realized very late in the school year. Parent involvement in this school is very strong. There are so many parents around all throughout the day. Buckman Rocks!”

“Buckman is a remarkable treasure of a elementary school. Even in an era of educational cutbacks, Buckman stands out as an superb example of what a community can do when it rallies around a school with a tradition of caring about its kids, how they learn and who they become in the world. Buckman is wonderfully intimate and caring. Teachers are exceptionally experienced, creative and imaginative with their coursework. Students learn history, math, social studies, writing and reading in elaborate packages that always include art, performance, field trips, community involvement and tremendous support from parents.”

“I found the positive connections and friendships made between students was unlike any other school I've come in contact with. There is a real sense of community found at this school. Where the school lacks is in math and writing especially. There are expectations that students have already learned the basics when this is not the case at all. The 'new math' has completely replaced the old and students are not getting proper education in these subjects. We have attended five years and have mixed review about teacher quality. There has been two teachers out of five that have been good. The rest haven't been and have really negatively impacted my daughter and dampened her desire to learn and be motived. This school in each grade allows student teachers to practice without a license as part of their learning on the students even without supervision.”

“Great arts teachers are at the heart of this school, with exceptionally strong parent involvement another great asset.”

“My daughter attended Buckman from Kinder to 5th. This school supports and seems to prioritize the arts, which is how my daughter realized her true love and compassion. She continues to dedicate her 'spare time' to acting and modeling. Thank you Joanne & Marta (who now teaches elsewhere, now)for your support and belief in Emmelia.”

“Buckman is a wonderful school. Much diversity in terms of SES. Strong parent community. Great mix of local neighborhood kids and those drawn to school by arts magnet program. Arts classes are excellent but school also has very strong focus on basic academics.”