Disston Elementary School 6801 Cottage Street, Philadelphia, PA 19135

"Kids in this school are bullied relentlessly, the staff is so careless, then when kids don't want to go to school because they know what's going to happen, I got truancy court on my ass, this school is trash, ghetto asses need to raise their kids better."

"Upon registering my daughter for 5th grade due to relocating, I was greeted with staff that was unfriendly and unwelcoming! It seemed as if the secretary was enthused that i was having a hard time proving my address (seeing as i had just moved less then a week ago). She seemed to be tickled by the fact that i had to miss a day of work in order to get the proper paper work from one of my new utility companies whit who i had just signed up for service with and had not been billed yet. Once i was able to produce the documents requested of me the secretary was still very nasty and non-engaging especial for me and my daughter to be new to the area. We did not receive a warm welcome almost like they were bothered by our presence. If i had options my child would not be attending a school like this. I witnessed a fight or 2 on the day i registered my daughter and the offices then said to us "welcome to Disston" #Really smh we can do better im so sick of people who get a little position and act like they are above you.I WISH MY DAUGHTER COULD ATTEND ANOTHER SCHOOL!!!!!!! I do not like the vibe i received when i registered my child i can foresee issues before they even arise. #people suck."

"Principal Hill and her staff of amazing teachers helped my son to flourish in the short time that he was with them. Tie Tuesday's was by far his most favorite to take part in and at 5 he learned to wear his tie with pride. I will forever remember the staff at Disston and they will hold a very special place in my heart for what they did for my son. Had he not gotten the Charter school opportunity he did, he would still be going there. Go Dragons!"

"They all working, staff volunteers, to make Disston like I started with my 3 step kids 14 years ago now they are in college, with love patience, and all cooperated, we can win a great football game. You get more talking in a nice and soft way, that with nasty attitude, or trying to intimidated some ones. They also parents and have fam. To they left behind to be with our kids. Just breath and relax. Let show other school the Disston it's the best. God bless our children's and fam."

"My family relocated to Philadelphia for my sons 4th grade year. During his 1st year of attendance I had little to no issues or complaints. During his 5th grade year is when the bullying started. For a school that claims it is strict with their "no bullying" policy I was in awe. My son was pushed down steps and later threatened by another student. When addressed with his teachers we were assured it would be handled and that they would stay on top of it. Needless to say his 5th grade year was a mess. The school staff failed to provide proper assistant and follow through to assure his safety. The lack of communication among the administrative staff, teachers, Dean & Principle is disgusting. No one had any idea what was going on and they failed to schedule a requested meeting with the parents and child who threatened my son to resolve the issue. My husband and I spent the entire school going back and forth to the office to no avail. We finally took matters into our own hands and approached the issue on our owns. We started to watch our son change before our eyes. Uncomfortable with the idea of returning to the following year we had choice but to return because of our address and district. We sat our son down and explained to him how he was expected to behave and carry himself on school grounds. Issues should be reported to the teachers immediately. He was told that if that didn't work to let us know and we would go back to the office. With fingers crossed and prayers we started 6th grade. Its only January and I'm searching for immediate transfer solutions. My son found a weapon in school and instead of investigating he is pinned with possession and suspended. Dealing with the ramifications of the suspension and attempting to get the school to properly investigate and follow up with my sons claim is like trying to win the lotto. Since his return from suspension we are still dealing with the bullying (the teachers are still doing nothing) and now we have teachers calling us and complaining about my son wearing a sweater in class in the middle of January that he has been wearing all year!!! Does this sound like harassment? Yes! It appears the 6th grade teachers pick and choose which policies to follow and the school admin office and staff just ride the wave unaware due to lack of communication. We have yet to have any follow up in regards to last years threats and bullying and this year is no better. Do I expect different? No. The principle is always "tied up" and no one ever calls back of reaches out to ensure the resolution. If I don't push I get nothing. Disston creates problems. They have taught my son "see something, say something" only gets you in trouble. To hear your child say "the teachers and office don't care" breaks my heart. We have punished him, lectured him and stood on defense of the school only to learn they are not doing their jobs and taught my son that he is the problem. I am disgusted and will be taking further action with the State Reps office, Board of Education and the news if I have to. Take my advice and start getting on some waiting list for charters school. Go somewhere else. They focus on immediate appearance and a band aid method at Disston."