Clara Barton Community School 4237 Colfax Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409

"Lmao the school gave me truama I now work trough in thearpy, it's not a place for anyone neurodivergent, staff was crazy. I feel actually astounded as a adult that many many people would leave their children with teachers that were unsafe. Don't send your child here if they have any learning disabilities or cognitive issues.. Please. It's not worth the damage it'll do to them."

"I have seen my child’s self confidence plummet at this school. I have expressed concerns that my daughter is autistic with the appropriate staff only to have it dismissed for months. Finally at the end of the school year they are acknowledging her neurological disability, but the year is over and there’s not time left to help, which feels convenient for them. My daughter needed help and was asked to not return to school for the final week due to her behavioral issues. A few months back the principal told us that if our daughter wasn’t happy with Barton we should find her a different school. This is discriminatory and extremely unprofessional. Many of the great teachers are quitting or have quit and too many of the staff are not modeling emotionally healthy or supportive behavior for the students. There’s a lot of denigrating, yelling and sending kids to the hallway as a way to manage the classroom. I have seen a kindergartner grabbed by the ankle and dragged into class by a staff member. I know from my time working there as support staff that this school is currently not in a good place. The principal is not experienced and takes a tough on kid’s approach. She lacks communication skills and seems to be most concerned with the budget and outward appearances. The good reputation of this school is from its past not present state. If I could give zero stars I would."

"The progressive education model used at Barton is fantastic. This concept means so many positive things for our kids and the school community - my favorite part of progressive education and responsive classroom model is the emphasis on the WHOLE child and the empowerment of student. Social responsibility, development of ethical citizens alongside high academic achievement standards are also what Barton means to our family. My daughter is immensely happy at Barton. Our teachers and Diane the principal and the entire administration do an amazing job truly being present for our students. This leads to a community of kiddos likewise truly showing up to learn and support one another."

"I have had three kids at Barton, and we love it. The teachers are awesome, and the open program really works. I love that it is a K-8 school, and the 7th and 8th graders get matched up with 1st and 2nd grade "little buddies." Great school culture."

"Great school overall good teachers. They do have a bullying problem that needs to be addressed. A gap in education about bullying. Kids need to learn about it. Very important. I want to be able to send my child to school he can feel safe at."