J B Watkins Elementary School

JB Watkins is an excellent school. We moved here specifically so our kids could attend Watkins. While we were concerned about the overcrowding, I have to say that I am impressed with how the administration and teachers handle it. It never feels chaotic and the teachers do lots of "extras" despite the number of students and all of the pressures they face. The standards are high, the students do well on the SOLs, and yet that is not the only focus. In addition, the PTA is very active and there are lots of opportunities for parents to get involved. For those concerned about overcrowding, a new school is being built and should open in 2019.

My sister goes there and she is in 1st grade.

We moved here in 2006, paid too much for a house so my children could attend one of the best public schools in the area. It started out great with my daughter, who is now in middle school. However, JBW has become extremely overcrowded. My elementary school children hate school. Especially the Chinese class that is mandatory. My kids and other kids get so stressed out by this class they cry and don't want to attend school on Chinese day. Currently JBW is at 120% capacity and there is talk of building more homes and town homes in the immediate future. This is completely unacceptable. Our county should not approve anymore homes until a school is built to alleviate JBW and Betty Weaver. Where is all of our tax money going? Chesterfield has a lot of explaining to do.

If you have a child that has special needs, don't move to this area. The assistant principal, who is in charge of the special education program, is disrespectful to parents and not helpful at all. From the occupational therapist you will only hear the word "no". They violate parents and children's rights. We moved to another area in Chesterfield and my son is doing great in his new school. If you have a typical child, I guess this school is acceptable. The teachers are great and the PTA is very active.