Benjamin E Mays Elementary Academy

Honestly, keeping my kid healthy at Mays feels like a full-time job. The chronic absenteeism here is super high—well over 20%—and you can really tell when you walk through the halls. It feels like someone is always out sick, and I don't think the school has the resources to really sanitize things the way they should. There's been a lot of talk in the parent groups about maintenance issues and the general upkeep of the building being behind, which doesn't help with the germs at all. With the school being in Englewood and dealing with so many budget shifts, it feels like wellness and mental health support just aren't the priority they need to be. I wish they'd focus more on the actual environment instead of just shuffling administrative categories around.

Honestly, the preschool team at Mays is really on top of things. When there was a stomach bug going around last month, they sent home a clear note right away and I noticed they were being extra thorough with wiping down the cubbies and toys. It’s an older building in Englewood, so you expect some wear and tear, but it always smells clean when I walk my son in. They're pretty strict about the 24-hour fever-free rule, which can be a hassle for working parents, but it definitely helps keep the classrooms from becoming a total germ fest.