Charles Sumner Math & Science Community Acad Elementary School

Honestly, I’m really worried about the environment at Sumner for my kids. The chronic absenteeism rate is over 50%, which is terrifying because it means the school is basically in a constant state of illness or just total disengagement. It feels like there’s no real system in place to keep the building clean or manage when kids are getting sick, and with the neighborhood challenges, you'd think the wellness support would be stronger. Instead, it feels like the school's health culture is non-existent. My child says the bathrooms aren't always stocked and the ventilation in the older parts of the building is pretty rough. If your kid has asthma or needs a really proactive health environment, this isn't the spot. It’s hard to focus on 'Math and Science' when the basic wellness of the student body feels like it's failing.

Honestly, Sumner is decent when it comes to keeping the classrooms clean, and you can tell the janitorial staff really tries, especially during flu season. The communication about bugs or viruses going around is alright, but sometimes I feel like I hear about a kid being sick from another parent before I get an official email from the office. Their sick policy is pretty standard—kids have to be fever-free for 24 hours—which is good, though it can be a hassle for working parents. I do wish they emphasized physical activity and outdoor time a bit more instead of just being so focused on the math and science curriculum, but overall they handles things okay.