I've had three children attend Northampton and each had a wonderful experience with committed, caring teachers. The surrounding community is safe, supportive, and classically neighborly. As Northampton is one of the older schools in the district, the facilities have been undergoing gradual renovations the past few years, which provide a welcomed upgrade.
The previous administration was less than beloved but just a couple of years ago the school gained a new principal who's doing a great job. It strikes me that most of the negative reviews on here are posted by folks needing a place to process some painful and disappointing experiences. But those reviews are certainly not representative of the parents I know at the school. In fact, many parents who themselves grew up in Northampton and attended the school have moved back in adulthood simply because they find it such a fantastic environment to raise kids.
The school is more racially diverse than some of the surrounding schools, which as a mixed-race family we think is fantastic. We also have a child with learning differences and he receives exemplary care and accommodation. We love the area, love the Northampton neighborhood, and are very thankful for the school.