MacArthur, Maury, and Mt Vernon in Alexandria City

[Anonymous]

Can you comment on these elementary schools? I have seen the test scores for each of these schools but am more interested in general opinions about the experience of being there as a parent, as well as how your kids feel. Also, I have seen some old posts on these here but I am looking for more current/recent input. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Academically, MacArthur is considered to be a very good school in Alexandria. Personally, I think it is because the shuttle off any "difficult" kids--behavior issues, special needs, learning disabilities, to other schools. Little diversity. Principal seems like a bit of a diva and there are lots of "Queen Bee" moms. Maury has struggled in the past, but the parents are very committed and work very hard to keep the school moving forward. Didn't make AYP last year. Mt. Vernon is very diverse, is a year-round school and has a Spanish immersion program. Many Del Ray parents absolutely love the place, so if you love Del Ray... Pretty segregated this year I hear, and the new principal hasn't met expectations.

If I could pick any ACPS Elementary School, I would go with Charles Barrett. Excellent, hands on, forward-thinking principal, smaller, inclusive school (MacArthur and Mt. Vernon are very big), very involved parents.

[Anonymous]

Mt. Vernon is year round, so a number of families have opted out for other schools like Maury, George Mason (or where ever there is room). You did not mention George Mason, but that is another school that is up there in numbers,, but is a great family community. If you are looking around, I agree with the other poster that suggested Charles Barrett - I have a number of friends there that are very happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Academically, MacArthur is considered to be a very good school in Alexandria. Personally, I think it is because the shuttle off any "difficult" kids--behavior issues, special needs, learning disabilities, to other schools. Little diversity. Principal seems like a bit of a diva and there are lots of "Queen Bee" moms. Maury has struggled in the past, but the parents are very committed and work very hard to keep the school moving forward. Didn't make AYP last year. Mt. Vernon is very diverse, is a year-round school and has a Spanish immersion program. Many Del Ray parents absolutely love the place, so if you love Del Ray... Pretty segregated this year I hear, and the new principal hasn't met expectations.

If I could pick any ACPS Elementary School, I would go with Charles Barrett. Excellent, hands on, forward-thinking principal, smaller, inclusive school (MacArthur and Mt. Vernon are very big), very involved parents.

OP here. Thanks for your feedback. This is interesting--I had not heard this. I know MacArthur draws from lots of different neighborhoods in the city, so I just assumed it would be a diverse student body. And how do they shuttle off "difficult kids"? Without revealing too much can you comment on how you know so much about the school?

I have also heard good things about Barrett. One thing--I think b/c of overcrowding they might be introducing trailers to accommodate the student population. A friend who lives in that neighborhood shared that with me recently. Do you know anything about that? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I don't believe MacArthur has accepted administrative transfers for the past couple of years so it is my understanding that most of the children attending are zoned for the school. A number of schools in Alexandria are installing trailers to cater to the increasing numbers incoming, Barrett may well be one of them. I think good teachers and an engaged school staff are much more important than a fancy building so I wouldn't condemn a school for having trailers.

[Anonymous]

My son goes to MacArthur and it is very good. They are at full-capacity, however. Breakdown is 50% white, 25% black, 25% latino.

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking about buying a home in del ray, but concerned about Paying 650k for a house and having to wonder if MV is a school I want my child to attend in 2 years. When I look at who lives in del ray, I wonder why this school isn't excellent. Does anyone know of good alternatives in private or charter? It's very overwhelming trying to figure out this important piece of the puzzle before selecting a home.

[Anonymous]

Don't forget that part of Del Ray is districted for Jefferson Houston.

[Anonymous]

Also, I believe that some of the schools are at full capacity, and the district plans to shut down enrollment and shift new students to other schools, even if you are in-boundary. Check the ACPS web site for details.

[Anonymous]

When I look at who lives in del ray, I wonder why this school isn't excellent.

I think a number of the students do not speak English as their first language, as the school also draws from an area that is largely Hispanic. For that reason, some of them may have difficulty passing standardized tests. I don't necessarily think that means that the school isn't good. You should definitely visit it and see what you think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Academically, MacArthur is considered to be a very good school in Alexandria. Personally, I think it is because the shuttle off any "difficult" kids--behavior issues, special needs, learning disabilities, to other schools.

How do they do this? Which schools receive the "difficult" kids?

[Anonymous]

You should check out Mason too. Of the four, it would be my pick. We are zoned for JH, though, so I don't know if I will get to pick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Academically, MacArthur is considered to be a very good school in Alexandria. Personally, I think it is because the shuttle off any "difficult" kids--behavior issues, special needs, learning disabilities, to other schools.

How do they do this? Which schools receive the "difficult" kids?

In the case of my daughter, the boy from the projects who had already flunked twice and schooled my child in how adults get arrested for selling crack ended up being transfered to Maury.