Feedback on Campbell Elementary (Arlington, VA)

[rhanson]

We are looking at several elementary schools in Arlington including Campbell, which is an Outward Bound Expeditionary Learning school. Do any of you have experiences that you can share regarding this school? I understand that it is very unique and soft, with an emphasis on the outdoors, fieldwork, "learning expeditions" - sort of a polar opposite to Arlington Traditional, which is somewhat formal and strict. I'd love to hear any first hand experiences at Campbell - good and bad - as we sort through our options in Arlington County.

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

I would cross post this on the MONA list serv.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would cross post this on the MONA list serv.

Thanks - I would, but I'm not a member there and am not eligible to attend as I live in South Arlington.

[Anonymous]

I've known two families at Campbell and they were both very happy with the school. I think they have a new principal who really embraces the mission of the school. The AP was great when my friends' kids were there.

[Anonymous]

This is where we are hoping to send our son as we live very close to the school and I've heard good things about the school but don't have any direct experience. Would love to hear current or former parent opinions as well.

[Anonymous]

Don't have a child there but know two neighbors who use the school and are very happy with it.

[Anonymous]

We are considering it too. My only concern is that I hear that it tends to have a lot of kids with special needs because its such a supportive environment. I'm wondering how accurate this is??

[Anonymous]

My kids attend Campbell and I have mixed feelings about it. The Principal is very involved and has even taken the time out after hours to call me directly regarding certain issues we can collaborate on with my oldest child. However, my son has had a really hard time with other children in this school..bullying etc. He went to a different school last year and there was no problem getting along with the other kids, but there has been more than one occasion this year he has been picked on and gotten in trouble for sticking up for himself. I finally had him write down which children were picking on him and what they were saying/doing, brought the letter to his teacher and the children were confronted and confessed. I guess it has just left a sour taste in my mouth that he was not believed in the first place.

As far as special needs students, that should not be an issue when choosing a school for your child. It actually teaches your kids to be more accepting of others around them that are different and embrace their differences, be more compassionate, etc. I can't even believe that was mentioned as a concern.

[Anonymous]

PP, I'm sorry to hear your son has been having a hard time. Is this prevalent across the whole school? Or is it that one grade year has a few troublesome kids?

It sounds like you have another child at Campbell, how has the other experience been?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I think it might just be certain kids...I'm sure every school has them, we just got lucky with the last school..my younger son in pre-k has not had any trouble at Campbell. The class sizes seem smaller than most, which is great. I like the way they teach the children through discovery and not just workbooks, it really opens up their imagination and makes them curious about the world around them. My first grader is working on the past, present, and future...overall I think it gives them a broader range of education and allows them to grow more as a person.

[Anonymous]

I posted about the large percentage of special needs kids in the school. Not sure why the PP was shocked about that being a concern. It IS a concern if many of my child's peers might be on the Autism-spectrum etc... it makes for a very different school experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I posted about the large percentage of special needs kids in the school. Not sure why the PP was shocked about that being a concern. It IS a concern if many of my child's peers might be on the Autism-spectrum etc... it makes for a very different school experience.

NP here, in what ways specifically please?

[Anonymous]

We have a child at Campbell in pre-K.

I think the principal is fabulous, not perfect as none are but very responsive and generous with her time. Very welcoming of concerns but still able to direct the school effectively, make decisions, and lead student achievement.

http://www.arlington.k12.va.us/15401082104136983/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=67643

As in any school, there is variation in teacher quality or at least the level that the teachers embrace the professed philosophy of the school.

Also at times, I have found the overall environment not as welcoming and warm as it might be, but from what I have heard, it may still be more welcoming than other schools?

[Anonymous]

When did the school start with the Outward bond type curriculum integration? How many years has it been in place?

[Anonymous]

Bump -- we're looking at Campbell Elementary for fall 2013 and I was hoping folks might be willing to offer their insights about the school given that the prior comments are now about two years old. Thanks!