Can you recommend your Arlington Co elementary school?

[Anonymous]

I may be moving to Arlington in the spring and would like some recs for elementary schools. I am a single parent so I need one w/ a reliable after-school program. I am also looking for smaller class sizes, diverse student body and involved parents as well as a more relaxed approach to kindergarten (more time for child centered vs. teacher directed activities). Any recs would be welcome!

[Anonymous]

Ashlawn Elementary just off of Wilson Blvd in Ballston area - is wonderful! Great teachers, wonderful principal and assistant principal and active, diverse student/parents. The extended day program is awesome - my son loves it! The Ext Day staff are wonderful! This area of N Arlington will also be cheaper than other areas in Taylor/Jamestown, etc areas. But you will find most people in Arlington love their schools. We are very lucky! Lots of good neighborhoods and great schools. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

We love Claremont Immersion School. It's in S. Arlington but bus service is provided for out of boundry students. It's diverse, the principal is wonderful, the teachers are very dedicated, and it has a great after-school program. We're in N. Arlington and could have had DC attend one of the "better" N. Arlington public schools but we love Claremont.

[Anonymous]

I am the OP. Thanks for the info. I've read some good things about Campbell ES. Anyone have a child who goes there? I will probably be looking into S. Arlington b/c I can't afford more than about $1400/month in rent for a 2 bedroom place.

[Anonymous]

Campbell is a relatively new elementary school - I don't know anyone who has a child there. The kids in our neighborhood go to Barrett and DD will go there also - we've heard nothing but good things about it.

[Anonymous]

I second the Ashlawn recommendation. Its small, a great mix of kids, experienced and caring teachers, and a nice group of families. All the kids now take Spanish. Our daughter went from 1st through 5th grade and we have been very happy with it.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I have looked at the Arlington Co. school website and it seems to say that after-care is guaranteed to parents who work. Is this correct? I was told by some friends that there are often waiting lists for after-care in Fairfax County schools. As a single parent, I am going to have to rely on getting my child into an afterschool program. Also, what do parents do w/ their kids in the summer? I won't be making the big bucks so a nanny or au pair is out of the question. Thanks for the advice and recs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I have looked at the Arlington Co. school website and it seems to say that after-care is guaranteed to parents who work. Is this correct? I was told by some friends that there are often waiting lists for after-care in Fairfax County schools. As a single parent, I am going to have to rely on getting my child into an afterschool program. Also, what do parents do w/ their kids in the summer? I won't be making the big bucks so a nanny or au pair is out of the question. Thanks for the advice and recs.

Yes - if you get the application for after-care in by their deadline in the summer, you are guaranteed a space. DS loves it - he usually doesn't want to leave at the end of the day.

At the summer, consider summer camps - some are $$ but others are more reasonab le and they all seem to have some form of after-care. Arlington County runs very reasonably priced summer camps; we have a friend who sent her son and she was quite pleased with the camps.

[Anonymous]

After care is never a problem in Arl Co. I do know that every other county has waitlists so we working parents should consider ourselves lucky!

[Anonymous]

actually, after care can be a problem if you don't get signed up early enough. I teach in Arlington and our school is overcrowded this year. We've got kids on the waiting list to get into Extended Day. Just be sure you sign up EARLY.

Oh, and Campbell is a wonderful school. It's not actually new--it just changed names. Its program has been around for a long time. It used to be called Glen Carlyn.

[Anonymous]

Ms. Jackson runs the aftercare at Long Branch and she is AWESOME!!!

(The school is good, too.)

You need to move to your new home by the extended day registration cut off date - either June or July - check on line and don't miss it. Otherwise you get waitlisted.

[Anonymous]

Check out summer school too - it's around $60.00 for 3 weeks and isn't just for remedial learning. Many kids go that do really well in school and they usually like it. They can ride the bus too.

[Anonymous]

If it is not too late, come see Campbell on Saturday!


Campbell Elementary School is a free, public elementary school (preK-grade 5) in Arlington County, Virginia. Campbell Elementary offers an innovative approach to teaching and learning, using Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound and the Responsive Classroom to provide the framework for a stimulating and challenging academic curriculum.

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, February 21, 2009 10:00am – 12:00pm
Campbell Elementary School
737 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, VA 703-228-6770
www.apsva.us/campbell
Children always welcome!!!

We are a vibrant learning community that embraces the exuberant energy of children, the unique way each child reaches critical developmental milestones and their natural curiosity to explore the world around them with hands-on meaningful experiences.

Campbell Elementary offers an innovative approach to teaching and learning, using Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound and the Responsive Classroom to provide the framework for a stimulating and challenging academic curriculum. We are a vibrant learning community that embraces the exuberant energy of children, the unique way each child reaches critical developmental milestones and their natural curiosity to explore the world around them with hands-on meaningful experiences.
Why Consider Campbell for your child?
- Small school with a nurturing environment and a family atmosphere
- Project-based learning integrates instruction across disciplines and challenges all students to produce high quality work
- Dedicated, experienced teachers
- Commitment to diversity in an inclusive and supportive environment
- Outdoor Classroom and Gardens tied to student learning
- Arts, Music, Physical Education and Recess highly valued
- 8:00 am start time and extensive Extended Day program, during teacher work days and throughout the year
- A five-week Summer Institute
Consider Campbell as the choice for your child. It’s easy! Just apply by April 15. All families in Arlington are eligible to apply. Children in south Arlington have first priority and can receive transportation services. Visit http://www.apsva.us/ and click “Registration” for more information about school options.