Barcroft Elementary in Arlington -- any info, good or bad?

[Anonymous]

We're house shopping from a distance, and I can't seem to get anecdotal info on the school that my children would attend. Thanks for any insight you can provide.

[Anonymous]

I have heard that it is a good school.

[Anonymous]

It has a a modified school calendar the children go to school year round with shorter summer vacation. It was featured on CNN in the past and also has a very strong foreign language and creative arts component to its teaching. On February 9th at 9:15am there is orientation to the school for new parents considering enrolling their child there so go if you can and see what you think. Good Luck with you house shopping.

[Anonymous]

We live in another neighborhood close by to Barcroft and while I don't know anyone personally who attends, I do have some friends-of-friends and know of people who have sent kids to the school, as well as a friend who lives in the district and will send their kids there when they are old enough.

I think the main distinguishing feature is the year-round school calendar. You'll definitely want to make sure that you're on board with that as it's the only elementary school in Arlington that operates on that schedule. If you don't think it'll work for you, you may want to consider another neighborhood altogether.

As far as the school is concerned, I think it is much like the other Arlington elementary schools (at least the ones in the middle of the county) in the sense that there is a good mix of kids ethnically and economically. Like other schools, I think the staff is highly regarded and well trained, I think parent involvement is high and overall you would be pleased with the quality of the school.

Some other neighborhoods you might consider (if you're looking in S. Arlington) are Alcova Heights, Arlington Forest (southside), Arlington Heights, and Glencarlyn.