I know some truly excellent teachers who work there, at least 2 with 10+ years of experience. Because its Title 1, they have very small class sizes (less than 20 in second grade classrooms) and beautiful facilities. Agree with PP that there are a lot of ESOL students and not a lot of economic diversity.

It was on the news recently for overcrowding, and the parent group (not sure if it was the PTA or just a group of concerned parents) seemed to come off not to well--parents advocating that a high-rise apartment complex be redistricted to go to Glen Haven.

I'm sorry no one has replied to the OP. We have kids and live in the Arcola ES neighborhood. The advantages/disadvantages are as follows (depending on your point-of-view, these could be viewed as either advantages or disadvantages):

- lack of socioeconomic and racial diversity (the school is predominantly Hispanic and FARMS, with a high percentage of ESOL students)
- Title I school (this can be a pro or con, depending on how you look at it - it means more money for special programs, including free half-day summer school for all students, regardless of income, and better ratios of teacher:student)
- young staff (check out the school's website, and you'll note that the majority of the teachers are recent graduates)
- nice facilities
- affordable, quality after school program (we have had a good experience with Montgomery Child Care Association, which is on-site)

There are a few young professional families who have moved to Wheaton and have enrolled their kids in the school, but my impression is that it's rather hit-or-miss. Also, like many MCPS schools, there has been some overcrowding issues - they just installed some new, modular classrooms.

Any information on their aftercare program is appreicated as well

Hi,

Wondering if anyone who has a child in Arcola Elementary and what their thoughts are. Thanks!