Anonymous wrote:The problem is that OP asked for "the best elementary," as if there is consensus on what that would be. How many of us have extensive experience with schools in Arlington other than the ones our children have attended, or have a solid basis for comparison? Even if someone has extensive personal knowledge of several schools, her assessment of those schools is still one person's personal opinion.

I have friends with kids at Taylor, ATS, McKinley, Tuckahoe, Nottingham, ASFS, Glebe, Ashlawn, Jamestown, and now Discovery. Probably others I've forgotten. Most of them are happy, even thrilled with their schools.

Anonymous wrote:I thought Tuckahoe and McKinley have the best scores. Are they teach to the test? How would a sensitive kid do?

Anonymous wrote:Maybe Patrick Henry should be added to the list? I've always heard good things about the school.

Patrick Henry Elementary School Named 2015 Blue Ribbon School
Henry One of Only Seven Public Schools in Virginia to Receive This Honor

http://www.apsva.us/Page/31938

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that OP asked for "the best elementary," as if there is consensus on what that would be. How many of us have extensive experience with schools in Arlington other than the ones our children have attended, or have a solid basis for comparison? Even if someone has extensive personal knowledge of several schools, her assessment of those schools is still one person's personal opinion.

I have friends with kids at Taylor, ATS, McKinley, Tuckahoe, Nottingham, ASFS, Glebe, Ashlawn, Jamestown, and now Discovery. Probably others I've forgotten. Most of them are happy, even thrilled with their schools.

I live in a neighborhood that is split among three elementary schools: Key, ASF and Taylor. I know families, many, at all three. From former preschool, my friends from my gym, co-workers and sports team friends--we know many families at every school on the list. We often talk about different policies, environment, homework, administration, etc. You get a pretty good feel for how different some of these schools are. Age is another consideration--the longer people are at a school the cracks are often wider...what was so wonderful at the K level isn't so much as the kids move through the years. I was happy with many of the teachers at the school and felt my goods were learning and mastering a large amount of material---but as the years have gone by the social aspect and administration at the school is horrid. It's awful that kids don't like their school---even if they like their friends and some of the teachers. It's run like a high-security prison. Hands behind back, don't talk at lunch or I'll blow my whistle at you, no tag--nothing boisterous at recess, teach to the test questions...REALLY HOW MANY YEARS DO WE HAVE TO LEARN ABOUT GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER?!?!?!! He's an SOL question and my kids have had two long segments in different years about him. My kid ask why they think he's more important than our First President.

Ok, well what school is this where the administration is horrid and kids are so restricted?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that OP asked for "the best elementary," as if there is consensus on what that would be. How many of us have extensive experience with schools in Arlington other than the ones our children have attended, or have a solid basis for comparison? Even if someone has extensive personal knowledge of several schools, her assessment of those schools is still one person's personal opinion.

I have friends with kids at Taylor, ATS, McKinley, Tuckahoe, Nottingham, ASFS, Glebe, Ashlawn, Jamestown, and now Discovery. Probably others I've forgotten. Most of them are happy, even thrilled with their schools.

I live in a neighborhood that is split among three elementary schools: Key, ASF and Taylor. I know families, many, at all three. From former preschool, my friends from my gym, co-workers and sports team friends--we know many families at every school on the list. We often talk about different policies, environment, homework, administration, etc. You get a pretty good feel for how different some of these schools are. Age is another consideration--the longer people are at a school the cracks are often wider...what was so wonderful at the K level isn't so much as the kids move through the years. I was happy with many of the teachers at the school and felt my goods were learning and mastering a large amount of material---but as the years have gone by the social aspect and administration at the school is horrid. It's awful that kids don't like their school---even if they like their friends and some of the teachers. It's run like a high-security prison. Hands behind back, don't talk at lunch or I'll blow my whistle at you, no tag--nothing boisterous at recess, teach to the test questions...REALLY HOW MANY YEARS DO WE HAVE TO LEARN ABOUT GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER?!?!?!! He's an SOL question and my kids have had two long segments in different years about him. My kid ask why they think he's more important than our First President.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that OP asked for "the best elementary," as if there is consensus on what that would be. How many of us have extensive experience with schools in Arlington other than the ones our children have attended, or have a solid basis for comparison? Even if someone has extensive personal knowledge of several schools, her assessment of those schools is still one person's personal opinion.

I have friends with kids at Taylor, ATS, McKinley, Tuckahoe, Nottingham, ASFS, Glebe, Ashlawn, Jamestown, and now Discovery. Probably others I've forgotten. Most of them are happy, even thrilled with their schools.

I live in a neighborhood that is split among three elementary schools: Key, ASF and Taylor. I know families, many, at all three. From former preschool, my friends from my gym, co-workers and sports team friends--we know many families at every school on the list. We often talk about different policies, environment, homework, administration, etc. You get a pretty good feel for how different some of these schools are. Age is another consideration--the longer people are at a school the cracks are often wider...what was so wonderful at the K level isn't so much as the kids move through the years. I was happy with many of the teachers at the school and felt my goods were learning and mastering a large amount of material---but as the years have gone by the social aspect and administration at the school is horrid. It's awful that kids don't like their school---even if they like their friends and some of the teachers. It's run like a high-security prison. Hands behind back, don't talk at lunch or I'll blow my whistle at you, no tag--nothing boisterous at recess, teach to the test questions...REALLY HOW MANY YEARS DO WE HAVE TO LEARN ABOUT GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER?!?!?!! He's an SOL question and my kids have had two long segments in different years about him. My kid ask why they think he's more important than our First President.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that OP asked for "the best elementary," as if there is consensus on what that would be. How many of us have extensive experience with schools in Arlington other than the ones our children have attended, or have a solid basis for comparison? Even if someone has extensive personal knowledge of several schools, her assessment of those schools is still one person's personal opinion.

I have friends with kids at Taylor, ATS, McKinley, Tuckahoe, Nottingham, ASFS, Glebe, Ashlawn, Jamestown, and now Discovery. Probably others I've forgotten. Most of them are happy, even thrilled with their schools.

I live in a neighborhood that is split among three elementary schools: Key, ASF and Taylor. I know families, many, at all three. From former preschool, my friends from my gym, co-workers and sports team friends--we know many families at every school on the list. We often talk about different policies, environment, homework, administration, etc. You get a pretty good feel for how different some of these schools are. Age is another consideration--the longer people are at a school the cracks are often wider...what was so wonderful at the K level isn't so much as the kids move through the years. I was happy with many of the teachers at the school and felt my goods were learning and mastering a large amount of material---but as the years have gone by the social aspect and administration at the school is horrid. It's awful that kids don't like their school---even if they like their friends and some of the teachers. It's run like a high-security prison. Hands behind back, don't talk at lunch or I'll blow my whistle at you, no tag--nothing boisterous at recess, teach to the test questions...REALLY HOW MANY YEARS DO WE HAVE TO LEARN ABOUT GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER?!?!?!! He's an SOL question and my kids have had two long segments in different years about him. My kid ask why they think he's more important than our First President.

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that OP asked for "the best elementary," as if there is consensus on what that would be. How many of us have extensive experience with schools in Arlington other than the ones our children have attended, or have a solid basis for comparison? Even if someone has extensive personal knowledge of several schools, her assessment of those schools is still one person's personal opinion.

I have friends with kids at Taylor, ATS, McKinley, Tuckahoe, Nottingham, ASFS, Glebe, Ashlawn, Jamestown, and now Discovery. Probably others I've forgotten. Most of them are happy, even thrilled with their schools.

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We also have two children at ASFS and agree with much of the above. Personally I'd pick one of the smaller, neighborhood schools with warm principals. McKinley, Ashlawn. They are truly THE BEST for elementary school.

1 at ASFS and agree. I'd toss a vote at the ones that generally keep quiet (Ashlawn, McKinley, Glebe). Any school with lots of DCUM boosters raises red flags.

I am hearing this more and more and am very concerned. I have a kid who is in Key/ASFS zone for K next year and I truly don't know what to do.

We were very happy at Key. Kiddo got a great education and the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and fostered creativity in learning. Excellent gifted program, great teachers overall.