Root Elementary School

We moved to our neighborhood specifically for this school. Best decision we made. Our child has thrived and been very happy here. The principal is approachable, caring, and involved with the well being of every student. The PTO activity has enabled the school to maintain quality programs and events for every child. Yes, the school is older which also means it is small but it is one of the best in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

We were relocated to Fayetteville last Fall after the school year had already started. My first grader was stressed, as was I-the school was welcoming and helpful and professional and made our transition easy. From the front office to the principal-to his classroom teacher-each person seemed to go above and beyond. We rented in the neighborhood because I saw the school (some say old) and thought THIS IS A GREAT SCHOOL-lots of windows-lots of art work-room to run and play-just as an elementary should be. I love that they have PE, art and music each week. End of the year my sons test scores were great, he has made good friends and our family has done the same. I could not ask for a better experience and we are looking forward to second grade and buying a home-only in this school district.
—Submitted by a parent

Overrated. Very uneven teaching--some excellent teachers, some truly terrible. The principal is very sensitive to community politics. The parent/teacher organization is powerful and very active. Classroom overcrowding is typical for the district, but this school is bursting at the seams even with a mobile classroom or two (very clean, tho). If you want your children to attend this school, buy a house close by. Even then, your child might get bumped out.
—Submitted by a parent

I have children in first and third grade at Root Elementary and our experience at this school has been fantastic. The school principal is very approachable, and a true champion of ALL students at Root. The parents are very involved, although sometimes it seems a smaller number of parents ending up doing LOTS of hard work ... so I'm sure additional involvement would be welcome. The building could certainly use a makeover, but the quality of the teachers inside is what makes the difference. The most special thing about Root to me has been the friendliness and kindness of the families that attend this school. I have spoken with parents at other elementary schools in the area, and even they agree that Root is one of the friendliest places to be. This is a great school that you will be proud to be a part of.
—Submitted by a parent

Run from this school! It is outdated and in poor condition. The new principal is very difficult.
—Submitted by a parent

Root is a happy school, and also serious about learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Root is the best school in fayetteville,AR because of how they teach. Their test scores are wonderful every year and their principal is awesome. Though they do have a overcrowded problem because its such a great school!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Even if you live in the Root district your child may not be attending Root School. They have a serious overcrowding problem. It is not unusual for parents to learn a day or two before or even after the start of school that there is no room for their child who is now considered 'overflow' and placed on a waiting list. Overflow children are transferred to another school, yet can be 'called back' to Root at any time, even months into the school year. Last year, we had one child left in Root and drove the other to a different school. This year, both must be bussed to a school across town. It is a bad situation made worse by a subjective policy and lack of administrative directive.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent committees work on virtually every aspect of the school. There is a parent's advisory council that serves as a liason to the teachers and staff. Parent volunteers are there every day doing things for teachers so that teachers can focus on teaching kids. Parents organize the kids' parties, help with extracurricular activities, and have representatives helping design the new gym. It's hard to imagine parents getting more involved in the school on a day-to-day basis.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent neighborhood school. Outstanding PTO provides innovative arts programs for students. We purposefully chose to live in the Root district because of its small size and the high standards set by the principal balanced with her love of the students. We were never disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 4th grade and has been attending Root Elementary for one year. She absolutely loves this school. Root has a lot of caring teachers and lots of parent involvement. I was amazed by all the parents that volunteer at this school. Root offers a lot of extra curricular activities for the kids. They put the fun back in learning. Keep up the great job! Karen Randall
—Submitted by Karen Randall, a parent

We had problems with this school. In my opinion the third grade teacher my son had did not care or take an interest in her students. The Principal was no help at all. This school, in my opinion, lacks academic structure. The parents are not as involved with the school, except with their watch dog Dad program. I was so disappointed with this school, I pulled my child out to home-school him until we moved from this area.
—Submitted by Marie McKee, a parent