Arnold Drive Elementary School

I am a parent of three at Arnold Drive. I do not agree with the negative remarks made about the school. I have volunteered frequently over the last several years, so I am there often. My children have had 7 of the teachers and we adore them! I don't care if a teacher wears jeans or even flip-flops--what matters is that they are planning instruction and teaching my children...and they ARE! The teachers are not going out to PE where they would need sneakers, and the uniform is a district policy for elem. students to cut down on problems. Teachers have to set appointments due to the district policies this year- I don't have a problem with that either. I don't show up at the doctor or lawyer's office and expect to see someone without an appt. Teachers work late, take work home, and still try to manage time for their own families. I applaud their efforts and think some of you need to walk a day or two in the shoes of teachers/staff anywhere before you complain. And I don't really think the ones complaining are in the handful of parents that are at all the school events volunteering. You seem to be looking for mistakes and problems...but not helping find solutions.
—Submitted by a parent

I totally disagree with the TWO negative comments below. Arnold Drive is an AMAZING SCHOOL with incredible new teachers and returning staff. Like the person said, under all the negativity, the school is a breath of fresh air for students and families who deal with so much change in their lives. I have absolute faith and trust in the staff at ADE who actually teach the state curriculum and are held at a high standard just like any teacher should be. Those teachers are who helped your child improve in the skills you mentioned. Teachers can't wear stilettos and dress suits all the time. Raising voices, isn't ok. I do agree with that. However, I haven't heard any abusive language used by teachers there. If you want to criticize their professionalism, step in their shoes first. I am there often and I am appalled at the way some parents represent the military as well as being a parent to a student you are supposed to be a role model to.. Always be an advocate to your child, but like I said, before you criticize, really think about it. I couldn't be more proud of ADE staff and admins with how they portray their loving dedication and professionalism towards their students.
—Submitted by a parent

The comment regarding the professionalism of the staff at Arnold drive elementary is right on. The staff members are a walking contradiction...do as I say, not as I do. If the students are to act/dress a certain way then the staff better do it themselves. My child has benefited from the curriculum and is improving with math, science. But I shouldn't have to"lie" to my child when staff members don't follow the rules or dress code but my child does.
—Submitted by a parent

There's been a steady decline of professionalism @ Arnold Drive Elementary (ADE). Staff members consistently wear jeans,t-shirts, sweat-shirts, sneakers & flip-flops. ADE staff raise their voices @ students & speak using pompous tones daily. ADE staff gather in hallways & openly criticize other parents & students. ADE administration discourages teachers from an "open door policy". ADE mandates that parents make an appointment w/ teachers for ALL discussions. An ADE staff member is posted in hallway w/ the duty of keeping parents away from teachers & classrooms. PCS to LRAFB: This is NOT a military friendly staff. ADE staff has little experience w/ military lifestyle. Staff seemed confused when I updated our "emergency contact" info. Being the ONLY other adult in a child's life (because 1 parent's deployed & no family near-by) is a notion that's COMPLETELY lost w/ ADE staff. We expected MUCH more. Our current teacher is great. And there are other great teachers there. But the staff - generally speaking - is A HOT MESS!!! ADE is a small school - DONT expect a "sense of community". District zoning states that my neighbor ISNT authorized to attend ADE. Yes, we both live on-base.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the grandparent of an Arnold Dr. Elementary student. As a parent and retired educator I am well aware of the importance of home-school communication. A school calendar is the very LEAST that a school can provide as communication of important dates and events to parents and the community. Many parents today turn quickly to the Internet for the utmost current and accurate school information. I have attempted to get important calendar information from the Arnold Dr. website on many occasions only to find a totally blank calendar! Most school districts REQUIRE their individual schools to maintain a current calendar online for easy access.

Excellent atmosphere and impressive staff. My child attended from Kindergarten through Fifth grade. High expectations from teachers, poor substitutes was a consistant concern but the staff more than made up for the limitations of fill-in instructors. Blue Ribbon school for test preparation but with home studies incorporated into our family structure the concepts tought in school to pass the test were solidified.
—Submitted by a parent

ADES has been named one of the best Elementary schools in the COUNTRY. Both my kids came up through ADES starting in 1998-2007 with no problems. I am on campus every week and I know that the teachers are awesome. I think the complainers were isolated incidents and are looking for a sounding board, The staff at ADES are Unsung heros!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been happy with this school. the teachers really care as well as the rest of the staff. it will be hard to move on to middle school. i love the fact that the school is on the base, very safe. If you are coming to LRAFB i recommend that you try to get a house on this side of base. my son walks to school everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely, one of the BEST schools in the state! Great teachers, principal, and PTO. We will truly miss them all as we move on next year. I highly recommend this school to anyone coming to LRAFB.
—Submitted by a parent

Arnold Drive has great students, parents and teachers who really care about each other. Test scores show that we are ranked number 4 in the state. We are a small school but big in spirit.

Parental support, community environment, parents, kids and staff are all wonderful at Arnold Drive Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

My kid attended this school last year and we really liked it. The teachers and office staff were very caring and they wanted what was best for the kids. My kids came in durning the middle of the school year and the teachers tired very hard to make them feel welcome and to catch them up with the class. I have looked at other schools in Jacksonville and this is by far the best.
—Submitted by a parent

I run a military child's organization for the base and the school districts in cabot. I cannot tell you how wonderful ADES is. They have worked with me to help the organization for the military children grow, they have worked with me to help start the first Month of the Military Child Fair on LRAFB, they have been actively involved with all the children's activites and ADES was rated the TOP (let me repeat) the TOP school in the district for Reading and Math and received several awards this past year. The school does not turn down special needs children on purpose, they DISTRICT does not equip the school with the appropriate training or facilities for special needs, Pulaski County is horrible, but this school works VERY hard to help the children and the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended this school from k-3 grade. What a great experience. All of his teachers supported his learning and encouraged him to always to his best. My child has a lot of positive experiences from his time here at Arnold Drive. The only reason my child does not attend now, is we moved out of state.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are relocating to LRAFB. Plan to budget for a private school. Unless you need a Military Academy for your little ones. This school is an Arkansas State Test Prepartory School, ONLY. The school-to-parent communication is very poor. The school lacks positive nurturing of students. If you must live on base don't be fooled put you child in a private school .
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to this school for her pre-k year. And it was possibly one of the worst years of both of our lives. The teachers didn't know how to interact with the children or the parents, the principal and school councilor were unfeeling and not helpful at all. The PTO was unorganized and they didn't keep us updated on what was going on, and the meetings were short and pointless.The class was unorganized, the kids were out of control. It was a mess. We changed schools and were much happier now.
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the best schools in the district and is known as a school that is high achieving. Just taking a look at the Benchmark Exams proves that!!! School is for learning and my son did that. He attended this school for his 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade years. He is in 6th grade this year and was well prepared. I'm proud to say that he made all A's on his report card the first nine weeks. Thanks to all of the teachers in laying a foundation for my sons educational endeavors!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

So far I am really a bit disappointed in this school, esp being on a military base. The academics seem good and the teachers are friendly, but there are so many restrictions placed on the children: strict uniforms, no playing cops-n-robbers using fingers as guns, they must be quiet all the time (even at lunch), and very little playtime. Children can't be children! I agree that education is important, but so is being a child and they will grow up soon enough! Not only that, but these kids have military parents who deploy and they need to be themselves to cope! Never in all the schools I have attended when I was a military child did I deal with this, and I turned out to be a very successful network magazine editor, I guess being myself in the schools was not so bad. Why start now?
—Submitted by a parent

This is a very good school with teachers who care and do their very best for each of the children. The Principal is very involved in both the life of the community and with the District, and she is well respected by both the teachers and the District employees. Students receive fair grades and are not just promoted because they showed up. Good school, high standards.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending this school and I am more than satisfied with the education they are receiving. Both of my kids are thriving there. I have found the Principal to be very approachable and involved in the success of each student. Here is some advice I offer to all parents of school-aged children...become involved in your child's school! Take the time to get to know the teacher, take an interest in your child's day-to-day schedule...it takes both the parents and the teachers to ensure success.
—Submitted by a parent