Arundel Elementary School

Just as any other public school, this school has some very good teachers and some very bad ones under tenure who cannot be fired. Even though percentage of good teachers is pretty high, this school does have issues especially about how they assign teachers for each child. Teachers decide next grade's teacher assignment for each child. Just as in any other public school, parents are very afraid to offend their kids' current teacher because of that. Looking at the class assignments, it seems that this school especially is VERY biased to parents who are personally friends with teachers or administrators or to parents who are very involved in PTA or fund raising efforts. They can navigate the system well and get good teachers. Other kids who are not so fortunate to have well-connected parents will be left to mercy of luck. Well-behaved kids who have good grades that don't have connected parents got concentrated into a very bad teacher's class this year. This school is probably better than other California public schools, but it needs improvements and most people are afraid to raise any issues.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our last year at Arundel. We have been pleased beyond expectations at this school. Teachers are skilled, pleasant and dynamic. We are extremely happy with our new principal, Mr. Paulson, who is kind, understanding and an excellent leader. I am always amazed by the amount of parent involvement and support in the classroom, and by the (much needed) financial support most give.
--Submitted by a parent

Our oldest child has completed K-2nd, entering 3rd, and we have an entering kindergartner this fall as well. In our experience, Arundel is a fantastic school, with caring, supportive teachers and staff members, a great curriculum, dedicated and highly involved parents and a solid citywide educational foundation and school PTA groups to supplement state shortfalls and increase enrichment -- not to mention great families! We couldn't be more thrilled with Arundel.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has completed K-3rd at Arundel, entering 4th grade. This is a wonderful school, caring and supportive teachers and staff. The teachers we have had thus far truly value the individuality of the student and support their growth. The state budget crisis has been very tough for our already underfunded school district, but fortunately our community consistently rises to mitigate severe budget cuts through parcel taxes and donations to our education foundation. Aside from the budget problems, I can't imagine a better public elementary school.
--Submitted by a parent

We are a new family that transferred in mid-year and Arundel could not have been more wonderful about making sure that we had all the information we needed and that our child was comfortable transitioning in to the new class. Teachers here seem to take a genuine joy in the kids, the children seem smitten with their new principal and every parent seems to have active involvement. We are blown away.
--Submitted by a parent

If you have a child that speaks English and on a fast track to Stanford, you are in the right school. If your child is not developing as fast as the school dictates, the staff will be "very" involved in solving the problem (as long as you can take time off from work to come to a mid-afternoon meeting).
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, this is a good school if your student is the over-achiever common to the Bay Area. Children who are struggling or who have learning challenges may find a less supportive environment and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

The Arundel Community is amazing! The parents and children are like a big family.
--Submitted by a parent

A very supportive and involved parent community. Nice people. Caring teachers!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Cohesive community of parents and educators. Dedicated teachers, staff, and principal!
--Submitted by a parent