Van Arsdale Elementary School

I am not a big fan of this school. My kids have had some mediocre teachers and then been lucky to have some great teachers. I was happy to see a change with the principal but I'm very disappointed with the interim principal. You can walk right past the front office into the school mainly due to the fact the women in the office like to sit around and gossip all day. The PTSA is more geared towards stay at home moms with meetings during the day and the school website is fair to poor at best. Communication is very much lacking from this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The District needs to open their eyes regarding this school. There is no reason a school within this community with the students from the background mentioned in the earlier post, should be performing the way it is. This school is not a 9/10, should be a 7/10. The parents, language and economics are not the problem with this school unlike other schools in the District. The teachers are the problem with Van Arsdale. The District needs to identify who wants to teach, help kids excel, and reconsider the classroom content. The math and writing programs are weak, with reading being ok. In our experience the teachers were complacent, burned out and wanted to blame the parents for any misbehavior - refused to consider the kids are b-o-r-e-d. New students are labeled new and little was done by the teachers to help the students adjust or be included. In the third grade, one of the teachers seemed like she was great earlier in her career, but she needs to retire and the other one had the paradigm that boys will be boys which led to bullying behavior towards the new students. I moved my kids to a charter school after less than 1yr at VA, and we're thrilled with the teachers and the students.
—Submitted by a parent

pros- great literacy program. Kids who attend here generally come from professional, upper middle class families so the peer expectation is to be fairly serious about school and homework. My son has attended from 2nd - 6th. He had 1 FABULOUS teacher, one mediocre teacher, 2 above average teachers. and this years teacher seems great. He has learned to write very well and to read with a lot of critique skills. cons- Math program is weak over all and not differentiated. Kids who attend here generally come from professional, upper middle class families so peer expectation is to have the latest electronics, wear name brands, be a jock. There is a lot of keeping up with the Joneses and new kids are labled as such (new) and are not welcomed in to the cliques. Also, there is an interim principal (like her!) as the previous one left and hopefully the new one next year will provide more solid leadership. If your child has any special ed learning needs think twice about Van Arsdale.
—Submitted by a parent

Pros: -Students and parents who've been a part of the VA community since kindergarten love the school. -Clean school -Kids loved the playground -Library is solid, the library staff is extremely knowledgeable -- also very open to volunteer help Cons School Overall: -Communication between new parents and teachers/pto/school was non-existent. -The Great Schools 8/10 rating is correct for the great community it does NOT reflect the 6/10 VA should be ranked. -In my children's and my own personal experience the school was extremely cliquish. Cons Teachers: -Prior to VA, my kids loved school and were excited for Music, Art, P.E., and recess. They lost that excitement at V.A. - The two teachers we experienced seemed complacent and burned out. - The kids' first exposure to student council was based on a popularity vote, no speeches given. - VA is a C rated school inside and out and until they're open to outside ideas they will remain so. - Be careful as a new parent in all communication with other parents re: questions about teachers b/c of the close relationships. **Kids started at a new school in Arvada and they thanked me for putting them in a different school.**
—Submitted by a parent

The other reviews may overstate the "greatness" of this school, but it is solid for all the reasons listed. The facility is clean and well maintained, the teachers seem competent, and parental involvement is encouraged. I for one have been very disappointed in communication though. Calendars are vague and expectations for families when it comes to activities are unclear. I have not found these activities very accommodating or considerate of family situation. You could definitely do worse than this school and if you are already familiar with the nuances of Colorado or Denver area schools, you'll probably be as happy as the other reviewers on this page. I was expecting more out of a school with an 8 rating.
—Submitted by a parent

Van Arsdale is one of the best schools you'll find! It is an exceptional learning environment with exceptional teachers and staff to compliment it. The principle is actuvely involved throughout the school and you will even see the custodians interacting with the kids! There is student work hanging up on the wall to promote an accepting fun environment! They also host a before and after school daycare program that is exceptional staff-wise and activity-wise! Whenever i pick my kids up from school or daycare, they always have a smiling face and talk about how they had a great day! This school is extraordinary!
—Submitted by a teacher

My son loved going school for first grade and can't wait to start second. He didn't love kindergarten quite as much at another school. I've watched him move up an entire reading level at Van Arsdale during first grade. Additionally, the teachers loop so during this very important developmental time, they may stay with their same teacher for 2 years if you want them to. He adores his teacher and that fuels his love of learning. They are also an extremely friendly staff.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter looks forward to going to school. She has been at Van Arsdale since the first grade and is now a second grader. Kindergarten at another, well-respected school was not a good experience for her. As a parent, I appreciate the she now loves school and I feel she is making good academic progress.
—Submitted by a parent

We just began our venture at Van Arsdale and we love it. Our children enjoy going to school everyday and when we pick them up they have huge smiles on. The school they went to prior to this really wore on them and not to mention on us. Van Arsdale is such a breath of fresh air. It is so nice to see the principle walking around all of the time, and to see smiling teachers both in the mornings and in the afternoons. The staff at the front desk is also amazing. We could not give enough thanks for accepting our children into this school. We are truly blessed.
—Submitted by a parent

When I moved I thought I would never go to a school that welcomes me so well ! But VanArsdale totally did ! Everyone is nice to you there ! The principal , teachers , and even janitors are all really nice and know how to handle everything ! Since I went there from 4th-6th grade I wasnt able to experiance the primary grades but I wish I did ! So if you are looking for a really good school to put your child in I would very highly reccomend Van Arsdale Elm. !!
—Submitted by a student

Van Arsdale is an terrific school with a really wonderful, very involved community of staff, parents and kids. Our son has had 7 really wonderful years. The staff and parents are simply the best, and the teaching program is top-notch. Teachers stand in line for an opportunity to come to our school - that's a great sign!
—Submitted by a parent

Van Arsdale is a wonderful school. The program is well rounded. And parental envolvement is encouraged.
—Submitted by a parent

Van Arsdale is a great school. All of the teachers and staff are very helpful. My son loved his teachers and all of the programs that he was in.
—Submitted by a parent

Incredible school--my kids have been going there for 10 years and the staff and teachers are wonderful and devoted. Most of the teachers are still taking classes and share their love of learning and teaching each day. They've also had great ratings from the state for the last several years. I would whole-heartedly recommend this school for anyone looking for a high quality public elementary school.
—Submitted by Deb, a parent