Arden Cahill Academy

Unorganized. Have to get multiple sheets every Friday from each subject in different piles and compile them together yourself for signature. My children's new school is not over-enrolled and it comes from all classes as a packet from the home room teacher. Was just always unhappy re; disorganization. Carpool is a parking lot!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a 4 y.O. And he is doing great. The teachers are all wonderful, great activities.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in kindergarten at ACA, and we are very pleased with the school so far. This is his first year, and we were concerned that he would not be at the same level as the other children who had been there for Pre-3 and Pre-4. We are so excited that he has done very well and is thoroughly enjoying school. He has the best group of teachers we could have imagined. We must be lucky so far as I have not observed any over-crowding or after-care problems. There are 16 children in his class, and he has first-class after-care workers. I know each family has a different experience, so I'm sure there is some truth to those comments and appreciate knowing what to look out for in the future. However, to those considering the school, please visit, talk to other parents, and meet the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great and I can not believe that some people think and write differently, they believe that just because it is a private school that it and it's staff need to cater to their every need the school prepares the children so well, I my self attended the school and now my two children attend also. Anyone looking for a good education for their child should at least see the school and try it I do not think that it is a school for every child because it is advanced and not all children can handel the work. Just try it and see!
—Submitted by HAPPY PARENT, a parent

Well rounded school with high academic standards, art, sports, music, language!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a beautiful school. The school has a very friendly staff and clean grounds. The extras the school boasts, like the swimming pools, air conditioned indoor gym, and on site petting zoo make it a delight for students. Clearly the best choice for a private school on the westbank.
—Submitted by FAYE GRAHAM, a parent

I had two children attending (3yr and 8yr olds) I had to unenroll the youngest. He was moving up from the infant center to the main building where he was going to change classes 5x throughout the day. The problem was that my child is potty trained and still requires assistance with hygiene post bowel movements as I expect that most 3 yr olds would. The teachers were not willing to help wipe these kids at all, several stated that they should have already acquired this skill. The teachers I spoke with were not at all concerned and quite frankly had a hands off attitude. These are toddlers and still require nurturing. They expect to much independence. I spoke with Arden Cahill and she offered no acceptable resolution. In fact I was told that there are 103 3 yrs olds and they could not give that type of attention.
—Submitted by a parent

I had several children go through this school from Infant Centre to graduation of 8th grade. The school was good prior to change in principals. The school is overcrowded and they can't handle it.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a good school for very serious students. If your child has any trouble with schoolwork or organization skills it might not work out. a A child who responds to a challange will do well.

My daughter went to Cahill when she was three. I wasn't pleased with the teachers.They push way to hard.
—Submitted by Stacey Brown, a parent

My kids attended ACA from pre-4 to the third grade, when we unfortunately had to leave. There is just no comparison to any school we have seen. Arden Cahill is the most complete school you'll find in that area. You go there for an Academically sound education and you get a lot of lagniappe. The theatre and drama teachers are first class! You do not have to run around town to find extras. There is chess, swimming, music, multiple sports, a farm with animals, beautiful grounds, horse back riding, and Mrs. Cahill. I am still amazed at how disciplined the kids are. I get compliments daily on how well behaved my kids are, and I thank Cahill for that. If we should return to that area, we will be right back at ACA.
—Submitted by Laura, a parent

Too crowded.Not enough individual attention for the price. Other private schools in the area a lower teacher to student ratio. School as overgrown over it's limits and can't handle the daily functions throughout the day.
—Submitted by YVETTE, a parent

I attended Cahill from elementary to middle school.I enjoyed extracurricular activities. I left with low self esteem and held it until college when I joined a sorority. I believe that kids should get graded on tests, quizzes and homework instead of binder checks, cover sheets and supplies brought in.It was unfair to me that I was intelligent (scholarship for college) and made the same grade as a kid who had F's on tests, but had a binder in better condition than mine. My other siblings have all been taken out of the school.
—Submitted by a former student

My child has been attending Arden Cahill Academy since Pre- k4. Up until this year he has enjoyed his education and so have we. I am seeing some of the unfortunate things that past parents warned me about. Standards based teaching says that you teach to every type of learner and this school does not.
—Submitted by a parent

I started out with 4 kids at this school and removed 2 of them because the childcare is very substandard. As soon as my younger 2 kids are old enough to leave, they will be leaving also. The education is great between 8AM and 3PM. After that, it is a nightmare. It is very expensive for the quality of the aftercare. There is no consistency. I have had many problems with the adminstration and the aftercare help. The regular teachers are great.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Cahill for over 14 years.Things have changed since.The classes were smaller and more personal. You get the feeling that there is always someone behind you who will jump in your spot.
—Submitted by Marie, a parent

My daughter attended Arden Cahill Academy from the time she was 14 months old until she graduated from there in 8th grade. I would not trade this education for anything! She is now a student at Dominican, which is very touch academically, and is doing great. The organizational skills ALONE were well worth it, not to mention their emphasis on public speaking! They were involved plays yearly, which were always phenomenol! They have a swim team that practice in their olympic sized swimming pool and an equestrian program. What an opportunity. The price you pay may be a bit higher than most schools but isn't it worth it? Your best education should begin in preschool years and that is what Cahill strives for -- the BEST education!
—Submitted by Toni Baldini, a parent

I attended Arden Cahill Academy from the age of two months old on to fourteen years old. I must say that would not trade anything for the experiences that I had at Cahill. The friends that i made are friends for life. We all still see eachother weekely. The education that I recieved from Cahill is the best that I have ever had. The teachers will not let you fail. They will push you to your fullest and I must say that I appreciate that the most. I am excelling in my classes in high school because of Cahill. I was in the top 10% of my class. Any child that has attended this school will tell you that it is the best years of their life. I still go to sporting and other functions at Cahill and see people that I went to school with. I highly recommend ACA! -Nicholas Mithun
—Submitted by NICHOLAS MITHUN, a former student

This has been a great school for my daughter from age 2 months to 7 years old. We are sorry to leave it for another school in another state. I agree that it is pricey, but it is well worth it. The extracurricular activities are great and even the summer camp is wonderful. I would highly recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Cahill for 7 years (ages 2-9) and it has been fantastic. Great academics balanced with many cultural and other activities. The homework load is a bit heavy, but the education is great and small class sizes add to the experience. While not cheap, its a great value compared to its peers across the river. Our only complaint is with the office staff, which is not always helpful or friendly.
—Submitted by a parent