Arthur Circle Elementary School

We have been at Arthur Circle since the 2003-2004 school year. With one glaring exception (all schools have those), my children's teachers have been at least acceptable to good, and several have been outstanding. Positive trends that I have observed: 1. The current principal is more approachable and visible around the school compared to the former principal; 2. Improved technology thanks to the PTA's efforts. Negative trends: 1. Decline of extracurriculars. For example, running club is no more. After the former coordinators took a well-earned break, it appears that no other faculty/staff would take it on. 4H? gone. Cheerleading: Do-it-yourself. School "teams" through local sports organizations? Can't get them to even distribute information. 2. Standarized test scores are the very highest priority; I can't even name a close second. 3. Fewer hands-on learning activities overall, especially in science (probably related to #2). 4. Increase in pot-stirring, griping parents (does not apply to all you wonderful ones), or maybe I'm just getting older and less tolerant.
--Submitted by a parent

Not a good School. I have two kids that were "A" students befor they came to Auther Circle. The Teachers Do Not Care about their Students learnings and Progress! My kids are very detached from their teachers & school. Vey disappointed...
--Submitted by a parent

This school has lost too much since the creation of magnets which caused busing of too many out-of-neighborhood children. The test scores and scores on all levels have gone down considerably because of this action. Do not even know the legality of such a move that lowes a first class school to such a level no one would want to send their child there unless they had to. Also devaluates the surrounding homes in the neighborhood because of the quality of schooling.

It is very sad that the prinicipal let's the lunch lady run over him like that. I feel like if we had a good principal who would stand up to her and her cronies that this would be a better school. I wish I had a choice of another school, I complained last year and the office people have been mean to me ever since. My son is in tutoring because the teacher's won't help him learn, they just teach for the leap test.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is in its fourth year of declining test score numbers. The school administration is lackluster at best.The school has been on the decline for various reasons, primarily the lack of strong leadership on the part of the principal and the instructional coordinators. Parental involvement is at an all-time low due to the staff's ineffectual attitude. There are a few standout teachers in the school, but the prevalence of the aforementioned 'middle-school cliques' prevents them from making headway. The lunchroom monitor carouses about as if she is the vice principal. Our 4th and 3rd graders will not attend this school next year; we are moving OUT of this school attendance zone, so poor is the performance of this school. Follow the other posters' advice: buy a home within Riverside, University, or AC Steere district boundaries if you want a halfway decent education for your children and are concerned for their safety and upbringing.
--Submitted by a parent

Arthur Circle is quickly becoming a no-way-is-my-kid-going-there school among Shreveporters. If you are new to the area buy a house in AC Steer or Riverside, the only two non-magnet Shreveport public schools that are decent. Principal is too weak to properly reign in the insane cliches. Teachers and staff behave as if they were middle school girls, gossiping and talking behind parents back. There are some decent teachers, but there are also some horrible ones, don't take your chance, just go somewhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

Avoid Arthur Circle if possible. The quality has declined. Teachers and administrators are unresponsive to parent concerns.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend Arthur Circle and I think the teachers are wonderful and caring, especially the lower elementary teachers. I just wish they had more playground equipment.
--Submitted by a parent

We have a son who is about to finish his first year at A.C.. We moved from out of state and have appreciated the efforts that teachers and staff have made to make our son feel welcome. The teachers are warm and supportive, and it provides the encouraging learning atmosphere that all elementary kids need. We give this school two thumbs up for learning culture, quality of teaching, and overall experience provided to our son.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a 3rd grader, and we recently moved to Shreveport to get away from the Bossier school system. Our welcoming into Arthur Circle has been warm and caring, and we transitioned seamlessly.
--Submitted by a parent