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

I love the warm friendly atmosphere. The classrooms are small, the teachers are warm, sincere and very attentive to the indiviual needs of each child.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had a child at AC now for 3 years. I think the lower elem. is great... I have no experence with the upper, so I can not comment on that, but the ECE program and the kindergarden has been wonderful.. AC has a lot to offer. Bottom line, as with any school parent support and involvement makes all the difference.
—Submitted by a parent

We are so disappointed in the school. We had high expectations and have not found any thing to base them on. Teachers are not interested in the children and the principal and counselor are only interested in their careers. We will not return but borrow and beg to go to private schools.
—Submitted by a parent

There are a few GREAT teachers still at this school but the overall administration, beginning with the School Board will be the downfall of Arthur Circle. We have loved our teacher this year but will be looking to go elsewhere next year. I feel that the focus is no longer on students and learning but on the 'test'. It is really sad that these kids are the future, yet Arthur Circle has taken all the fun out of learning. Teachers have so much paperwork that they are told to just shut the door to get it done. I think that the average rating was a little to high for this deteriorating school.
—Submitted by a parent

I find it odd that the person whose grandchild has been out of the school for two years can have a place to comment on the Arthur circle of today. As of now this school is failing students across the board. I have three students in different grades and each grade has the same problem- a cold indifferent principle, unprepared and unmotivated teachers, sporadic academic motivativation. The school failed all of my children in different areas. This will result in us doing everything in our power to go to another school. And as for the comment on extra activities, that is a complete joke. Parents had to start their own because the school had none and did not want them. We are so disappointed with this school. They cannot even do the basics- like keep track of the students. We will go to another school in self defense.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attend Arthur Circle Elementary. My son attended Arthur Circle starting in ECE and has just completed 5th Grade. The education that he received at Arthur Circle was outstanding. He will now attend Middle Magnet in the Fall. He had caring teachers throughout his elementary career. My daughter attended ECE and will be in K-5 this fall. She loves Arthur Circle. I know that the next 6 years at Arthur Circle will be great!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Arthur Circle has a caring staff. Teachers work individually with their students in order for them to have as much success as possible. As a guardian, my child is very well taken care of, not only by his teacher, but by others on the staff. They all help to round out a wonderful experience at Arthur Circle. I know for a fact that the teachers at each grade level work together to plan in all areas for the academic success and well being of their students. The parents are involved in all areas at Arthur Circle. You can tell that the parents at this school care. The leadership at this school has always been top notch. I feel the new principal will continue this tradition. Extracurricular activities include art club, science club, scouts, football, cheerleading, and others. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

From my experience Arthur Circle is one of the best elementary schools in Caddo Parish. My granddaughter attended this school from ECE through 5th grade. She is now excelling at middle school. AC has a dedicated faculty and staff who care about the children. There is a very active PTA that works very hard to obtain equipment and materials for the school that the school board does not provide. There are after school activities such as Running Club, Art Club, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. There is an open door policy that encourages parents to get involved and come to school to do some type of volunteer work such as help in the library, tutor students, help teachers in the classroom, help with pizza slice day, and help with all types of fundraisers. I have been 100% happy with my grandchild's education at Arthur Circle.
—Submitted by Carol, a parent

Our neighborhood has a high resale value because of the reputation of it's schools. I have always heard the schools were equal to private schools. Now I know better. I cannot say there has been one positive experience this year at Arthur Circle. At every turn the prinicpal has been defensive instead of caring, negative instead of nurturing and neglectful instead of pro-active. The teachers lack communication and organization. Grades and papers come home sporadiaclly. The teachers in 4th grade seem to be waiting to retire or are overburdened with too much to do. It's sad that a once great school has slowly deteriorated year after year without anyone taking notice.
—Submitted by a parent

What was once one of the top schools in Shreveport has diminished in quality over the past several years. Teachers in the younger grades still mostly very good. 4th and 5th grade teachers only average. Very little emphasis on creativity and art...Principal doesn't offer much encouragement here. Sterile atmosphere. Glad my child will be moving on.
—Submitted by a parent