Lake Arbor Elementary School

Don't let the title of being in Mitchellville fool you. While there are a few excellent teachers, the majority are impatient and do not communicate well with students or their parents. I have had meetings with the former principal and current principal as I had one son graduate and another still attends. Many teachers and staff are either quick to punish or lack appropriate punishments for the children. I understand dealing with children is a hard job but the school needs to do better. I truly want my child to stay and grow at Lake Arbor but I am steadily looking into alternatives for the betterment of my child.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters third year at Lake Arbor, she came from a private school. I was satisfied with her 1st grade teacher and pleased with her 2nd grade teachers; however, unpleased with her 3rd grade teacher(light skinned with curly hair). The communication from the teacher to the parent needs improvement as well as focus on student achievement and pasion for the job. The ratio of students to teachers is like 30 to 1. Getting a good teacher is hit or miss and an excellent teacher is hard to find. I find the arrival and dismissal process to be EXTREEMELY chaotic and disorderly and opted to enroll my daughter in the after care program located at the school because she is picked up from her classroom by the after care staff and does not have to exit the building. My daughter was excepted to TAG this year and has only had two TAG classes. Overall, the school is okay, but could use improvement. I feel that my daughter will be better suited at another school and I faithfully enter her in the lottery for TAG, Charter or Performing Arts Schools. If all else fails, I am prepared to move to ensure my kid gets the best education my tax dollars will afford!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been teaching for 12 years and my years at Lake Arbor have been the best teaching experience I have had! We changed Principals my first year, and the transition has been as smooth as silk. Mr. Green, our Principal, and Ms. Tutt our Assistant Principal are great leaders, our staff is dedicated, the parents are the best that I've worked with, and of course, the kids are great. Wh wouldn't want to be a part of a school like this?
--Submitted by a teacher

Lake Arbor is a beautiful school; it has plenty of fun activities for the kids throughout the year. However, the communication between parents and teachers is very poor. I have been repeatedly disappointed with the lack of response to parental concerns, last minute notices being sent home the day before a test or event, and unwillingness to better the communication.
--Submitted by a parent

I think it's a very nice school overall. I am concerned about the communication between teachers and parents. It seems I only get feedback when it's of a negative nature, no positive feedback; and getting answers to questions is not timely or detailed. I really believe too much responsibility is put on the young students (K-1st) to relay information. More notes/letters should be sent home to parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I think the school is great especially considering that it is a public school, however, they really need to work on their communication. Receiving notices too late or not at all is really a big problem with me. I need to be aware of things going on with more than 1-2 days notice. A few communications were sent home the day after the event! Their curriculum and staff are great. The staff is really friendly and they got rid of a few bad apples now that they have a new principal and I am glad!
--Submitted by a parent

They do not have a good communication system.
--Submitted by a parent

I have four children at Lake Arbor Elementary School. When I moved into the community the children originally attended a private school however I decided to enroll them in Lake Arbor and I was shocked to find that they receive a better education in a public school. We love Lake Arbor, the faculty is priceless, the curriculum is thorough, the learning environment is unmatched.
--Submitted by Laquita Copeland, a parent

lake arbor is a excellent a school i totally recomend this school it has devoted teacher and a awesome principal ms. hellen coley i am a former student from class of 2005-2006
--Submitted by rico donelly, a former student

My son came to Lake Arbor Elementary School for the 2004-2005 school year. He came to L.A. Elementary from a tough school in New York. He had a little time rough time adjusting but the teachers, the principal and all the staff at L.A. Elementary school is EXCELLENT. It is located in a great neighborhood in Mitchellville and I truly, truly applaud L.A. Elementary for their fine staff, excellent principal and vice principal.
--Submitted by a parent