MacArthur K-8 University Academy

MacArthur is a great school! As a staff member, I enjoy working with techers who really care about kids. I also enjoy working with a principal that is dedicated and who trulys understands the dynamics within the classroom. Our principal supports the staff, students, parents and the community. She is always looking for new experiences for the students and allows us to grow professionally. No school is perfect, but in regards to how much the staff cares about the quality of education students receive, MacArthur comes pretty close.
—Submitted by a teacher

MacArthur looks like an excellent school to the public. Unfortunately, that is NOT the case. The leadership at the school is substandard. The pupil/teacher ratio is poor. The school is severely overcrowded. The principal is unprofessional and lacks tact necessary for proper and efficient leadership. Parents do participate but all events come with a price. Many of the teachers have good intent but leadership stifles the teachers ability to effectively develop the student populous. This school would be great if they were ethnically diverse, hired a TRUE LEADER at the school to allow the teachers to be more productive, had a larger location and better supervision of children. DO NOT ENROLL YOUR CHILDREN TO THIS SCHOOL! SAVE YOURSELF THE DISAPPOINTMENT AND GRIEF! They are NOT SERIOUS about EDUCATION at this school! If The university of Michigan is partnering with this school, they should reconsider their stance!
—Submitted by a parent

I really love this school. I feel like my children are part of a family. Very well structured and organized school. Teachers are great and they love to teach. The principal Ms. Perry is awesome and an amazing leader. Great academic programs and classes.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is overall a pretty good school, especially for Southfield area. Dr. Hentrel is a good leader, but she has a boot camp type mentality when dealing with students, teachers and parents. I can't say that she is not effective, but she her style of leadership can be a turn off to some people. Nonetheless, I think from an academic standpoint the school definitely tries to up the ante each year and retains students who want to excel scholastically. The only other issue everyone deals with is the "over-crowding", for whatever reason, leadership did not move the school to a larger location and they have way too many students attending the school for its size. Parking, dropping off and picking up the kids is a nightmare that could and should fixed by moving to a larger building. The school was initially K-5, but is now K-8, so every function is jammed pack and it simply unnecessary stress on all parties involved. But, to end on a positive note, this school is definitely a shining spot for the area and does academically challenge your kids. What some of the teacher's lack in tact and personality, they make up for in academic training.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. I am currently an 8th grader and will be sad when i graduate. I will miss all my incredible teachers and my fantastic principal Dr. Hentrel. My favorite teacher is Mrs. Christy she is awesome! =)
—Submitted by a student

I am a parent of a Mac Acrthur 1st Grader, and am hoping to send my kindergartner there in September. The school is outstanding. The principal is a force to be reckoned with and does not mix her words but she clearly runs the school with the school's and children's best academic interests at heart. Whatever she does it really works, you only have to look at their grades to see that. The teachers that I have come to know are awesome, they work closely with the children and the parents in order for your child to achieve at their best level. If you are looking for a school in the Southfield school district this is the only choice.
—Submitted by a parent

Please don't beleive the hype! The principal is not a nice woman. The staff is afraid of her. I ask to meet with her several times she has not met with me yet. The children do not have recess and when they do low staff ratio supervision. The younger students do not go on field trips. Many parents have very negative things to say about her leadership, but refuse to say something because of connections, is what they say and that they want their children to attend the school.
—Submitted by a parent

MacArthur is OVERCROWDED! This school is too small to house both elementary and middle school students. A lot of the middle school students lack respect & discipline. Bottom line MacArthur needs to expand its school or reduce the grade levels because the current set up is NOT working. Don't believe the HYPE! MacArthur still needs a lot of work.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's second year at MacArthur and we are excited about learning. His second grade teacher Mrs. Leary is an excellent teacher. My son attended private school in the past so we have a standard that we expect and Mrs. Leary professionalism and teaching skills are absolutely at the top! She challenges him in every subject and ensures that he is never bored. My son has spelling test every week, homework every school night and even computer courses that he can do on-line in the evening. Also we have a student teacher, Ms. Hmayed who encourages diversity and even brought in a live science experiment. We appreciate your hard work and are proud to be part of the MacArthur family!
—Submitted by a parent

All I have to say is wow. I'm an 8th grader here at MacArthur and I couldn't have enjoyed it more. One of the reasons why I say kudos to MacArthur is because of the teachers here. They really try to understand your problems and frustrations when you're learning a new concept, or you're just not comprehending well. In addition to the wonderful teachers, Dr. Hentrel (our principal) really keeps us in check. She's is constantly trying to push us up higher and higher, which is a good thing because I've been to some schools with HORRIBLE principal leadership! Thanks MacArthur for the fabulous experience!
—Submitted by a student

Hats off to MacArthur's teachers, who are dedicated to student learning! I appreciated the variety of programs the school offers to reinforce student achievement. I feel comfortable that my son is safe and being nurtured under a no nonsense administration! Looking forward to a outstanding 5th grade year!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! My son is lazy, but everytime (3 to be exact) he has failed to do his homework his teacher calls my cell phone and lets me know immediately. I can then handle the situation before it gets too serious. Ms. Hentrel runs a tight ship, orderly and under control. I like that.
—Submitted by a parent

It's only the beginning of the school year, but I can tell already that it's going to be another good year. My daughter is in the 3rd grade and I love her teacher. In speaking with her, she is no non sense but has a special communication style with the children that is repsectful and challenging. My child and her classmates enjoy her. Also, MacArthur couldn't have a better principal than Dr. Hentrel. Her credentials are outstanding!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 2nd grade and I am extremely pleased with the program at MacArthur. His 1st grade teacher was wonderful and made his school year a delight after a miserable kindergarten experience at Stevenson.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with my son's 1st grade teacher, she is a joy to work with and she really takes care of my son (and his classmates). He was diagnosed with ADHD last year and he can sometimes be a handful but she works with me and together we focus on behavioral modification techniques. The Social Worker has also been a great help as well. I am hoping next year progresses the same. I am definitely going to miss his 1st grade teacher, but I am dedicated to ensuring a positive learning atmosphere not only for my son but the students in his classes as well. I am happy to say that MacArthur Academy is a premier Southfield Public School. Submitted by a proud parent
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with how things have turned out with this new school and the opportunities my children are getting. Great school...great staff! My children love this school.
—Submitted by Tamika Turner-Graydon, a parent

I am very happy with my son's third grade teacher! He is very successful and I can reach her at any time. More importantly, she has very high standards and will not comprise them! I feel that my son could go into any 4th grade class and be completely prepared.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very happy to be a part of the Mac Arthur family. Our son is in the 3rd grade and is learning far more than most 3rd graders I have encountered. The academic program at Mac Arthur is awesome. It challenges the students and allows them to see their potential. The teachers are open with communication and takes parents feedback into consideration with an open mind. My son catches the school bus to and from school and I have no concern about his safety. The teachers are right there to make sure each student gets on the correct bus. If a students wants to leave with a friend, a parent is called immediately for confirmation. I am upset that the school will be closing for a year, but look forward to returning. We love Mac Arthur Elementary and know you will also.
—Submitted by a parent

I just enrolled my fourth child in Macarthur, she will be starting kindergarten in the fall. The oldest of my children ( he is now 17) started this school in 1996. When he started I loved this school and the very caring staff! Principals have changed over the years but the caring attitude among the staff has not. I am looking forward to a new school year at Macarthur.
—Submitted by a parent

I can ay that I am very happy with the teachers. They keep very aware of my progression and any assignments that might. They are always asking to stay involve with your child learning. They appreciate the parent who show an interest in their learning I can not explain how happy I am as parent of this school.
—Submitted by Lori enerly, a parent