MacArthur School

Binghamton schools are horrific. There are some talented teachers at MacArthur but they are hindered by a curriculum that keeps kids behind peers in other communities-behind by years. The Superintendent and other administrators, in positions for decades, are simply horrible. It is a school that decided that no child shall learn anything new until the most behind student catches up--so everyone sits. When my kids transfered to a system in a reasonable community they had to catch up to their peers. They went fron getting 100s without having to think in Binghamton to really having to study and learn in order to get reasonable grades. Why the parents don't demand that the schools are at least decent is beyond me. I tried to get the administration to address the slow pace of academics-with no success-what's the hurry? Kids spent 4 years learning to read a clock-moving slowly from where the numbers are placed in 1st grade to the quarter in 3rd! Dah. A failing school system in a failing community. Educated parents will be enraged --or at least should be.
—Submitted by a parent

I had three children attend and graduate from Mac. It is a wonderful school with wonderful staff though the curriculum has declined over the past several years. The innovativeness has been removed from the teachers to a regulated curriculum that is boring and leaves no room for excitement and play. Taking play away from the younger years leaves bickering and boredom in the older years with children who are socially inept. This is not the fault of the school itself, but the district choices. We need to bring back learning through play and allow children to be children. The 100 book challenge program is outstanding but needs new books! Also, writing to read was a far better program than Reading Street with the children having more fun and learning sentence structure as they enjoyed books instead of taking tests. Overall the School itself is very nice!
—Submitted by a parent

used to go there i think its good it provides food for children and the teachers are wonderful
—Submitted by a parent

MacArthur Elementary School is rich with cultural diversity and the children take much pride in that aspect.
—Submitted by a parent

This school wasted 4 years of my kid's life but she sure could paste and cut when she gradeated and she could do fourth grade work real real good by the time she left. Not a good school for kids who want to be at least average. Great if your kid is not too motivated. She won't feel pushed or pressured. Some great teachers but awful system. Just awful.
—Submitted by a parent

'2/5 stars' sums it up. Kids arrive eager to learn in k. The district curriculum holds them back year after year. My kids were so bored by a curriculum that kept students years behind grade level. Dedicated, talented teachers, devoted parents and a lousy administration at the district level. They make terrible choices by buying and implementing terrible programs. They used to wait to almost 2nd grade to begin reading. Kids who were reading at home were stuck re-learning and re-learning their letters. Requests to teach them younger were denied. Then they adopted some program that starts kids earlier but the kids read by themselves for hours during school-instead of being instructed. They can read at home. Even families in poverty can get books. Please go back to instruction and other topics besides reading. Not a good choice for families who value education.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a great school. Many resources, great teachers. We couldn't be more pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful group of teachers. A great curriculum on building community and respect. Character education is great here.
—Submitted by a teacher

Since moving from Brooklyn 3yrs. ago, I had 3 children attend MacArthur. I have never been so welcomed and I have never seen everyone so friendly and caring. Two of my children still attend. My son, who is in 4th grade, reading scores have gone up tremendously. I recently found out that he scored 3rd highest on the reading test last year. I have no one to thank except the staff and Principal Zur. I also have a daughter who is in first grade and she just truly adored kindergarten teacher Ms. Vanputte last year. I have attended several functions that they offer for the families, their P.T.A staff is great. The school does a wonderful job at keeping parents informed of events, discipline problems and even if your child does something great.(my son became the student of the week). Macarthur staff has always been their through any problems. EXCELLENT SCHOOL!!
—Submitted by annette bostick, a parent

I am very pleased with MacArthur Elementary. It is a very diverse school; ethnically, racially, financially and religious backgrounds. Yet, it is like a family. If only the United States (and the world)could get along like these kids do. I believe their focus on character traits such as respect, tolerance, courage have made a difference. The school also has an outstanding curriculum (gym, music, art, library, computer time, Challenge Program, Odysee of the Mind, orchestra music lessons, chorus. The 100 Book Challenge Program has students begining to read in Kindergarten, and provides an atmosphere where all children can be sucessful and build their confidence.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has provided an excellent education for both of my children. We were fortunate to have been involved in some multiage learning environments. My children have benefited from the all the programs that have been offered to them. The staff is quality. Most seem to be caring and friendly and genuinely like teaching. The character education program is great, gets children a chance to learn about community service ideas and a chance to give something back. We have had an excellent experience and would recommend MacArthur to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent