Arapahoe Charter School

Couldn't be happier. We live in Craven County (Cherry Branch Area) but we send our child to Arapahoe charter school. Although Arapahoe is across the river I wouldn't want him going anywhere else. Last year there were 6 six kids that went to this school from Craven County. Now there are upwards of 26 kids. Word is spreading that this school is worth it. Many teachers from Craven County cross the river everyday just to work at Arapahoe vice Craven County schools. There is a bus that takes the kids across the ferry and even if the ferry isn't running, the bus drives them around. Principal really understands and cares about the kids. I don't know when the principle showed up, but he has been there for the 2010/11 and 2011/12 years. From what I know this is the only K-8 school in the area. Plus they are trying to become a K-12 school. Once it becomes K-12 they will be one of the few schools in the state that will have a 5 year HS but the kids will graduate with their HS diploma and Associates Degree. How can you beat that? There is a dress code but it is only a collared shirt and nice pants/shorts. From one parent to another, send your child to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Sadly, this school was a disappointment. The school changed principals three time while we were there which is evidence of some of the internal struggles there. Our child had a range of teachers from very good to very bad. After two years we were pressured into medicating our child for ADD and our child was placed in the 504 program. This program was not followed properly and our child suffered serious weight loss from the meds. There are good teachers at the school but overall it was a bad experience. I knew it was time to make a change when the EOG reports came out. We now home school and our child is med free and at a normal weight. Home school is a challenge but we feel strongly that our local public schools are too risky to gamble on. Very sad.
--Submitted by a parent

After working with the county school system across the river, I have to say I love working at Arapahoe Charter School. Many people living in Havelock think it is a far drive, really its not. The atmosphere at ACS is calm, administration believes in its employees, students, and parents. From what I have seen, ANY kid can get along and make friends here. The students are uniquely different, but no matter how different each one is, they always seem to get along great with each other. I love working at ACS. There's something about striving to be the best CHOICE school. And its FREE!
--Submitted by a teacher

I can't find a single bad thing to say about this school. I pulled my son from a bad school after hearing about this school, and enrolled him the next day. My son loves it there. I will and have told all of my friends about this school. Can't say enough about how great they are. The principal is a down to earth kind of guy and cares about his students as do the teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school. I have never seen a school with so much parent participation. They participate in part becasue of the enthusiasm they see in the teachers and principal. Awesome job! Good, caring and excellent learning environment. My kids love it there.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel that the students are not getting enough help in school. too much computer time , 4 times a week . our daughter has been there for 5, 6 gr. they stated a second language would be taught , she went to the class once a week and was never taught, she was allowed to catch up on late homework instead.The Charter Schools End Of Grade testing has been very low in past years.we are looking for another school at this time for her.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been going to this school for eight years now. We have experienced a great learning enviroment for him. The school offers different activies for continued learning. Besides sports which my son is involved in alot, they have 'Odessy of the Mind', a great program. We love the small school and the one on one attention he recieves.
--Submitted by a parent

Well this is my son's frist grade year and so far I love this school it is great. It is small and everyone knows everybody the kids love it. For the County that it is in this school is the best one there is. Or let me just tell you this with gas prices at $4.00 a gal I drive my son about 30 mins to school and pick up Just so that he can go to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

my grandson went from kindergarden thru 8th and loved every minute of it...he only wished high school was included...now I have 3 little ones going, aas he did...love this school and staff
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended ACS from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Overall it is a good school. However, if your child is not a self learner in math, you might want to look into different schools when they hit the 7th-8th grade. The students are pretty much on their own in math in 7th-8th grade.
--Submitted by a parent