Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

McAlpine Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 514 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 4 ratings
2011:
Based on 4 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

27 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted Thursday, May 16, 2013

Two years in McAlpine so far an it's been a great experience. The teachers are dedicated and really care. Principle Saxton is a very involved, energetic leader who is able to connect with the children. Communication with parents is good and parents are greatly encouraged to get involved in a variety of ways.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 1, 2013

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I am a grandfather of a child entering kindergarten at McAlpine. Based on a very well organized and comprehensive "Beginner's Day" presentation by teachers, staff and PTA, I am impressed and confident that the next 6 years of schooling for my granddaughter will be and enjoyable and productive experience for her. I am particularly impressed by the competency and caring of the principal, Ernest Saxton, the three kindergarten teachers who are returning this coming school-year, and the active involvement of the PTA. I'll check-in at the end of the year to give you feedback on how the kindergarten experience turned out...
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 20, 2012

Five years at McAlpine Elementary has been very good. the principal had good ideas of renovating the 1984 building, and the teacher history there is very good.. Some of Americas best teachers were there. Nice staff, and very good technology. 5 stars!


Posted June 14, 2012

I just finished my first year as a McAlpine parent and it has been wonderful. I think sometimes the negative reviews come from a bad experience or a parent being either too demanding or taking something personally. Our child's teacher has been amazing and the leadership including Principal Saxton has been phenomenal. Interestingly, it's the parents that complain that also are least involved in the school. If you don't like something, get involved and don't hide behind online posts. This is a terrific school and a great sign that public education is alive and well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 6, 2012

We are thrilled with our experience at this school. A new principal two years ago brought many new ideas and a new energy to the school. While many people don't like change, the fact is that the new principal has implemented many wonderful programs: from character education to launching a first-of-its-kind Journalism Club run by students to creating a hands-on outdoor science garden. The principal gives teachers the flexibility they need to teach students any way they see fit in order to get the job done, and is focused on making sure that ALL students learn.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 6, 2012

Every teacher that each of my children have had at McAlpine have been excellent. We love McAlpine not only for its quality education but its hometown feel.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 3, 2011

School going downhill, good teachers leaving and a very poor principal is not a good combination. I had the exact experience as previous reviewer where I felt my child should be held back and the principal will not allow him to. Even the teachers, specialist and doctors agreed he should not advance. This principal could care less about the best interest of the students. He is disconnected and is just trying to advance his career. He doesn't even know most kids names. IMO a big phony...Pathetic!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 11, 2011

I gave a 3 star rating for a few reasons. The school itself is nice, McAlpine really does have amazing teachers. I have only come across one teacher that was so BAD, but she has since left on her own. No one is going to love what every teacher does and that's fine. However the leadership/Principal is most times very arrogant and rude. He feels only his opinion is the correct one and puts a good front. Wait until you need to speak with him about ANY issues. You'll see true colors. I really dislike the way McAlpine has changed over the recent years...It's sad. The teachers work hard but it doesnt seem to be good enough for the principal
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 10, 2011

So angry at Principal Ernest Saxton right now. I have been a parent of 2 children to go here over the past 7 years. My daughter excelled and so we had no issues. My son has struggled for 4 years and now when we would like to hold him back, he said it wasn't up to his parents, but up to the principal and he said no. He doesn't even know who my son is!! My son is dyslexic and always the smallest kid in the class. He wouldn't even allow me a retention meeting that I requested. NOT HAPPY!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 12, 2011

We had ups and downs with this school. The first year we loved it with a teacher that challenged the kids and kept them ALL learning. Then we had a horrendous year with a teacher that shouldn't be teaching young kids. Then we had another wonderful year. This year they did away with the TD catalyst program and the kids aren't being challenged. I am very disappointed in that since our magnet option is Barringer. With 3 kids in this school, I am only hoping that my kids will be prepared to enter junior high. I had to homeschool a bit just to ensure that myself since they are now so negative about challenging kids and having the TD catalyst class. They are only concerned with bringing up the kids that are struggling to keep up their overall score.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 5, 2010

This school changed principals 3 times while my children attended. Each prinipal was more apathetic and non-responsive than the last. I had chosen this school during the short time when CMS allowed school choice. I switched back to my homeschool Smithfield when my younger son was entering 3rd grade (2009-2010). What a difference! Wish I had sent them both to Smithfield from the beginning. If your child is average you will do fine at McAlpine. If they are more advanced and need to be challenged, forget McAlpine. Also, leadership is unresponsive, uncaring and often rude. Hopefully things have changed in the last year but I can tell you that from K-2, my son was absolutely NOT challenged.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 2, 2008

McAlpine is a great school. This is my first year there as a parent and I can't say enough positive things about the school. My child loves school and it makes me happy knowing that she jumps out of bed every day and can't wait to get to class to see her friends and her teacher. The school is made for kids. I love it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 20, 2008

I thought McAlpine's curriculum night was very informative. It was different than in the pass and I think the teachers were well prepared. The teachers really care about the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 18, 2008

This school is the kind you want your elementary child to walk into every day !! The leadership is strong, the Principal is organized, open, friendly and listens and most of all puts the children's needs first. The atmosphere is warm and friendly like a little family, and the teacher's are excellent, many are board certified or working toward it. The teacher's really get to know the child as a whole and help with indiviudal personal success. Very strong parental involvement and PTA. Teacher's had a comprehensive and enriching CE course teaching them how to challenge the students by thinking critically, giving them more skills & tools. Academically challanging, celebrates personal and school successes when one achieves we all achieve ! I know my children are at the right school and wholeheartedly agree with the previous review. McAlpine is special and your child will be nurtured, challanged, prepared and motivated !!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 7, 2008

I cannot sing the praises of this school loudly enough! the teachers and administrators genuinely care about all children here. As a former elementary school teacher, I have to admit that I was looking for something...Anything to be amiss. Would my child be challenged? Would his intellect and creativity be fostered? Yes! I am beyond impressed at every turn. Mcalpine is a special place where your child will be nurtured, challenged, prepared, and motivated.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 20, 2007

McAlpine is a wonderful school. The new staff has brought great things to the school and it is stronger than it has ever been. We love it here.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 10, 2007

I love McAlpine Elementary School. There has been a great turn around at the school and it has been for the BETTER. We wouldn't want to go anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 7, 2007

Obliviously some of the negative comments made previously are from parents who do not know sound educational practices when they see them. ALL children are challenged and given the opportunity to grow and learn in a fun environment at McAlpine - not just the 'smart' kids. My neighbors complain about the way their children spend their recess and lunch time - IT IS SCHOOL! They can play and talk to their friends all afternoon at home. I am glad that my child's teacher in the field with her class playing games as a class. And lunch time- if we really want our children to compete globally, we should be discussing how can we get more READING, MATH and SCIENCE time, not when can the kids talk to each other. I am proud of the direction my daughter's school is moving in! Keep up the good work, McAlpine!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 7, 2007

I have a third and second grader at McAlpine. Although we did loose a lot of teachers last year, it has been for the better. The staff is fresh and open to creative teaching. For example, the librarian had a pumpkin decorating contest where each class dressed a pumpkin as a book character and the children had to write clues to help the other children figure out who the book character. There has been lots of emphasis on science this year while maintaining a strong focus on math and literacy. The children are grouped by ability which has helped meet the needs of my children. The principals door is always open and the office staff makes you feel welcomed. Parents are very involved and their assistance is welcomed by the teachers. I have been extremely pleased with McAlpine.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 7, 2007

I love this school. We are slated to rezone next year and I have the option to stay because of a rising 5th grader. We are definately leaning to staying at such a great place. We truly feel at home here and love the families and the teachers and the staff. I am impressed with my children's teachers and the level of education they are receiving. the teachers are zoned in on my child's needs and abilities and place them where they get the most for thier level. I have 3 children currently at this school and cannot say enough great things about it.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
85%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 85% in 2012.

74 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
>95%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

74 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
>95%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
81%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 82% in 2012.

80 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

80 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
79%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2012.

80 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
62%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students84%
Female90%
Male78%
Black33%
Asiann/a
Hispanic89%
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilities56%
Non-disabled students88%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English85%
Academically giftedn/a

Reading

All Students80%
Female90%
Male69%
Black42%
Asiann/a
Hispanic78%
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White89%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Not economically disadvantaged87%
Students with disabilities44%
Non-disabled students85%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English80%
Academically giftedn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data for that group is not reported.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students>95%
Female93%
Male>95%
Black83%
Asiann/a
Hispanic>95%
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islandern/a
White>95%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged>95%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English>95%
Academically gifted>95%

Reading

All Students>95%
Female>95%
Male>95%
Black83%
Asiann/a
Hispanic>95%
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islandern/a
White>95%
Economically disadvantaged85%
Not economically disadvantaged>95%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English>95%
Academically gifted>95%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data for that group is not reported.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students81%
Female94%
Male74%
Black56%
Asian>95%
Hispanic75%
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White91%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilities82%
Non-disabled students81%
Limited English proficiency>95%
Proficient in English80%
Academically gifted>95%

Reading

All Students76%
Female81%
Male74%
Black56%
Asian80%
Hispanic67%
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White88%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disabilities77%
Non-disabled students76%
Limited English proficiency33%
Proficient in English80%
Academically gifted>95%

Science

All Students80%
Female87%
Male76%
Black63%
Asian80%
Hispanic67%
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White91%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilities71%
Non-disabled students83%
Limited English proficiency33%
Proficient in English84%
Academically gifted>95%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data for that group is not reported.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 65% 54%
Black 19% 31%
Hispanic 11% 11%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 1%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 20%N/A34%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

9100 Carswell Ln
Charlotte, NC 28277
Website: Click here
Phone: (980) 343-3750

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare
ADVERTISEMENT