Arts Based Elementary School

Couldn't be happier with the experience my two daughters are having at ABES. Respectful, kind teachers allow each kid to advance in a supportive environment. My kids are not just learning the [state-mandated] curriculum, but are also finding out how to approach problems in innovative ways--skills sorely lacking in the standard institutionalized system. Highly recommended for any family that wants to prepare their kids for the challenges of the 21st century.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher, I made a specific list of things that I wanted from my kindergartner son's school experience. An academically challenging, child centered environment, kind teachers who spoke to children in respectful ways, adequate time to be physically active, meaningful learning opportunities, a healthy nutrition policy, and heavy parental involvement. I had heard opinions in the community that ABES was a school filled with children with behavioral problems who couldn't cope it in regular schools. That is not our experience. ABES met and exceeded all of my desires for a school for my son. They have academically challenged my child (reading on a 2nd grade level in kindergarten). It is an emotionally safe environment, where children feel free to fail and succeed and try new things. Real learning takes place and an enthusiasm for knowledge and growth is ever present. The work that I see the students produce at ABES is a grade level above what the students at my School of Excellence could produce. They just aren't factory model taught to fill in bubbles. The leadership at ABES is incredible. They are supportive of the teachers and students.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is a very in-the-box thinker. ABES has provided him with the structure, encouragement and opportunity to allow his box to get significantly bigger. :) He is willing to take chances when he didn't used to trust himself, expand himself artistically, and his academics are challenging him. He began first grade reading on grade level and is finishing first grade reading on a 3-4 grade level. I am so excited to see him continue on this path and watch him grow and expand in his academics, confidence, and artistic knowledge and comfort.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two children at ABES and 'get' their academic approach. It is a very unique but well researched and thought out appraoch to teaching children. As an educator myself, it is very important to us that our children be great learners. This means not correctly filling in a blank but critically thinking about a subject and coming up with well thought out answers. While this appraoch is more cumbersome and a much longer process, the children who are educated this way are much more successful in all other endeavors. This environment requires more self-control and more focus than a regular school setting. The children are taught how to solve their own relationship issues with kindness and respect. One of my children is a great student who would succeed in just about any environment. My other student is a very academically gifted student who is given so many individualized opportunities.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been very disappointed with the curriculum this year and have removed our child. We found the school lacking in academic structure, discipline, and especially leadership. This school is failing students academically and operates in DENIAL. The poor academic performance and structure is hiding behind the word ARTS. While many parents appreciate the style of the school, many of these families have faced discipline and performance issues with their children at other schools.
--Submitted by a parent

My school is the best school in America because we have our children learn in different ways that help all kinds of learners achieve. We look for different avenues to teach so that our kids are engaged and thinking deeply, while also covering the basics. Our children are happy and treated as full partners in their education.
--Submitted by a teacher

The teachers are so devoted, they spend much of their own money always bettering themselves as individuals in well in addition to anything required by the state, so as to be free, clear and available to be with the children 100% and not any other agenda other than truly serving the children's needs, intellectual as well as human needs on every level! They treat the kids as well as they would treat their own...and if and when something is not working with the child's behavior, they look to see where they could make a difference, not just got to blame and justification. There is no sign of resignation or cynicism at that school whatsoever! The teachers continually deal with themselves to be fresh and ready...every minute!
--Submitted by a parent

It is the most wonderful school to teach at and gives the children who attend such a wonderful appreciation for all that surrounds them and a feeling of confidence and success that will live with them forever!
--Submitted by a teacher

My wife loves teaching there and my son is a student and is learning so much and enjoys it ver much.
--Submitted by a parent

A great school full of dedicated teachers and staff!