Miller Elementary School

I've seen a lot of reviews that said they "loved" the school so much and it had a safe learning environment. However, I disagree. I went there in 4th grade and in just months my parents pulled me out to give me intense therapy at a hospital. I returned just in December. Much to my displeasure, I was getting bullied some more shortly after I arrived. I had to leave again in late winter for more therapy. Teachers and staff are surely not doing much to improve this school and people are starting to complain that this school is rolling downhill. I do not reccomend this school for anyone.

We keep hearing great things about how people camp out to get into certain Arlington schools. Well, we will have to buy a tent because Miller is NOT a great school and we will either have to move or switch schools. The crap we deal with from there and the friction between teachers and office staff is awful, plus the teachers are very rude and rushed, they seem to always be too stressed for any conversations or help. We have two kids at Miller and they have had very different experiences, but neither of them good and neither what we would want for our kids. THESE ARE OUR KIDS!!!! Quit treating them like cattle and numbers! It's frustrating, this system is broken and I don't see any solutions other than if we move, but even then, where?
—Submitted by a parent

I have to disagree with the last two comments. My son moved to Miller mid-year because he was at the school where I teach (which is poor at the best)... He absolutely LOVES Miller. His teachers are awesome, he is being challenged, and there is so much for him to be involved in. I wish I would've enrolled him here in Kindergarten!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is going downhill fast. The school is way too crowded for any kid to get good attention or direction. Our son is smart, but he is so bored and unchallenged he has stopped taking school seriously and we fear his attitude is a result of how he's treated like cattle being herded around all day. It seems the principal is more interested in protecting the teachers than leading them to do their jobs.
—Submitted by a parent

This year the teacher are stressed. The office staff is rude. Most of all there is no comuication with 6th grade teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 5th grade this year, and has gone to Miller since Kindergarten. We love it!! Great PTA, great teachers, great principal! A big 'thank you' to all the staff mambers and teachers who have made my daughter's time at school so wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

We are crushed to enter another school year at Miller. We had our home on the market all summer to get our two children, going in to 3rd and 5th grades, out of this school. Sadly the market wasn't in our favor and the few offers we got on our home were too low. We fear that not only will this neighborhood continue to go down, this school in particular is suffering from things such as apathetic teachers, a clueless guidance and administrative staff and now- as of two days ago- a huge drop in academic rating. Shame on us for not being in a situation to do better for our (very smart) kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I loved being a Miller Maverick. I started when the school first opened in the second grade and loved the teachers and the big oak tree in the back. I remember the teachers as being dedicated to education as well as to the development of each child. I would recommend this school to anyone!!

I went to Miller and boy has things changed. Not only are the kids bullies the teachers and vice principle are as well. My son had this one teacher who could not do fourth grade math. I am so so glad that my child is out of that school. Another thing that bothers me is that the teachers did not give the kids homework. I know that when I was in elementary we had homework. I am going to have another baby and I just pray to God that my child does not attend this uneducated school. I would never recommend this school to anyone
—Submitted by a parent

This school has let me down completely...as a parent and educator it is my opinion that this school lacks the support needed by its principal and teachers to give the students the best they have to offer...From the constant bullying to the poor teaching ethics. This school does not represent the best interest of the student and needs an overhaul from the current principal on down on down. Until this is done this school will continue to struggle, for the building does not make a school, the administration and teachers make a school.
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I both went to Miller. We loved it so much our daughter goes there now. I've worked for the Arlington District for a few years now, and in my opinion - its the best school in Arlington!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Miller Elem. we moved from another city to Arlington and Miller is out zoned is our zoned school. Right now we are living in a Temp. apt. until we can find a home that will allow us to stayed zoned to Miller. The teachers, staff and other parents have welcomed us with open arms.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had 3 kids go through Miller over the last 6 years. There is a definite lack of discipline in the school. The school is on its 3rd principal and 3rd vice principal in the last 3 years with no change in the lack of discipline. Bullying is a major issue in the school that no one is doing anything to control. The school has had quite a few parents pull their children out of the school for this reason, and many more that have for other problems in the school. There are a lot of caring teachers in the school who really are trying, but they are severly hampered by students who are out of control. This is our last year there and I and my child are thrilled to be done with it.
—Submitted by a parent

At Miller Elementary the children really do come first. The teaching staff in WONDERFUL and keeps parents up to date not only of problems with your child, but also of how well they are doing. My children are in 3rd and 6th grade and I would not have them in ANY other school!
—Submitted by Jennifer Meier, a parent

Our daughter is now in 1st grade and I am still impressed with the school. Parents with parking concerns etc., how does parking affect your child's education? Teachers have been attentive and friendly, staff also. I think the extra things like popcorn/pickle day amuse the kids, give my daughter a real sense of community in her school. My son will be starting Kindergarten next year and I look forward to then volunteering more in the school..they are a nice group...who do their very best for the kids.
—Submitted by G H, a parent

My children have attended Miller for 3 years, now going to 4th & 5th grades. I would like to say thank you to Mrs. Stone, the only teacher that has cared about the students and doing her part in the 'Arlington education system', to the others, if u r only there to get a paycheck, I'm sure that all the parents who are complaining would love to c u go elsewhere. The administration/staff has not adequately overseen & corrected the nightmare called parking, drop off & pick up. Miller's standards have definately declined over the last 2-3 years, but has a new principal. Yes, if it is not better the first 3 months, my children will not attend this school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

The current Principal seems too aloof, and uncaring although she shows up at most activities for visibility. The Vice Principal seems to be the most involved. Zap Day should be re-thought.
—Submitted by Thomas Boyd, a parent

My son has attended this school for three years, almost to date. He started when he was in Pre-K. I can not say enough regarding how wonderful the entire staff is. From his teachers to the nurse, to the principle and the wonderful ladies that answer my telephone calls when I am a worried mother...all are wonderful. I am extremely grateful for all that work at Miller and love the fact that my son attends such a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our student is in the Deaf Ed program and is making amazing progress. She has improved her verbal skills by 200% over this time last year. She is in hearing classes now with occasional tutoring in language arts classes to get on level with her peers. She receives speech therapy and any other assistance she may need. She was speech delayed due to her hearing loss and is catching up quickly. The faculty and staff have been extremely helpful and informative over the two school years we have been at this school. Compared to the special school we original enrolled her in, this school ranks superior in all areas.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is like the best school E V E R!...I went to it from K-6. I totally reccomend this school to everyone that really cares about their child's education
—Submitted by a former student