Arlington Classics Academy

ACA does a lot (accelerated math, poetry recitation, academic extracurriculars like chess/Odyssey of the Mind, emphasis on a well-rounded education rather than teaching to the STAAR) with a little (funding for charter schools is less than public schools state-wide). Parents volunteer in the lunchroom, classrooms, and donate items whenever teachers ask. The PTO is very active, too. The school recently added a campus, so there has been growing pains, but that's to be expected. Still, my child is doing what kids in the next grade up at our neighborhood school are doing. The hardest part about ACA is that parent involvement is EXPECTED. Families who can't put forth the great deal of effort it takes (and it does take a lot of additional practice and time) will likely leave. I overheard a parent one day say she was removing her child because the workload was too much. Understandable. But the reality is, our children will enter a global market where they'll compete with kids who are doing that work and more. I see too many hardworking teachers, board/staff members, and involved parents at ACA to believe that they're willing to let the students fail under their watch.
—Submitted by a parent

This use to be a great school, but that no longer is the case. Their past success has become their current failure. The school has an air about themselves if you don t like it then leave, we have over a 1000 other families on the waiting list. No, they haven t actually said that but that is the feeling you get when you express an issue.. If you have a problem be prepared to get ignored if it is something the school doesn t want to deal with. It s really sad when you think of the school has declined. The teachers seem miserable as if they don t want to be there. The primary campus has had three principals this school year. They are losing families at an extremely high rate. It seems to be a leadership issue or it can also be the fast growth since the secondary campus opened. Unfortunately, we don t have time to stay at the school to figure out which one it is. You can feel the tension as you walk into the school. My child has complained that all the teachers are mean except for one. I m currently counting down the days for the school year to end. I m looking forward to the NEW school next year!
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot say enough positive things about this school. From the GREAT teachers to the administration and parent involvement, this school deserves the "Exemplary" rating by the TEA. That doesn't not happen by chance in one day/week/or month. Their advanced curriculum far exceeds even my high expectations. I absolutely would recommend them to any parent that wants the best for their children.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 2nd year at ACA Bowen after 3 years at a private school and we are very satisfied. Our child loves school and is learning so much in a challenging environment. The teachers and administrators are top notch; innovative, professional and genuine. They have a low tolerance for bad behavior which impacts all of the students and their ability to learn. ACA is also very diverse which is important in the real world. We feel very blessed to be a part of the ACA family and we will continue to support and pray for the school's growth and ongoing success. Signed Happy & Satisfied!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter finished Kindergarten here and is starting First Grade next week. I was incredibly happy with the cu rriculum and especially with our amazing Kinder teacher. My kiddo was an amazing reader/writer before she started here, but they not only continued to foster her love of language but taught her to love math, science, history and geography as well. My kindergarten was all about coloring and learning to be quiet during story time. ACA was all about learning, and loving to learn. I especially appreciated how they split up the Language classes into different levels after winter break, so my daughter could learn at her own level. I love this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred my stepson from AISD and we couldn't be happier! My stepson went from getting in trouble. With no resolution from the faculty to him having straight A's and being challenged enough to stay out of trouble. My stepdaughter will be starting kindergarten this year and we are excited for her to go all the way through with this awesome school!!! Thank you ACA!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

ACA is an excellent school. I have felt that they were good communication and involvement between the staff and parents. How ever my only problem were with teachers that won't even take the time to answer emails or return phone calls. Mr Eisenhower you are a blessing if not for you we won't know a lot of things.you makes a different, you take the time. THANK YOU.

We just completed our first year at ACAB, transferring from a solid private school. We are very satisfied with the high level instruction and the new direction of the school by consolidating the two campuses. This was an excellent decision and will foster a better sense of unity among the staff and families. Students are challenged at this school and bad behavior is not tolerated. There is room for improvement in the area of communication, but this will hopefully change with the realignment. It would be nice to seek feedback from families. We are looking forward to returning next school year.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a Kinder at Bowen. He was wait-listed (#23) after that grueling lottery process but was fortunate to be called on the 9th day of school. Yay! ACA is simply the BEST out there, private included. It teaches a rigorous curriculum, in which even Kindergarteners are graded on a 100 point scale. He has a 10 word spelling test each Friday and gets a folder with homework every Monday. Most schools wouldn't push 5-6 year olds that hard, but I LOVE IT! These children will be competing in a global world in which Asian and many other countries are far excelling Americans, and it will take this type of preparation in the foundational years to produce children who can compete on a global level. My Kindergartener is already reading at an end-of-first grade level. He is making straight A's in a rigorous environment. The teachers are great. The environment is nurturing, and we love the uniform requirement. I am an alum of Harvard Business School, so education is extremely important to me. ACA is EXACTLY what I dreamed of in a school and for it to be tuition free is icing on the cake. Thank you to the founding fathers of ACA. If only all students could receive such an education!
—Submitted by a parent

When a school expands and opens a new campus, there are roadblocks and glitches along the way. However, ACA's staff and parents work extremely hard to uphold the standards and traditions that have made it such an incredible school. Whichever campus your child is on, they are receiving a high quality education from a dedicated team.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 4th year attending this school. As of the 2011-2012 school year, there are now two campuses, the Arkansas (original) & Bowen (new) campus with K-8th grade. This is a private school/college preparatory education with no tuition. The success is attributed to the previous director of education at the Arkansas campus, dedicated teachers, plentiful parental involvement and wonderful students. In addition to the high classical style education, it offers numerous extracurricular activities & fee-based after school care. The Bowen campus was previously under the leadership of a new director of education who was lowering the standards of the school, but has recently been replaced with a new director. The frowned upon 50% minimum grade policy has been REMOVED. Also a new superintendent has been hired to oversee both campuses to make sure that the high academic standards are maintained. The waiting list for this school is notorious for being high. I highly recommend this school to anyone who wants a high quality, challenging & rigorous education for their child & save the thousands of dollars of expense of a private school tuition. Your tax dollars are paying for it anyway!
—Submitted by a parent

My child is Kinder and she loves school and is learning a lot. I think the school is just fine.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a 2nd grader at Bowen Campus and we are very happy there. I don't understand someone from Arkansas stating Parents not welcome at Bowen. That is a completely False statement! I love my child's teachers and all the other staff. They are all great w/my child and my child is extremely happy here. The curriculum is still very challenging for us and it is a heck of alot more than what we would be learning in public school. Love ACA Bowen!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree the Arkansas Campus is Great my daughter is in 1st grade and her teacher is fantastic. The teaching of reading, math, and memorizing of poems teach my child to succeed and I am very happy with the curriculum also. The parent involvement is amazing, it has and always will be welcomed here with no restrictions.
—Submitted by a parent

Arkansas campus is following tradition of the Original Foundation I am so happy my child attends this campus. Both campuses do need to come together as one school and follow the same curriculum or the Bowen campus will not succeed. I am giving the stars based on the Arkansas campus alone.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just started the Bowen Campus of ACA, 2nd grade. Yes, there is some confusion and growing pains, as I anticipated with any new campus. But the teachers are dedicated, they unapologetically teach to the expected academic level, whille helping students who were not so fortunate as to be ACA educated in 1st grade. I am delighted. No complaints.
—Submitted by a parent

My 2 Kids go to Bowen Campus just I want to say is a wonderful school parents and teachers work toguether for the students is constantly communication, thats why is rate 9.
—Submitted by a parent

The thing to remember is the terrifc education that your children receive at ACA. The new campus is lovely and the Bowen staff are learning how to better "work" with the buildings everyday!!! They are committed to an accelerated curriculum, high educational standards and focusing on the academic achievement of the students. Every new endeavor has growing pains - accept it and instead focus on ALL that is good!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is very happy attending Arlington Classics Academy. We are very happy with the direction the teachers take and the education he is receiving. We are also excited that they have added 7th and 8th on as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Something is drastically wrong with the math program in third and fourth grade. Can't something be done?