Barrett Elementary School

My daughter was punched in the face by a fellow kindergartener who was sent to sit in the Assistant Principals office. He never had to apologize when he returned. He has a history as do other boys in the class of hitting others. Another boy had to be moved from my daughters table as he was pushing my daughter down and yelling, I hate you. This can't be written off as boys will be boys. The teacher was very helpful during this situation, the principal and assistant principal are disinterested in establishing an inclusive, harmonious culture, avoiding contact with parents wanting to discuss difficult issues like this or playing naive/legal eagle. I am so frustrated with the leadership, the teachers are top shelf and deserve true leaders not just principles with three decades of time in just coasting to retirement. You could walk naked through the front office and the Principal wouldn't notice.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't know what "parent" wrote the previous review but it can not possibly be a parent with a child at Barrett or they would know that almost everything they stated is false. There are a lot of students who receive free lunch, but the classes are not 80% Hispanic. Barrett is a choice school but they have not been accepting out of boundary children for years since they have been at capacity, except for siblings. There are indeed children from N. Arlington school districts such as Ashlawn, McKinley, and Nottingham who chose Barrett over their neighborhood program. Arlington Forest is a very sought-after neighborhood because of its relatively affordable homes, good location, and strong sense of community, which carries over to the elementary school. I have had one child at Barrett for four years and another who will start soon. We do know of a few children who left Barrett for other schools because it wasn't a good fit for them, but everyone we know there currently is very pleased with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett Elementary is a fabulous school with a wonderful, experienced principal and dedicated staff. We were lucky to be able to choose to attend Barrett when transfers were permitted from nearby "cluster" schools and the community has become our community even though we don't live in the neighborhood. It has been a great fit for my children educationally and socially. Barrett has been recognized for its leadership in human rights and community building and does amazing things to bring everyone together in a rich learning environment. Barrett students are engaged in many ways and are lucky to have the Science Discovery Lab and TV studio which are lead by extremely talented teachers. Just this year Barrett was selected to offer the foreign language "FLES" program and the staff and students made the transition remarkably well.
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett is a wonderful school. The teachers are top-notch, and the principal is amazing. The community is very welcoming and close knit. The family involvement in the school community is an added bonus. The projects at the class level and the school wide level are fun, creative, and a great way to inspire the kids to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett is an outstanding school withincredibly dedicated teachers, staff and specialists who work with all students. Great programs and services. Fabulous community and activities from the arts, science, and more!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with supportive and helpful staff. Teachers are willing to work with students in many levels.
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett has amazing teachers. Both of my children are progressing very nicely. I recommend this school to every parent I meet.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the primary Montessori program and the fact it's close enough for my daughter to walk to. As a former aerospace engineer, I'm especially tickled that they're hooked up wuth NASA!
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett is an amazing elementary school with supportive staff, teachers and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett pulses with energy and optimism! It's a diverse school -- economically, socially, racially, ethnically, linguistically. The principal's terrific leadership brings it all together, and enables students, teachers and staff to excel with initiatives like 'Project Discovery' and the 'NASA Explorers' program. E pluribus, Barrett!
—Submitted by a parent

Among other things, I'm impressed with the writing program. Ms Rente had my granddaughter writing and illustrating her own books within the first months of Kindergarten. My second granddaughter is in Ms Rente's class this year. I've observed Ms Rente's classroom. She dispenses discipline along with affection for her students.

I have seen Grandchildren bloom, thrive and excell there

Barrett Elementary School is a wonderful neighborhood school with dynamic teachers and outstanding and supportive administrators. It's a place where all the children are encouraged to believe in themselves and expected to be the very best that they can be. It is innovative and at the same time traditional. What a fantastic, winning combination!!
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett is a NASA explorer school that is committed to discovering the gifts of every child. The teachers, administrators and students are amazing! Just check out their website (www.arlington.k12.va.us/schools/barrett)...you will find monthly blogs and pages devoted to the activities in Barrett's Project Discovery Science lab and other events such as Projects Interaction's Library Nights. Project Interaction's TV studio also posts regular podcasts including student projects, the Radio Ranch programs and, starting this year, podcasts of the daily Tiger TV newscasts. Check out some of the school's Public Service Announcements. You will be impressed by how well the students come together to produce such spectacular community messages.
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett is a great neighborhood school with amazing resources and personal attention despite serving a lower income community.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are amazing as well as the library program.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful teachers and staff. Great learning atmosphere. Lots of community involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Great dedicated teachers and learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Barrett does a fantastic job of making learning fun. The warm atmosphere leaves the children comfortable and happy, and there is an incredible amount of parental support, interaction, and participation in the school and its programs.
—Submitted by a parent

Because it's a great School, great Staff.
—Submitted by a parent