Long Branch Elementary School

My daughter just started at Long Branch this year in the upper elementary. Coming from a private school environment, we were rather worried about facilities, class size, safety and quality and were only cautiously optimistic about whether the whole thing would even begin to work (nurturing environment, support for gifted children). I do have to say that the many years we spent in private schools (including Holton) were just not worth the trouble and the money. I am pleasantly surprised at the education my daughter is receiving. There have been days of ups and downs, but she is learning through whole-person experiences. I cannot say that the classroom academic material itself is where it should be considering my child's aptitude (lots of volume and repetition), but it is comparable to what we encountered in private schools. I can say that up this point, my daughter's teacher is rather earnest and really tries and that the environment IS both academic and child-friendly. I think we stepped into a pot of luck for this year, and I hope it continues. We are concerned again about middle school, which is coming up, too! Hopefully, quality is actually throughout Arlington Pub. Schools.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter started Kindergarten at Long Branch this year and I cannot be happier with her teacher, all the other art, music, and word study teachers as well as the principal and parent involvement. This school is very diverse with students from all over the world, and is a great place to foster growth and understanding. My daughter loves this school and has come home using words such as elaborate which for a 5 year old is great. They have a big emphasis on vocabulary and reading and I truly notice that in the 4 months she is there, she has started to read better and better everyday. I also have a friend who has her son here in 5th grade and he has also had a great experience.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to the area for my daughter's 4th and 5th grade year. We didn't realize how far behind she was because of where we came from, but with the help of her teacher she is excelling and has much more confidence in her own abilities. She has also enjoyed being involved with the band and the various afterschool classes offered (for a fee) by the PTA. We are thrilled with my daghter's experience here!
--Submitted by a parent

Can't say enough about it - came here as a Military parent -- never know what you'll find with each move -- very thankful we came to this community and school.
--Submitted by a parent

We can't give enough praise for what Long Branch Elementary has done for our child. An outstanding principal and quality teachers that care have laid the building blocks for our childs future. To Ms. Russo , Ms. Brenda Khan and the wonderful staff of Long Branh Elementary: thank you for bringing out the best in my child and giving him as well as many other children the encouragement and confidence they need in learning.
--Submitted by a parent

Long Branch is a very special place. The staff and parents are very invested in creating an environment that fosters learning and exploration. The educators here are nothing short of spectacular. The student body is diverse yet cohesive.
--Submitted by Mary Smaragdis, a parent

My son goes to Longbranch. We love this school. Exceptional principal and teachers with lots of community involvement and great and involved parents. The kids are nice, smart, and motivated to do well in school. I highly recommend it. Nice neighborhood also in which almost all the kids can walk to school.
--Submitted by a parent