McKinley Elementary School

We feel very blessed to have our child attend McKinley. Principal Colin Brown is in his second year at the school and is a sharp, thoughtful leader who is a pleasure to work with. I absolutely love that my child had access to full day kindergarten, not to mention the FLES program (3 days a week of Spanish (40 minute classes), art, music, AND PE. In a time of budget cuts, it is such a relief to know my child gets such a well-rounded education. Contrary to the review below, the reading, math, science, and social studies instruction do not suffer at all. My first grader is learning topics I myself didn't see until third grade. The school is bursting at the seams, capacity-wise, and I wish the district didn't have to resort to "relocatables" as they call trailers nowadays, but I think the excellent staff are doing an outstanding job despite that minor challenge. The teachers and staff pay attention to the needs of every child, and are constantly working to improve. And the PTA is fantastic and supportive, including helping to put interactive whiteboards in every classroom and supporting ongoing teacher professional development.
--Submitted by a parent

I have one child at McKinley and one who just promoted to middle school. We love the education, teachers, warmth and excellent education they are receiving at McK - I have to say I'm surprised at the one review, but there are unhappy and dissatisfied folks at every school, perhaps the poster didn't realize the McK is an art-focused school. Bottom line, my middle schooler is leaps and bounds ahead of fellow Arlington students socially and academically b/c of the well-rounded education she received.
--Submitted by a parent

We have three kids who've attended or are attending McKinley. We think the education is very, very over-rated. Considering the workforce and overall competition for universities and jobs, there should be more than 1 hour of math, 1 of science and 1 of English (huge lack of education there)....and those are on the days they don't cut them for an assembly or some sort of counselor talk. BIG waste of educational time. There is too much focus on what is fluff - music, art, Spanish, and chorus. We are very disappointed in the "education" the kids are getting, the high taxes we pay for it, and the school and school board not taking advantage of the possibilities that exist for a great education in such a wealthy community. Even my children are disappointed with all the extraneous stuff.
--Submitted by a parent

McKinley is an amazing school! We specifically purchased a house in McKinley's neighborhood because of the school. The curriculum is aggressive enough but allows for the 'down' time. A great school in a wonderful neighborhood. While I hear good things about all K teachers, consider yourself blessed if you get Mrs. Bates!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of two students, I can't say enough good things about McKinley Elementary School. Located in a family-oriented neighborhood, McKinley is blessed with a professional and caring staff and wonderful teachers. We relocated to the area two years ago as my son entered First Grade, and he integrated very quickly. My daughter has just finished Kindergarten and has had a wonderful experience. Principal Anderson continues to be the foundation of this exceptional elementary school in one of the best sidewalk neighborhoods in Arlington. A military relocation is forcing us to leave this area, but given the opportunity to return to Arlington, McKinley will be our first choice of schools.
--Submitted by a parent

McKinley is a wonderful school in a close knit community which values friendship and citizenship. Principal Anderson is an outstanding principal who genuinely has each of the 390 students best interest in mind. Ms. Anderson's goal of reaching each child's potential--in the way best suited for that particular child--is echoed from the teachers. Parent involvement is unbelieveably positive. Parents work with teachers to make sure each child feels valued and gets personal attention. McKinley's very active PTA continues the theme of building community with many programs for McKinley students and the surrounding commuinity.
--Submitted by a parent