Camp Allen Elementary School

It is a shame that the majority of the time Camp Allen receives comments is when parents are unhappy about something. Camp Allen has been an incredible journey for our family. My wife attended this school as a young child. She was happy then and WE have been nothing but happy over the past 5 years. Each teacher has been kind and professional. The majority of students do not come from military families but nonetheless, we feel a sense of community. I encourage more people who are happy with Camp Allen to post positive comments. And ... we need more parental support ... stop complaining and become involved.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a bad experience with this school. The majority if not all of the students are from a military family. (only plus) The staff was ok, some were rude. I had the pleasure of meeting my sons IEP teacher *ahem RUDE and too young to be experienced enough to handle my child. She acted as if my son wasnt in the room. They do NOT provide transportation for our location. Since he isnt wheel chair bound he wasnt allowed to take a bus. I could go on, but I wont. We went the homeschool route, because we were told we couldnt send him to two other schools, both of which were under 2 miles away. I refuse to take him back there.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had nothing but an amazing experience at this school. My daughter had a bullying issue, and the school dealt with it swiftly and it has stopped. They did an amazing job! My daughter has a speech problem and tubes in her ears and the students and the teachers have been amazing in helping us get the speech therapy that she needs. I am ALWAYS greeted with a huge hello, and everyone I have met in this school has been nice and welcoming. Its sad reading all these bad reviews, this is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Wow, my experience has been nothing but amazing at this school. My children are happy with their teachers and I always feel welcome. The staff is knowledgeable and I really feel like we are a team in making sure my children learn.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the worst school ever, my son has had his life threatened, bullied and NOTHING was ever done, my son got in trouble because they claim everyone should suffer not just the bullier. My children do not want to go to school everday, teachers yelling at them, picking on them due to their learning and if your child has ADHD, the school will discriminate against them. They are very disorganized, rude, and they do not care about you or your child... if you can avoid going to this school I would HIGHLY recommend it!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Camp Allen is a horrible school, I've had really bad experiences here I don't think teachers should be allowed to discuss personal buisness with a bunch of first graders in terms of divorce it's also wrong to put a child down and tell the child I don't see how you made it out of kindergarten
—Submitted by a parent

This school has way to much bullying and no one does anything about it. They say that if the student does not report it then they do not know but when a child is scared they are not going to tell anyone it is the parents and teachers responibity to watch what students are doing the teahers do not watch anything! it is the worse school my kids have attended and will be happy when we get orders!
—Submitted by a parent

Camp Allen is a wonderful place to learn. I can't understand why some parents feel like they are not welcomed. I am at the school everyday. I am ALWAYS greeted in a friendly manner and the quality of eductaion far surpassess other schools across the country. Not once has Dr. Archer or Mrs. Driver or any other person ever turned me away from visiting with my child. I eat lunch with my child frequently. This school KNOWS that without parent involvement the struggle becomes more difficult. Camp Allen is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

WOW!!! I have had only great experiences at Camp Allen. It is so disheartening to hear these negative reviews. Has anyone taken into account that the school has made accredidation and met the AYP requirements? Has anyone seen how long the teachers and the administrative team stay at school each day being completely dedicated to the students at Camp Allen? If schools do not have the support of the parents what do you expect. Dr. Archer and Ms. Driver have put several things in place to ensure the students are in a safe secure environment, to ensure students are are receiving a quality education and giving parents a voice such as the chat session. Instead of being negative come out and be supportive we would love to have you!!!
—Submitted by a parent

It is very sad when teachers leave bad reviews of the school. The administrative team needs to listen to what parents and their own staff are saying about the school. This school is def not 'world class'. There is no warm welcoming feeling. You feel like you are walking into jail.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the majority of the posts here that Camp Allen has some serious issues to deal with. I also have my doubts as to whether or not the current administrative team is up to the job. World class? I think not!
—Submitted by a teacher

My children have enjoyed their time at Camp Allen. The teachers really care about the students. We only moved because my husband got order. I wish they could have finished their elementary school years there.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes I agree that Camp Allen does need improvements and slowly I have noticed a few changes going on. One is the new secretary, Ms. Lincoln. We miss her in the library but she is wonderful in the office. I hope this means there are going to be more improvements in the school. If the negative attitudes would become positive attitudes from the staff we could all work together.The principals need to listen to the parents complaints .

Unfortunately, this site only gives me 150 words to use, however, in summary I have pulled my children out of this school due to the LACK of professionalism and dedication from not only the staff and the two that lead them - Principal and Asst. Principal, but from the parents of the children that attend Camp Allen Elementary. To answer previous reviews, my children have approached not only the adult supervisors and teachers, but also the Principal about the bullying, and still - nothing. No interview w/ alleged students, no punishments, no reinforcements on school policies for harrassment between students(if any)! This school is in dying need of restructuring of its staff, who do not seem dedicated in structuring a positive, healthy educational environment to ensure the children will focus on their required academics, as oppose to whether they will survive a school day without being hurt emotionally and physically.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter came home the first day of school and told me that the Principal and Assistant Principal had an assembly with all of the students to talk about bullying and the consequences the students would receive if they participated in it. I have been to the Principal Chew & Chat and the Principal has addressed it there. She has been very clear in explaining that bullying will not be tolerated at Camp Allen. If students do not report it to their teacher or the administrators, how can the issue be addresses at school? I also know that students who are disruptive in their class are sent to another class on the same grade level so they can have a chance to get themselves back on track while they still get the benefit of instruction. I appreciate it that they are trying other alternatives to suspension.
—Submitted by a parent

Camp Allen should be called Camp Wonderful! My son's kindergarten teacher has been sent from Heaven. My daughter's 3rd Grade teacher gives more then 100% each day. We are blessed to have relocated to Norfolk. Thank you for making our transition easier.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is probably one of the worst schools my children have attended. They only get 15 mins. for recess. If you have a child with any type of disability, go to another school! The child will not get the attention or the tools necessary for their disability. The Principal ignored several requests from me about necessities for my child with a disability and it actually took 1 yr, a note from the DR and a Psychatrist to get the Principal to take action. Almost everyday last year one of my children came home complaining that a child had been bullying them at school and the teacher moved the child the first time, but after, told my child just to ignore the other child. I even went into the school, but nothing was done. There are some good teachers, but overall not a great environment for children.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attended the 07-08 school year and they were very unhappy and disappointed with the school. The school has a lot of bullying. The school does not offer any after school activities. The schools method of discipline was to send the misbehaved kids to another classroom. Camp Allen had a new Admin. and they really needed someone with experience. Parents can not be patient for the Principal to learn new methods of reconstructing the school when it involves their childrens education and safety. The office staff is very rude. The school also promotes silent lunch and does not allow for children to speak while in the waiting area before school. They also do not have a recess schedule to allow the children to socialize with friends. Elementary school needs to be a fun and healthy environment and my children did not receive it when they attended Camp Allen.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Camp Allen is a wonderful school. I have had the pleasure of being involved with this school for 13 years. The teachers and staff are very helpful. Last year a new Principal and Assitant principal came to Camp Allen they are trying to do wonderful things with the school. Parents need to be patients and remember to have an open mind.

This school lacks leadership. The school does not allow parent involvement. The parent involvement they want is at home not at school. They don't even like it if you try to walk your child to class or waiting area. If you are a military family do not expect any support from the school. There is too much bullying and very bad behavior in classrooms. My children say that bad behavior is handled by sending those kids to another classroom. The vice-principal is not friendly at all and never smiles or acknowledge parents with a good morning or afternoon, always a very stern upset look. The principal always with a fake smile and if you talk to her she does not listen to your point she already has an answer. This school is not a positive learning environment for children.
—Submitted by a parent