Pioneer Elementary School

When we moved to Arlington, we did allot of research on the schools. Pioneer came up as one of the better ones, yet it's an affordable area (a rare combination). We've lived here 3 years now. Both my kids attend Pioneer and we are very happy. The school is well run, and all of their teachers so far have been excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

I was so happy to be moving into such a 'great' school zone. I think it is horrible that the WASL scores go by % at basic level!!! Basic?! I thought the schools scores were great until I realized this. The teachers seem to shoot for 'basic' skills and nothing more. I want at least proficient from my son. My son went from proficient and advanced to basic level at this school. He was a GATE student as well which tells me that they were only teaching basic skills. The only good thing about this school is the brainteasers GATE program.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the best! Both my daughters love it and I as a parent do also. The teachers have all been way higher than my expectations and the Principal always goes above and beyond. Keep up the great work Pioneer.
—Submitted by a parent

I would seriously have to agree with the parent who discussed the snobby kids and parents. We live in Gleneagle and have found oursleves very suprised about the superiority complex that shows itself in the children. When these instances arise we use it as an opportunity to teach our children a sad lesson about life and people. That being said, my children's experiences at Pioneer have been mostly positive. The staff is wonderful and for the most part we're very at home at Pioneer.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel truly blessed to have my kids attend this school. I cannot say even one bad thing about it. All of the teachers are so accepting of every child and truly have the childs best interest at heart. The principal has been a pleasure to work with and I only see things getting better (if that is possible). This school has an extremely high parent participation which adds to this already wonderful learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

We recently moved to Arlington seeking a better life for our children. Pioneer has lived up to our expectations. Our teacher this year has been phenomenal. We have not seen anything alarming our first year here. Next year we will have children in kindergarten and second grade. We are looking forward to the upcoming year. The school has additional playground equipment for the next year which the children are excited about. They also love learning about nature at the wetlands. I'm also pleased that my daughter is challenged. At her previous school her high performance was overlooked, here at pioneer they have worked with her to help her excel.
—Submitted by a parent

At first I was nervous about the high goals that are set for the children but then I found out that everybody is comitted to help the kids reach their goals. I am glad they want the kids to aim high. There is also a high priority set on self-esteme for the kids & getting along with each other. Love this school! Best school in area. PTSA can be a little clicky but aren't they all(most of the parents are just awesome).
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to Pioneer for 2nd and 3rd grade. The teachers and staff were great but the snobby kids...beware! There is a bully problem most likely brought about by the snobbish parents who live in Gleneagle. I've actually heard these people say that it's 'like' a private school since it is located in the Gleneagle neighborhood. I would recommend any other Arlington Elementary school unless you want your child exposed to 'clicks' early.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Pioneer for Kindergarten this past year (2005-2006) and loved it. He had a wonderful teacher who was nurturing and truly cared about each individual student. The staff was friendly and parents were very involved. The only issue I had was with the Kindergarten class schedule. My son was in a Monday, Wednesday, and sometimes Friday schedule. I was hoping for more consistency.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is great for the most part, however, this year (2005-2006) will be the real test. The office staff is awesome, but this year they will be very busy taking up slack for the non-existent school nurse. The district better pull their heads out and get this squared-away. Like I said, it's a great school, but the bugs need to be ironed out.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended this school for a little over half of her kindergarten year (2004-2005). My daughter was singled out by a classroom volunteer, and was yelled at in front of the other children. The Vice (asst.) Principal told me that 'the volunteers do not talk to the children that way' & after a few more nasty words to my daughter, her Kindergaten teacher told me that this volunteer 'knew she had a language problem' The staff chose to do nothing about the volunteer, and I had to transfer my child. This is not a nurturing learning environment for children. The school is relatively new, and has 1 tiny playground. (this is important) The parents are required to do most of the actual 'teaching' with packets of homework sent out with kindergarteners. Pioneer does have a great library. my advice? pick a different school.
—Submitted by a parent

Pioneer is an excellent school! Teachers are passionate about learning. Parents play a very active role both in the school and at home. The PTSA is very involved. The administration is very visible and involved with the students on a daily basis. The school has a solid reading program. Overall, expecations are high and kids are risng to the challenge!
—Submitted by a parent