Arthur Jacobsen Elementary School

Aj has a great staff from the Principal who is always willing to listen to ideas and feed back, attents PTSA meetings, and is a visual fixture in the school to the teachers, learning specialists, and support staff. Aj takes a proactive whole child approach to learning, from a healthy lunch program, to computer lab and outdoor time, they have a healthy ballance between enrichment and academics, the staff and parents seem friendly and happy as do students. The PTSA is active and involved with family movie nights, popcorn sales, and art programs. Classes offer groups and or resources for all levels and they have programs for those with language or reading barriers as an example. We were also pleased to see the positive ideas Aj works hard to promote a positive school enviornment, with assemblies, student work in the halls, special rewards for citizenship, and constaint contact via email and handouts. Aj is a newer school and probably still forming its identity but the staff seems to be working hard to make Aj a great school, you can see there pride. As parents we feel so positive about our child being at Aj and look forward to many more years.
--Submitted by a parent

The ECE teacher is a miracle worker and I am really glad we were able to have her. The Principal is awful. Disrespectful to teachers, parents and students. If parents request a teacher, he will purposely not put the student in the requested class. No assemblies at this school, they take away from learning. The PTA tried but has fallen apart because of a lack of support from administrators. This Principal said there wasn't time to focus on science or other "enrichment activities" because of the cultural and language challenges facing the school. AJ has a very military-like feel to it. Students aren't smiling the halls and teachers monitor the halls like prison guards. A very negative place to go to school.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school I couldn't be happier with the teachers and principle. My daughters grades and outlook have improved since transferring her from the kent district
--Submitted by a parent

Principal not concerned about the kids, poor communicator, and does not have respect of the staff.
--Submitted by a parent