John Allen School

2560 Towner Boulevard

School District

Ann Arbor Public Schools
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by other on May 23, 2021

I loved this school and all but when I went there during 3rd grade I would be bullied and the teachers just told me to be nice to them I wasnt even being mean to them I really enjoyed art but the music teacher is very strict. I found alot of life long friends that one of the teacher helpers set me up with over all this school is pretty great the bullying and a few teachers are the problem but I havent been there for a while
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2018

We have had a wonderful experience at Allen. This year we have 1 in K and 1 in 2nd so we are several months into our 3rd year at Allen. Both children like the school and have made great progress in their reading through their Title 1 tutor. (So thankful.) Our 2nd grader has multiple food allergies and the school has been wonderful at working together to make sure that he is safe and included, though we do work together to make sure that happens and that it is not a factor for any disruptions. I am sad to see Mrs. Beal (principal) leave this year but everyone is so wonderful there that I'm hopeful things will remain great regardless of who the next principal is. So far we love the school so much that we don't even want to move anywhere that would be too far for us to drive to Allen. :-)
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2016

We love Allen School. Our first grader is having a wonderful experience so far. The K/1 teachers are all kind and enthusiastic. The art teacher (mentioned negatively in another review) is very process based rather than product based, so although our son doesn't bring home outstanding creations, he transformed from an art hater to an art lover within weeks of starting Kindergarten. We think she's a miracle worker. Overall, there is a real community feel here and we are very happy at Allen.
Submitted by other on June 10, 2015

Allen is a good school situated in a middle class neighborhood. There is not much bullying here. Kids here do have their hard times as in any other school. There are many lower income families who bring children here for better education. Nothing much remarkable stands out. Bringing the status to focus school has helped bring the quality of education up. Teachers are making visible effort to help students progress. They have a new gym teacher who has brought change to PT which kids like. Art teacher is mediocre. If you want your kids to bring home something fantastic then look somewhere else. Media is good. New principal still needs to make a big impact. PTO is a closed group who don't like change. You can attend meetings, may be say things, but ultimately it is 4 or 5 people who will decide everything.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2013

My twins are now entering 1st grade. We moved back into the Ann Arbor district specifically for the kids to attend Kindergarten at this school. We have so far been delighted with our experience. Great level of communication between teachers and parents. Responsive and caring attitude to the needs of my children as individuals. Involved parents, well-adjusted kids. We love the diversity of cultures and the open and friendly atmosphere overall. Test scores here are higher than some other area schools with higher "Great school scores," despite many students coming in with English as a second language. We are very happy to be a part of this school and I recommend it!
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2013

We attended Allen for 1 year. My daughter got hurt twice in gym class. The gym teacher leaves the kids alone while she goes into her office. I tried to tell the office this but I was ignored. My daughter got her lip busted open when her and another child bumped into each other, they were completely unsupervised. It happen on many occasions. The rest of the faculty was amazing but I did not like being ignored when I came to my childs safety.
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2012

I was very nervous about sending my kids to school but Allen has been great. I'm always impressed with the whole staff. The people who work here really seem to enjoy it. There are lots of smiles and friendly words. My kids enjoy all their teachers and the lunchroom monitors. I am quite happy here.
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2012

My son has attended Allen Elementary School for 2 years (3d and 4th grades) and this experience could not be better. Believe me, I am a demanding parent; but I agree with every single word in the April 1, 2012 post. We are moving from Ann Arbor this summer and I consider leaving the schools our biggest lost. I wish I found a school of this level and this quality in our new place; and I wish every kid in this country would attend a school like ALLEN !
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2012

One of my two children attended Allen K - 5 and this experience still remains her favorite and she is now in 7th grade. Many of the wonderful teachers @ Allen are considered 2nd and 3rd "mothers" to this day. Our youngest 2nd child is in first grade and loving her experience as well. My husband and I are hesitant to ever leave the Allen community because of the wonderful success our two daughters have experienced. The diversity, discipline, strong curriculum, and sense of community Allen brings to its students and families has us committed to stay for as long as we possibly can Thank you Allen Staff!.