Duff Elementary School

3100 Lynnwood Drive

School District

Arlington Independent
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Arlington Independent School District

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 parent on October 17, 2023

No school is perfect. Teachers today are challenged with navigating an increasingly diverse population. I am a teacher and I know it is a tough job. I have had one child finish their elementary education here and I have another child still attending Duff. Both of my children display regression with regard to STAAR scores. Normally this would not bother me at all. This school instills fear over testing based on my experience. One grade level would not provide my child with individual positive feedback. When I pressed the issue, I found no support from admin and can echo what another parent says regarding administrative support. I sent multiple emails to the principal that were simply ignored. When I copy the higher up, district personnel they finally responded with a generic email. I wanted to love this school so much but I am not able to report many positive interactions. The music teacher is wonderful! His programs are amazing. The front office ladies are great as well. Y family has not had a positive experience with anyone else. This school is run like a prison. My child dropped a pencil out of her reach, asked (whispered) her classmate to hand it to her and then was reprimanded so severely she came home in tears. Admin does not care. They blindly support their teachers. I can appreciate backing your people up but you his school is more on the “good ole boy,” system. If you’re one of the good ole boys, you get the best. If you’re not? Too bad for you. As a teacher myself, I always wondered why special education students needed “positive reinforcement,” as an accommodation. It seems to me, as someone who feels called to teach neurodivergent learners, that positive reinforcement is the norm.This school taught me not all teachers agree. If it’s not in the IEP, they don’t positively reinforce student behavior. Apparently even if it is an accommodation in a students educational plan, they still may not get all that they need despite the myriad of financial resources they have. If you have the option, look elsewhere for an inclusive environment for your child.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2023

We love Duff! My children transferred to Duff after a less than stellar experience at another school. Duff has so much going on for students to be involved in, and the parent participation is impressive. The administration, staff, and teachers are all dedicated and helpful. My kids get the support they need to succeed and feel confident in themselves. They are learning and making friends. They are happy to go off to school every day and happy when I pick them up.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2021

I don’t like how the staff is they are rude and when something happens and you try to get a hold of the principal they never get back to you you either have to keep calling or send and email to get them but if you mention the district oh they will answer right then and there I just never like the school or staff. Ur my son wanted to go there
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2021

We have our 4th grader in this school and so far we can rate the school and teachers with an excellent grade. They also managed to succeed during pandemic harsh times and this tells us how dedicated and carrying these people are. I highly recommend this school if you are moving to this area.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2018

Every teacher encounter I have had has been excellent. The attitude of success is evident. Great school.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2017

Teachers are great. Administration actively discriminates against children with disabilities.
Submitted by other on February 01, 2017

I could not disagree more with the negative reviews of this school. We have had an amazing experience at Duff. The staff, both teachers and admin, are great. My son has improved so much in reading and math in the short time he has been there. I feel like he is very prepared for the next grade level. There is a very active PTA and many programs available to address your child's interests.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2016

Horrible! They don't open the front door for the children until 7:50am even if the weather is bad they will sit and stare at them. Very rude and condescending towards students of other ethnic backgrounds. I wouldn't suggest this school to parents if you don't have time to be front in center of PTA and all the in-crowd activities.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2015

Duff has the best environment for growth and development of our students. There is a thriving PTA with a ton of parent involvement, lots of fun and creative learning experiences, and many Duff traditions that foster school spirit. The teachers are caring and capable. The administrators are consistent and professional and focused.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2014

The teachers are amazing! My daughter has ADD and has a hard time keeping up with the teachers. Well her teachers come early twice a week to tutor her. Well there hard work payed off she passed the STAR test! Thank you Duff teachers for working so hard!
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2013

now have been at this school for our second year, was hoping for a shine of light this year, but still get parent letters dated a week later from teachers (check binder everyday) The staff is very rude, twice this year I have already encountered this within the first six weeks. The first time my daughter was late because our alarm didn't go off and I walked her in to get a tardy slip I got attitude for it and was told well you need to make sure she's on time everyday. First offense and duh!! isn't that the goal everyday, I had to bite my tongue, smile, and walk out. Second they lock all the doors to the school, and you have to ring the doorbell; yes I get doing it for safety but answer the door! I had a family emergency, rang the door bell multiple times with no answer, two teachers walked by and i knocked and got completely ignored!!! Finally a teacher opened the door and with massive attitude, she let me in and walked off, didn't even bother helping me. Also, I already know two families from last year that went else where and one that even went through the trouble of moving out of the school district to go somewhere else.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2011

Duff is a great elementary school. It's got a small neighborhood feel to it. Parents are very involved and the teachers are excellent.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2011

My daughter has been attending Duff for two years and she loves it! Kindergarten and first grade were fantastic years with super teachers and an incredible staff. We actually moved out of the area last year, but have gladly paid the transfer fee to keep her enrolled. The teachers, PTA, Duff Dad's group, and the other families have made the school so great. Please go check it out if you have any doubt. The principal and vice principal are wonderful and very welcoming. I think everything is there to help your children succeed.
Submitted by other on December 25, 2010

If you plan to enroll your kid from outside of Texas then try another school because when I attended this school they discriminated against me when I moved from Maryland to Texas. The discrimination I received was age discrimination.