Van Arsdale Elementary School

7535 Alkire Street

School District

Jeffco Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
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 parent on August 13, 2024

A new principal starting in 2023 has really been detrimental. Her approach was to jump in and make immediate changes, which in my opinion created confusion and stretched herself thin. For example- there is an issue with parking lot flow. It is a flawed lot and would probably need to expand to make it better. She opened up the area used for bus drop off and created an anxiety inducing safety hazard that added more points of entry and exits that reduce traffic flow. Not well thought through and has made the problem worse.At the beginning of the year our child needed extra help after missing a large portion of the year with a serious medical condition. She brushed off our highly advised attempt for an IEP before the year started, which delayed our child four months of getting the help she needed.Our child’s celiac was not properly handled in the classroom. There were concerning practices by her teacher that year. Communication with that teacher lacked.Next year, the principal sent out an email the WEEK before school started to let us know fifth grade classroom size would be 29!! She failed to hire a teacher and brought class size from 21 to 29. We were not allowed the time to find a new school with acceptable class size. Our children will not get their needs met with such large classrooms. The teachers will get burnt out with the added weight.There’s been other head scratching changes that have left teachers confused. The principal’s short body of work has been a failure. Our two children have had their education stunted and we are left filling in the gaps at home. It’s been a sharp drop of quality from the prior principal to the current. The school district needs to intervene.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2022

This school has that fantastic neighborhood feel that you want for your kids. It really is a community. My children have had exceptional teachers who really care about their growth as human beings in addition to academics and social & emotional learning. I would love to see more after-school sports and activities provided on-site so kids can participate in that low-pressure, welcoming setting.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2022

I cannot say enough good things about Van Arsdale! I have 2 children that attend this school and am so thankful for the community that the school creates. My kids love learning and I believe it is because of the amazing and talented teaching staff, support staff and leadership.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2018

Amazing school, awesome staff, and wonderful principal.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2017

Our daughter is in kindergarten at Van Arsdale and our experience so far has been fantastic. Principal Chapla is very involved, energetic, and clearly has a great rapport with the teachers, which is so important. Mrs. Winn has been an engaging kindergarten teacher who brings fun, creativity but also good structure to the classroom. She has also been a great communicator about our daughter’s learning and has shown flexibility and openness when figuring out her sometimes challenging behavior. I have spoken to many parents in the neighborhood who have great things to say about the vast majority of teachers. Also, the PTSA puts on super events throughout the year and there are many affordable extra-curricular options after school.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2017

Van Arsdale is like a breath of fresh air compared to other schools we have attended out-of-state. The principal is fantastic and the teachers are kind, supportive and willing to help. The school offers a number of clubs directly or house third-party organizations that afford many different experiences before and after school.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2017

We have had multiple children attend this school and they have had multiple teachers, K-6. Our overall experience has been very positive. There is a strong commitment to learning and growth and the expectations are high. Class sizes vary, but they are usually on the lower end. The teachers seem to be on the same page and spend quite a bit of time meeting and training on current best practice teaching. The emphasis changes from year to year (math, writing, etc.), which may be in response to changing test scores? From presentations we have seen, the test scores are currently high, which can make it tough to show growth (current buzz word in education) when you are already high. Our kids have enjoyed all of their teachers. They all have different approaches, personalities, and styles, but that's the real world. Learning to work with a variety of personality types is a great life skill. Homework has varied greatly depending on the grade level, but it's rarely been "too much". If anything, too little. Would love to see more "old school" spelling lists, math facts, etc. There is currently a nice balance of experienced and new teachers. The PTSA group is very active and supportive. They hold several fun events during the year and try not to overwhelm with fundraising. The building is bright, clean, welcoming, and full of beautiful student artwork. The Art-PE-Music team do a nice job teaching skills but also keeping it fun. They have a successful Instrumental Music program for the upper grades (5th and 6th) and outside groups frequently offer after school programs. The Before/After school care program always has lots of kids in there, but we didn't have any direct experience with them. The support staff (office, paras, etc.) have been friendly and helpful in our experience. Bottom line? We have been pleased with our choice to send our kids to Van Arsdale. We feel they were/are being well prepared for future schooling and we would definitely recommend the school to others.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2016

This school is outstanding! The classrooms and curriculum are developmentally appropriate and instruction is individualized/diversified to meet the needs of students. The teachers, staff and principal are kind and friendly, and the students follow suit. It's a wonderful place to send your children.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2016

VanArsdale is a very welcoming community of teachers, staff, parents and students. We have 2 children and have been at VA for 4 years. The principal and teachers are very professional, approachable and easy to talk to about concerns or questions. They help students achieve their potential by tailoring to their educational needs. This is by either providing more challenging work when needed or by providing extra help when necessary. We have many good resources at VanArsdale, and up to date technologies. The PTSA is very supportive and provides many opportunities for the students. Overall, VanArsdale is exactly what I'd hoped for in an elementary school for my kids.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2016

We've been at this school for 6 years now. My kids have had some great teachers who have gone above and beyond to help them. The school has numerous after and before school programs and activities. The new principle Ms. Chapla is well liked by the students, is a great mediator and is easy to speak with. The school experienced the loss of some good teachers and had a couple of mediocre leaders a few years back but seems to be organized and has evened out. There are some really great and helpful parents here but too many of the parents do not participate in the school community. I would like to see an increase of parent participation. I think that would make up the difference between and good vs great school. I’m not sure why the score is so low here as the test scores seem to be in line with other, better rated schools. While I would like to see their scores improve I am glad that they do not focus on teaching to the test. This makes for happier kids. I would also like to see more interactive work vs worksheet work and more or longer recesses, though this is a district standards issue.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2014

If you want your child to learn, stay far, far away from this school! I have a long history with this school and can tell you, VanArsdale was among the greatest. Their time has past. They refuse to really look at what is best practices and student achievement continues to suffer. They need to take a long, hard look at themselves and make some difficult decisions. A few years ago, the VanArsdale community was told they were going to be placed on academic watch due to the lack of student achievement. Test scores continually go down. And somehow the watch never happened. This school has been swept under the carpet. Do yourself and your child a favor and look elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2013

Van Arsdale has something most schools are lacking these days - a sense of pride. Not only are the teachers exceptional in communicating curriculum, they are also instilling qualities such as kindness, respect, endurance and friendship in our children. Open communication is a focus here from the top down. Any parent can use their voice at PTSA and Vault to make concerns known. In then end I dont just want my kids to receive an education, but to also feel safe and respected while doing so. If you are looking for an exceptional elementary education look no further than Van Arsdale!
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

This is our second year at Van Arsdale. My son had a wonderful Kindergarten experience. Even with a relatively large class, his teacher and aide were amazing. They immediately gained the kids' respect (and parents) and were able to effectively teach children with varying social and academic abilities. This year brought initial concerns with class size. I now appreciate the position our principal was in as she made difficult decisions (in my opinion correct decisions) on school staffing given district budget constraints. My son's class has a dedicated and optimistic teacher and a full-time aide. The principal is an advocate for the school and students that attend this school. This is her second year at VA, and she wants to help VA be the best school it can be. VA has a great community feel with active parents and open communication among principal, staff and parents. Most importantly, though, my son loves going to school each day and always has positive things to say about his day.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2013

This school is strong in literacy but at the expense of other subjects. The curriculum is not well rounded. The teachers we have had seem to be going through the motions and seem to be sending children to the office all of the time.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2013

I think this is one of the best elementary schools in Jefferson County! The teachers and staff always go above and beyond to support the students. I am very fortunate that my daughter goes to Van Arsdale. Keep up the good work! :-)
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2013

I feel very lucky to have 3 children at this school. We've not been 100% happy with one teachers organization/ tidiness but have had great communication and an abundance of support from all of their teachers. Each class has at least 20 children. I'm grateful that teachers are not taking time away from 20 or so children to focus on one "outside the box" child. There are specialty schools for those children that are "outside the box" and I really find it appropriate for the staff to focus on the curriculum without taking away from the 20 plus children to suit the needs of one. I feel our children are in very capable hands and in an environment that is preparing them for success in middle school, high school and higher education. There's a reason there is a wait list for open enrollment. This is an amazing school with an amazing staff.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2013

Not impressed and considering charter/private. This school lacks communication and consistensy. If your child isn't a self starter, good luck! Class sizes are too big and parent concerns and suggestions are not taken seriously. Staff is mediocar with a few good ones in the mix.
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2012

I am not a big fan of this school. My kids have had some mediocre teachers and then been lucky to have some great teachers. I was happy to see a change with the principal but I'm very disappointed with the interim principal. You can walk right past the front office into the school mainly due to the fact the women in the office like to sit around and gossip all day. The PTSA is more geared towards stay at home moms with meetings during the day and the school website is fair to poor at best. Communication is very much lacking from this school.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2012

pros- great literacy program. Kids who attend here generally come from professional, upper middle class families so the peer expectation is to be fairly serious about school and homework. My son has attended from 2nd - 6th. He had 1 FABULOUS teacher, one mediocre teacher, 2 above average teachers. and this years teacher seems great. He has learned to write very well and to read with a lot of critique skills. cons- Math program is weak over all and not differentiated. Kids who attend here generally come from professional, upper middle class families so peer expectation is to have the latest electronics, wear name brands, be a jock. There is a lot of keeping up with the Joneses and new kids are labled as such (new) and are not welcomed in to the cliques. Also, there is an interim principal (like her!) as the previous one left and hopefully the new one next year will provide more solid leadership. If your child has any special ed learning needs think twice about Van Arsdale.