Mcalpine Elementary

9100 Carswell Lane

School District

Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Charlotte-Mecklenburg 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 May 16, 2024

Our son is just about to complete the 2nd grade here at McAlpine. He has been at McAlpine since Kindergarten, so this is the end of our third year. Our son is doing very well in school. There is a friendly family atmosphere to the school where the staff and students seem to get on like a well oiled machine. The feedback loop has been strong with all 3 teachers we have had. They genuinely care and meet our child where he is, while also pushing him to be his best self. I do not get complaints from my child about name-calling, bullying, or other rude behaviors like happens at some of the other programs he attends (which are also well established programs)...I attribute this to the culture of this close knit school. The PTO goes above and beyond and coordinates fun fundraising events to help provide additional resources to the school. From the McAlpine Mile, to the Spring Fling, and more, there is a lot of cool tradition at the school. It is also limited in size because of the soccer fields out back and therefore will never have any trailers. The students are diverse and everyone is accepted. I've spent time volunteering in the classroom, at school events, and other places so I think I actually know the kids pretty well...and again, it's just such a warm environment. We wouldn't change a thing. We are very proud Eagles!
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2022

McAlpine has been a wonderful experience for my two children. It's smaller than surrounding schools, so the teachers and admin get to really know your child. Class sizes are smaller than average, and there isn't overcrowding. The younger grades get two recesses a day, which is great for energetic kids. The specials teachers are really great, especially the P.E. teacher, Ms. Davis. She's dedicated to making physical activity fun and goes above what's required of her position. There are some truly standout teachers that we've been lucky to have. We've also had a more average teacher, but I feel like that's the case at every school. If there are any problems or concerns, the admin team is approachable and helpful.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2021

If you value good communication with the school this is definitely a bad school. In my opinion a teacher must be attentive to the students, my daughter was not listened to, in 3 weeks my daughter got sick like I had never seen, the teacher and the principal did not give me feedback. My daughter was traumatized.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2019

Outstanding! We have 2 children at McAlpine, and this is our 4th year at the school -- our entire family has loved everything about McAlpine! I can't say enough great things about the principal & teachers. Children at McAlpine are made to feel like much more than just students -- they feel like part of a family and a close-knit community that cares, loves, and provides for each other. Parents at this school are extremely involved, and the PTO facilitates so many fun events throughout the year. From the supportive staff, caring teachers and involved PTO, each child truly does matter at McAlpine.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2018

My son has been a student at McAlpine since K and is now in 5th grade. We LOVE our school! It is smaller than others in the area and therefore has a family atmosphere. The teachers and staff are amazing and truly care about each child and their success. The school has excellent parent involvement and an extremely successful and supportive PTO that provides things like field trips, technology, books & supplies for the students. McAlpine is our FAMILY!!
Submitted by other on March 18, 2018

Teachers and staff are wonderful and very helpful.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2018

Excellent school. Excellent kids and committed teachers and admin
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2018

Both of my kids had great experiences at McAlpine. I was impressed by the amount of parent involvement in the PTA, classrooms, etc.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2018

Very good! Dedicated teachers and staff. Emphasis on learning
Submitted by other on February 07, 2018

my daughter has autism is in their AU class. From pre-k to 1st grade AND i have been extremely pleased with this school, the staff, EVERYTHING. Every teacher, counselor I've encountered... even the principal and vice principal are just amazing. they are caring and take a real hands-on approach to teaching and loving their students. my daughter loves going to school. Thanks McApline for taking care and educating my little one. YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2017

This school literally has caused our family more disruption than I could have ever imagined possible. All 3 of our children have been traumatized for life when it comes to school.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2016

Wonderful neighborhood school in the Ballantyne area that is working hard every day to achieve excellence. Kids are challenged, teachers are motivated, class sizes are small and the new Friday clubs offering Robotics/Lego, Drawing, Foreign Languages (French & Spanish), Gardening, Drama, Green Club, Chorus...etc are fantastic and not offered simply as outsourced after-school activities. We LOVE McAlpine!!! It's rated 9 here, but it should be a 10.
Submitted by teacher on November 19, 2015

McAlpine is a wonderful school with a true sense of community and family. Staff goes above and beyond to help students day to day and to support our families and staff. It's a wonderful place to be.
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2014

McAlpine is a warm, inviting school where all children are challenged. My third grader does things in math that blow my mind! His teacher works with small groups at their own level so all get what they need. At our previous south charlotte school, the high kids worked on their own because their test scores were secure. At McAlpine they care about teaching and challenging all children. It is refreshing!
Submitted by parent on March 19, 2014

In response to 03/17/2014 Post: My goodness, Woman, talk to your child. I have autism in my family. I can tell you that as soon as a mother gives up on the difficult task of communicating, the child suffers. Your comments insulting. I have always found the teaching staff at McAlpine among the most caring, loving and professional individuals I know.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2013

McAlpine is the BEST school I have even had my children enrolled in! The teachers are supportive, informative and fun. My Children are on fire for learning! I have one child who completed school there and is in the 8th grade, he loves going back to see his old teachers (my 4th and 2nd grade children still attend) The office staff is helpful and friendly. The environment at McAlpine is one of family and friendship. The children are happy and they thrive. This year a new Principal has come on board and I can't say I like or dislike her as I haven't gotten to know her. She has introduced herself every time she has seen me though and I find that very inviting. She also ended the AR tests (thank goodness! If you have an avid reader you will understand this) Parent involvement could be better but it is not horrible. We are moving at the end of this school year and I am sad to leave! I have recently considered homeschooling the children as we haven't found a school in the entire CMS system that has half the atmosphere. I have a step child who went to a 10 rated school in CMS and I would NEVER send my children to that "stuffy" school. McAlpine is a gem hidden away and kept secret!
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2013

McAlpine Elementary might be the best kept secret in Ballantyne, I had three children at this school. Last year was our first year and we fell in love. The level of engagement by the entire staff at this school and the caring about the children that attend has amazed us. We left an IB international school when we moved here, I was very worried about the adjustment, but it was without cause. The teachers here not only made the adjustment achievable, my oldest in 5th went from struggling student with a possible ADD diagnosis to the McAlpine Honor Roll. They had a 504 accommodation in place within 3 months to provide what he need for success. HIs confidence soared and so did his excitement about school work. This year I have a 4th and 2nd grader, and they have blossomed even more. I am continually amazed by the activities in learning that are presented and when I pick up my nine year old and he talks about all he has learned in the day I am speechless. Engaged doesn t begin to cover what is happening with these 4th graders. We have moved enough to know these numbers in the rating are just that, numbers. They do not reflect the experience your child will have. Thank You McA!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2013

This school is fantastic and deserves a higher rating than 7 for sure! The teachers are great and the new principal has brought some wonderful new energy that will surely enable McAlpine go from Very Good to Great. Excited for the year ahead.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

We enrolled our son from Dec 2012 and I must say that it is an excellent school that provides good training to students in a manner they enjoy. They have a balance of learning, field trips and fun. My son loves going to school everyday. The teachers are very dedicated and students love Mr Ashley
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2013

Two years in McAlpine so far an it's been a great experience. The teachers are dedicated and really care. Principle Saxton is a very involved, energetic leader who is able to connect with the children. Communication with parents is good and parents are greatly encouraged to get involved in a variety of ways.