Washington Elementary School

425 Highland Avenue

School District

Fayetteville
Grade

K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Fayetteville 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 June 30, 2015

Washington is a special place. In a town where we have seen neighborhood schools turned into super-sized schools, Washington remains the smallest (approx. 300 students) school in the district. It is common to see students walk to school, walk to downtown field trip events, and walk to after school activities at Wilson Park. Washington enjoys the support and resources of its active parent base, the University of Arkansas, and the Downtown district. The students are racially and economically diverse, and the school focuses on compassion, leadership, and conflict resolution as tools to navigate diversity.
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2015

All three of my children attend Washington, and we're very happy with our experiences here. I think Washington is the smallest elementary school in Fayetteville, which means that the principal and most teachers know your child personally here. The school offers numerous chances for parents to volunteer, both during the day and after school. The school is located in the "professor neighborhood," so local university professor parents (of which I'm one) often volunteer to teach in their specialty. The PTO is very involved, and because the school is right down town, it offers really fun and unusual fund raisers -- tours of historic downtown homes, and parking for Bikes Blues and Barbeque -- which means no selling candy bars. Every time I go in the school and see how organized, calm, on-task, and HAPPY the teachers manage to keep their classes, I'm again appalled at the ways some politicians attack teachers (we moved here from Scott Walker's Wisconsin). We love Ms. McLarty, Ms. Brown, and all the teachers at Washington.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2015

This is hands down the best school in the area. The principal not only knows every student by name, but she knows every family. Each teacher takes the time to truly understand what the children are passionate about and strives to help them explore, experience, learn, and grow. One of my bunch started school with low test scores and a severe distaste for reading. Her teacher would not give up and kept introducing her to new ways to try things. A new book was sent home every few days for her to try until she finally found one that she liked. She has not stopped reading since. The councilor is the nicest, most caring person I have ever met. She goes the extra mile to really make sure each child is having a positive experience. She has set up some Fantastic community programs to include not only the students but the families as well. The students are taught responsibility for not only their selves and their school, but for their community and their Fellow man. They don't just get a first class education, the get amazing life skills.
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2015

We have two kids at Washington. We've been thrilled to watch them grow into better people year after year after immersion in the diverse and caring community at this school. The after school clubs are incredible—kids can stay until 4:30 and learn about everything from gardening to drumming to tumbling to journalism. This is a school and a community worth being passionate about.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2015

Have 2 elementary age children in this school, and had 100% positive interaction with faculty and staff here. My daughter just graduated from Washington elementary with honors, which speaks highly of the teaching staff in this school. I am proud for my children to be a part of the experience at Washington.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2015

We just finished our fourth year at this school, only one remaining. I have been amazed at the teachers and staff, how they care and go out of their way to meet the kids needs and create family involvement. Both of my kids have learned and grown, the smaller school environment has benefited them greatly.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2015

Our son just finished 2nd Grade at Washington Elementary. It was a great year!!! We love Washington and have enjoyed watching our son grow. What a great community of teachers, staff and parents. Can't wait for next year. Go Wildcats!!!
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2015

We've been "Washington parents" for four years now -- our eldest just graduated and our youngest just finished first grade -- and we have been very happy with this school in almost every way. Our kids loved their teachers, made great friends, blossomed academically, and always felt safe and secure. Further, as parents we found that the teachers and administrators were always responsive whenever we did have questions or concerns; both the principal and especially the vice-principal are outstanding. We also valued the diversity of the Washington community, which creates a rich context for learning and growing in ways that can't be measured by tests. I've recommended this school to many friends, and so far they've all been very happy with it too.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2015

If we could choose any elementary in Fayetteville for our kids, we would still choose to send them to Washington. We absolutely love the teachers and the administration. You can tell they always have the best interests of our kids in mind. We also really love the incredible diversity of students and feel that our kids are much better off in life having been friends and classmates with children from many different backgrounds.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2015

A wonderful community! We have two children at Washington Elementary and our experience has been tremendous. Every teacher and every staff members knows every kid, and many of the parents know most! We are tight-knit but also diverse ... drawing from the highest and lowest socioeconomic status neighborhoods in the city. The resulting mix of kids makes them all better human beings. The PTO runs a vibrant and unique after-school enrichment program, the school counselor and others run family nights that are so cool, the staff welcome help and suggestions, and they get a lot of it. Cannot be happier than to be part of this family.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2015

Washington is a warm and welcoming neighborhood school. Nurturing, energetic teachers, friendly administration, an active PTO that develops great after-school programming. Thrilled to be wildcats!
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2015

We are a dual PhD household with now a second child entering the Washington Elementary school. We have been extremely happy with the professionalism and care of the school teachers, administrators, and staff. We appreciate the diversity (economic and racial) as well as the commitment to maintain a healthy balance between academic, social, and emotional growth in the students. I volunteer each week, and I have seen first hand the amazing energy and dedication of the faculty and staff of Washington elementary. I cannot imagine a more caring set of educators.
Submitted by other on June 04, 2015

We have had a great experience at Washington! We don't even live in the district, but I transferred both of my kids to WES because of the fantastic atmosphere, teachers, and opportunities. My son and daughter have never been happier than they are at Washington. The school is a diverse community, the staff and teachers are loving and warm, the historic building is unique and full of personality. Your kids are treated like individuals, and truly receive what they need. 5 stars from this mom!
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2015

The staff at Washington is amazing! They truly care about students and their well being- not just a test score. They work in many ways to ensure students are succeeding in not only school grades and academics but in life skills and issues as well.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2015

All I can say is if your child is handicapped. Do lots of drop ins. I did.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2015

We transfered our son to washington this year. He has ADD and is in 3rd grade. He has been to three different schools in the area. Washington has been THE BEST. Very supportive and actually adhere to the 504 program. Not sure why so many bad ratings...maybe they haven't tried the other local schools? -mom in fayetteville
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2014

Great sense of community and strong leadership. My son has attended K-3 so far and we have had a wonderful experience. Small class size allows for individual attention. Teachers are well trained and very concerned with each individual. They work hard to integrate parents into every aspect of your child's education. Parents are always welcome on field trips and invited to holiday events. Teachers answer emails promptly and will often give you same day or same hour attention. We have had a wonderful experience!!
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2014

Very pleased with our experience. One of the smaller schools in town so everyone seems to know your child.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2014

Our two kids are in their second years at Washington Elementary School, and we could not be happier with this amazing place. In one sense, I hesitate to leave this review because it feels like the bizarrely low rating on this site helps keep it a well-kept secret -- reasonable class sizes, no bullying whatsoever, brilliant teachers, and administrators who just "get it." The school is completely unlike a few of the socioeconomically segregated schools in town; we were at one of these for a while, and it was a cloistered experience. Since Washington. offers open enrollment, it's a wonderful cross-section of kids of every background. They do a great job of accommodating kids moving at different paces. There's a strong volunteer culture, so nearly every class has a few UA professors coming in each week to teach small groups. And if a kid is acting up, it's not "bad kid" -- it's, "let's figure out what's bothering this kid and support her together." Truthfully. It seems impossible, but somehow they've instilled this in every single student. Just a great place to send our kids.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2013

We love our small close-nit school. The teachers really care about the students and have really helped my sons feel good about school.