Armatage Elementary School

2501 West 56th Street

School District

Minneapolis Public School Dist.
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Minneapolis Public School Dist.

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 March 18, 2024

The school has great communication and the staff are all amazing!
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2022

We moved to Armatage as part of the CDD and have found the community much more welcoming than at our previous school. The teachers have been amazing and dedicated and my child has shown so much growth on all levels after the weirdness of the pandemic. The teachers and administration have been completely available for communication. My child looks forward to attending school every day and has developed great relationships with both peers and teachers, as well as thriving academically. I also love how supportive and caring the school is, from the top down. The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges, from SEL to academic issues, combined with the change of the CDD, I have seen and experienced firsthand how hard everyone at Armatage has been working to help support the students and meet them where they need help. I cannot recommend the experience we have had at Armatage enough.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2022

What an awesome place! My kindergartener is thriving. Not only is he excited to learn the fundamentals, he is also learning to be independent and socially confident. I know that meeting the unique needs of the whole child is a priority for this school, and I can see it happening. The principal knows each child by name and (as far as I can tell) every parent's name too. Our teacher communicates with us frequently. She's bringing out the best in our child. I'm so glad we chose this school!
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2022

My fifth grader has been attending Armatage since kindergarten and my second grader since preK. They are thriving in the supportive learning environment. My older kid started out less confident in math and her teachers have built her up to grade level and challenging work beyond. My younger kid’s preK and K teacher set her up with great reading skills - miraculous considering we were in remote learning for half of preK and all of K. We have never had a bad experience with a teacher there - most are experienced educators who have been at Armatage many years. Art, music, and gym specialists all go above and beyond for the kids. When my kiddos needed speech services, they were able to get great support. Communication from school leadership is consistent and clear. We see Principal Searl at pick up every afternoon and at school events. There a very active PTA and lots of parent involvement.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2017

My son accelerates at math and reading and we have been very fortunate to have teachers that can accommodate advanced learners and provide extra work at his level to keep him engaged. Parental involvement is encouraged and appreciated. Emphasis placed on peers helping peers, too.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2017

My third-grader transferred to Armatage from Kenny after we had a disastrous experience there. Within the first three weeks, his teacher was coming to me with concerns about his writing when at Kenny his issues were considered classroom control issues. Now, we have a good plan in place, and we're confident my "Advanced Learner" can actually thrive. I cannot say enough good things about our experience so far.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2016

Our 2 kids went through Armatage Montessori. I can't say enough about the incredible teachers at this school. Our two kids had very different personalities and academic abilities and I feel that they both had their needs met and were pushed to do their best. I wasn't necessarily drawn to Montessori in my school search, but I like how it's used in the classrooms and teaching style. I always call it "Montessori Light" because I don't think they are able to follow the style as closely as a private school can - this is still a Minneapolis Public School and they have to operate within the district guidelines. But the teachers all go through the Montessori certification program which is pretty rigorous from what I can tell. Both of our kids were very well prepared going in to middle school. I have heard from a few parents who felt that Armatage wasn't the best place for their kids with special needs or learning disabilities. I can't speak to that, but it does concern me and it's something to be aware of. Also, I was always disappointed that the class sizes were not kept smaller, but that's not a fault of the school. Overall, we were very happy with our experience at Armatage.
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2014

We sent our daughter to the pre-k program last year, but lasted only about a week. Prior to the program, our daughter was tremendously excited about starting "real school," and and both my husband and myself thought Armatage seemed like a stimulating, nurturing environment. Unfortunately, when we picked her up after the first day she seemed very withdrawn, and that night started crying and saying that both teacher Connie and the aide yelled a lot -- not at her but at others. The next day she came home crying, saying that the aide was yelling at her this time and telling her to get on the bus, when in fact we were to pick her up. My daughter had been through other programs before and now since, and has always loved her teachers, so I do believe this was "over and above." We decided to remove her after she continued to break down upon being brought to school -- it was heartbreaking to see her go from excited to discouraged in such a short time, and have her first entree into school be so miserable for her. Yelling at the preschool level seems highly unnecessary. She went to another program and thrived. Perhaps Armatage isn't the best fit for a more sensitive child.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2013

We selected this school because of the "work at your own pace" philosophy, however, the work is just not challenging for above average and motivated kids. Yes the parents are involved but very cliquey. If you're not an upper middle class white family, forget about it, your views aren't welcome. God forbid you have a disability. The principal is difficult to deal with. This might be a great school if you are white, upper middle class and have kids of average abilities. Anybody else should look elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2012

Our family has been extremely happy with Armatage! We have had 1 girl graduate and the 2nd is starting her last year. The Montessori style of education really teaches critical thinking and accountability. My eldest daughter credits her time at Armatage for her success in middle school and feels she has an edge at organizing and is confident due to the Montessori technique. The teachers are smart and caring, the parents are involved and inclusive, and the building is safe with all doors locked and a camera at the entrance. My experience with the principal, Joan Franks is that she listens, cares, and runs a "tight ship."
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2011

I have a Kindergartener and fourth grade student in this school. I agree with the other reviewers that the teachers and parental involvement in this school is amazing and what makes it a very special place. The administration has done an excellent job in creating and nurturing a calm and creative working environment for all students. We are very fortunate to have such a great school in Southwest Minneapolis.
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2010

We have a Kindergatener at this school. The teachers are fantastic, engaged, energetic. The principal is delightful. The parental involvement with this school is amazing - nothing bad to say. Wonderful place.Montessori also allows your child to grow at their own pace and can excel past 'normal' grade level standards. Also is helpful for children who may be a bit behind in some areas because everyone is working on their own projects and work.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2007

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