Arapaho Classical Magnet

1300 Cypress Drive

School District

Richardson Independent
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Richardson 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 other on August 20, 2024

I just graduated from here and I have to say, this school is wonderful, no questions asked. However, the teachers treat house leaders as if they are always right and can do nothing wrong but other than that this school is great!
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2022

With three kiddos enrolled, 2022 will be our fifth year as an ACM family. In our experience, the entire (teaching, admin, and facility) staff have all been top notch. I'm not sure if this is normal in most schools, but I feel as if the teachers advocate for our students. They care about each student's academic and emotional development, with the goal of helping them reach their potential. Our youngest child has already expressed a love for ACM and her teacher, and comes home excited to share details about her school day.We have (at least) one ADHD student. I'd say that our communications with the school around our child's needs have been exceptional. When putting a 504 plan in place, the staff/teachers really took the time to understand how the diagnosis presents in our child and to implement strategies in the classroom that would be helpful (to everyone). As each teacher has gotten to know our student, I would say that their collective wisdom has been effectively passed along to subsequent teachers each year (knock on wood!). We are so grateful knowing that the entire ACM family is there to work with us through challenges as they come up.One cool thing that the school does is incorporate a "house" system within the school. (Just like Harry Potter's 4 houses). Students are sorted into a house in Kindergartern, and that becomes their house for their remaining time at ACM. It's a creative way for students to develop spirit and school pride, as well as facilitate friendships with students from other grades. The houses compete against each other for House Points, which can be earned by demonstrating the school's foundational values.I'll close by saying that the common theme that connects all aspects of this school is pride. The parents, staff, and students all seem to take pride in themselves, each other, and the community that has been built here.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2021

Diverse, innovative, creative, and unique! This school does a wonderful job of creating community within the school by the use of a house system and the students feel loved and cared for. Recently, they introduced a Theatre/Media Arts elective for all students and it is wonderful! I have two students that attend ACM in kindergarten and 2nd grade and I wouldn't want them to go anywhere else. Another review referenced uniforms which are navy bottoms and a red top, which are easily found and not expensive. I've found that uniforms enforce a culture of equality and it's definitely nice not to worry about what to wear every morning.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2020

The higher ups such as principals and counselors believe the kids who are in a leadership position such as a peer mediation member or club leader even if they are bullying many kids. Believes the leadership kids are superior and can do no harm. Also, an expensive, rare uniform is required which puts many low income families at a disadvantage. The teachers resort to extremes if a kid has transferred from elsewhere or if they haven't learned effective classwork and homework strategies. Extreme bullying in this particular school and throughout the whole district. 10/10 would NEVER recommend.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2018

10 out of 10, such a wonderful community and school!
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2015

Both our kids have attended ACM their entire K-6. We are moving out of state and out of the neighborhood and will miss our ACM family so much!!! Teachers are caring and devoted, parents involved and active and you won't find a better example of diversity at its best. It is a true Magnet attracting families that really care and participate in thier children's education. Thank you ACM staff and parents for giving our children such a strong foundation to build upon in thier lives.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2014

I has my kids in a montessori school since babies and was a not sure about the public education. So happy we got into ACM where the kids go and come from school happy and exited. Amazing group of teachers, staff,PTA and a very involve principal that contributes and promotes a positive , healthy learning environment .
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2014

I cannot say enough about this school. We have 2 kids here and the school is amazing! Every day I pick up my kids from school and ask how their day was, they answer with "awesome". The teachers, principals, and parents cannot be beat. The opportunities my kids have been able to experience with enrichment, REACH, specialized learning groups, etc has been wonderful and they have soared. This is a private education for free. My only regret is that we have to move out of state and I am distraught that we have to leave this school that we love. Go Falcons!
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2013

ACM has had its share of obstacles to overcome over the past 10 years. The current school is the result of a merger between a small neighborhood school and a large, diverse magnet school. The current principal, Nelwyn Shows, has been in place for about five years now, and this school just gets better and better each year. The quality of the faculty, the extracurricular opportunities, the parent involvement ... all are unmatched, in my opinion. My daughter completed her seventh year at ACM last year, and now she is in junior high. Her time at ACM gave her a solid foundation, taught her how to balance her life both academically and socially, and prepared her for many future successes. As a parent, I have poured my heart and soul into this school, and I have been rewarded tenfold. I can't imagine a better elementary school experience for my children.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2013

We moved from Frisco ISD to RISD because of the schools. After exhaustive research, I came across ACM and knew that was where I wanted our son to go to school. We looked for houses within the area and were lucky enough to find one just down the street! The school is amazing! The teachers are invested, the principal is invested, the PTA a group of committed, caring parents....I cannot say enough positive things about this school. We are blessed to have found ACM!!!!
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2013

ACM is the best school a family could ask for! The teachers are ALL wonderful and so the kids and their parents! My sons loves everything about ACM. He's not had a teacher that he didn't absolutely love and that says more than anything. Not to mention we (parents and PTA) are more involved and know what's going on with our children's school than I feel most schools are. ACM deserves to win! Go FALCONS!
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2012

My son began kindergarten this year.The strengths of the school are its instructors, the district and the parental involvement. My son's kindergarten teacher communicates regularly through email, a portal website, and folders with information and activities. The workload is age appropriate and diverse, the student population is a true reflection of the community, and the staff is nurturing and caring. There is room for improvement, but most importantly the school welcomes parental input and supports their efforts/outside projects. The school has a real sense of community and it reflects in the older students assisting younger students before and after school, with reading and learning activities, and in other areas where they gain responsibility and caring.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2012

We love ACM! I have a 2nd grader and 4th grader and could not be more pleased with my experience with both girls. The teachers and staff are all great and very caring. We have even had a few of them come to my girls' soccer games on the weekends! That's commitment! The students are happy and the parental involvement is phenomenal. We are "magneted" in and could not be happier with our choice! The school is diverse and a good place to learn about tolerance and understanding of others that are different from you. The school was just awarded the Healthy Zone School award - the only school in Richardson to receive this honor.