Please Help with Info on Arlington Elementary Schools

Haha, interesting that everyone assumed you guys were white. If you're not comfortable with the school, then by all means go with your gut and work to find something else. I always say Mommy intuition is never wrong. My kids aren't old enough for elementary school yet, so I don't really have any advice for you... I just wanted to validate your feelings and give my support. Keep looking for those transfers. Also, if private school would be an option, we do have several friends whose kids attend Grace Prep and are very happy there (http://www.graceprep.org/).

I looked at the demographics posted below, and I think your daughter is very fortunate to be in such a diverse environment. She will be exposed to different languages and cultures while learning in a safe environment. This may seem scary to you, but it will broaden her perspective and her education, and eventually her prospects for colleges and careers.

The school will have to do something about the class size, but even if she is moved to another class with another teacher, she will be in a smaller group. And if it's the change you're worried about, moving her to another school in the middle of the year will be an even bigger change for her.

I am certain that most of the other parents speak English, even if they do not look like you. They're probably multi-lingual - just say hello and introduce yourself. If nothing else, you have kindergarteners in common.

As for the mother with an ankle monitor - at least she's taking her kid to school. And the school likely does background checks on everyone who volunteers or spends time with the kids. If she's potentially dangerous, she will not be around.

Bebensee Elem. is rated "recognized" by the state, which is a very good rating. I'm sure you're just nervous because everything is so new, and it's her first public school experience. Relax, trust that the school is doing its job, and please don't let your daughter sense your fears. She will have a great year and will make friends with all kinds of kids - and that's a good thing!

Have you thought about private schools. Lake Arlington Baptist Church is renting space to Fellowship Academy this semester while they build their school. It is a private Christian school and the leadership is wonderful. The office number is ###-###-####. Give them a call...it can't hurt to look into it. Web site is www.fellowship-academy.org.

Take Care and God Bless.

P.

I've never heard of that school. What part of arlington are toi in? I live at 360 and 20 but when we moved over here I was south of 20 and my son started at a elementary named starrett and I loved it. Next year I will send my daughter there. On the side I live on my son is supposed to go to sam houston high school and I have nothing but bad about it and I didn't want him to go there. I pay 100 so he can be transferred to Bowie and I feel so much better. If there is a different elementary close to you, just go in and ask if they are taking transfers. Its easy to do just pay and there you go! Go on the aisd website or call them and find out the closest school. If you transfer they do not provide transportation or bus service but other than that as long as there is room at the school, its not a big deal. Let me know how it goes. Good luck!

Keep in mind that with all the budget issues other district are opening up to out of district transfers. Might make transportation an issue but you might find an elementary school you really like. I live in Grand Prairie and haven't heard of you elementary school, what part of Arlington?

BEBENSEE EL
5900 INKS LK DR
ARLINGTON, TX 76018
###-###-####
Type: Primary School
Start Grade: Prekindergarten
End Grade: 6th Grade
# Students 869
# Full-time Teachers 48.5
Student/Teacher Ratio 17.9

Student Demographics
Hispanic 254 29.2%
White 246 28.3%
Black 261 30%
Native American 10 1.2%
Asian 98 11.3%

Special Programs
Migrant Students 0 0%
Free Lunch 359 41.3%
Reduced Lunch 103 11.9%
Free or Reduced Lunch 462 53.2%

I just posted those facts from the website zip skinny so you can see the demographics of that school. This is why it might seem so ghetto to you....you're definitely a minority. We better get used to it though, in 5 yrs time, no one around here will speak english and they expect us to learn how to speak their language instead of insisting they speak the language of the country they live in! Not cool! We live down the road....off of sublett (turns into camp wisdom at 360) and lake ridge parkway. We are in the Mansfield school district, but I'm sending my kindergartener to a private christian school this year. One reason is the size of the elementary. I just think it feels so big and so overwhelming to her so I started her off smaller so she can get used to school before I send her to public school. The only suggestion I have is too keep looking for transfer opportunities and next look into moving into another house that is in a better district. I know that stinks, but I see parents make that sacrifice all the time. Good luck. Hang in there. I know it seems scarey at times not being able to talk to anyone!!!! But I'm sure you girl is fine and being taken care at the school just fine too.

I am not sure if there are any openings in Kindergarten at Newman International Academy of Arlington or not, but I will tell you I am very impressed with them. This is their first year, but they are doing an amazing job and the faculty and staff are AMAZING! The parents are friendly and there seems to be a lot who want to be involved. It is a Charter School so you do not have to pay tuition, but it is similar to private atmosphere. We do have uniforms and you get those at Kid to Kid. It is located in the Agape Fellowship Church on Mayfield just west of 360. I am driving 15 min. to get here, but I would drive 30 min if I had to. I have a 4th grader and a Kinder. It is very important to find a school that is going to enrich your child!