Addison Heights

The overcrowding has impacted the learning environment of the school. If your child needs a smaller than regular class setting this school is not a good choice. Overall this school needs upgrading and expansion to address many issues.

My daughter attended Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School during the year 2025. In general, we believe Arlington Public Schools are good, and we wanted this school to be a positive experience for our child. Unfortunately, we had a serious incident that changed our trust in the school.One day, our daughter came home with a large bruise on her face. We immediately reached out to the school to understand what happened. We asked teachers, staff, and even met with the principal. The only answer we received was that they “didn’t know what happened.”We understand that accidents can happen and that sometimes kids might accidentally hit each other. If the school had given us a clear explanation or at least some information, we would have understood. What concerned us most was the lack of communication and the fact that no one could tell us how a child was injured so noticeably while in their care.Because we weren’t able to get a clear answer, we made the decision to move our daughter to another school. We still believe Arlington Public Schools overall are good, but our personal experience at Drew left us feeling unsure about the supervision and communication regarding student safety.

My child started first grade here this year. We did kindergarten elsewhere after moving into the area. As a parent I have not felt welcome and my child has struggled to make friends. His teacher seems overworked with a disproportionate focus on test scores and “achievement”. Homework is constantly pushed on us which, although I understand it comes from a place of concern, has been very stressful. And the moment our child met “the metric” he was dropped from being helped. Also the principle is only selectively friendly. I haven’t figured that out yet. But I don’t seem to be on the “list”The best part of the school is the before/after care program which is done in house. There the teachers are warm, friendly and welcoming. They really create a positive and inclusive experience. And it shows: this is the part of the day our child is most excited about. Thanks to those workers!

There were several instances where I felt unsafe for children at Oakridge and recently had to withdraw my son because a child in his class repeatedly touched my son in his private parts without any repercussions. The administration team is laughable. The principal wouldn’t even come into a meeting to address the sexual abuse that was taking place at HER school. Shame on her. I have called CPS and the superintendent, but I would steer clear of this school.