Mcdermott Elementary School

Where do I even start with this school. There is no logical organization of pickup or dropoff. Students get 15 minutes to eat breakfast, if they get to school as soon as it opens. Classroom snacks are not allowed like other nearby schools (Don Roberts). Our kids complain about bullying and excessive teasing daily. This school is a waitlist school, and the staff acts as though they despise the students there. There is no reason to register your kids here with LRSD school choice. There are several, much better and more modern schools nearby. The only positive experience we have had there is one of my kids' teachers sending him home with a pair of shoes when his fell apart.

My son is in his 4th year at Miss Selma's. This school is a special place. From the Leadership to the Teachers to the Office Staff this school is a fantastic place for children to learn and grow. Every child is treated with fairness and a commitment to his or her education. Every child is challenged academically but there is a well-round approach to educating each child with opportunities for participation in Art, Music, foreign language, PE - all the things that make for great education. Character building is big part of school and each child is expected to treat their school and each other with respect. I pray every day that my son will be able to finish out his elementary education at Miss Selma's. It is truly a treasure for our state.

The school places strong emphasis on discipline and student appearance.In our experience, concerns are often not addressed proactively and tend to be acknowledged only after a situation escalates into a conflict.There have also been instances of schedule changes, including unexpected school closures or additional days off outside of the published calendar.We observed that students may experience indirect pressure through comments made in hallways or common areas, which can affect their sense of comfort.Communication with parents was also inconsistent and often limited in clarity and timeliness.

The Anthony School (TAS) was amazing for my children. Having our family attend other state school systems, I can say by and large TAS exceeded all our other school experiences. All at the elementary level, but the range of oppurtunities and learning with Violin, Art using multiple mediums (Kiln, Clay, sculpting, etc.), Comp Sci and 3D printing, World Clutures and others my kids were always excited for school.The teachers and staff are the best, the small class, and tight-knit community allows for such ease to accomodate any special circumstances. We got to interact with the entire elementary staff through the years, and I would recommend any of them. Everyone was easily accessible for any questions.Two of my children required additional learning services and TAS provided daily one-on-one an hour a day for one child, and twice weekly for another to meet their needs.The after-school programs, Soccer, Art, Coding, are great, but many fill-up quick. My kids enjoyed the general after-care even if no specific program was available that day, its like extended PE.The shows the children get to put on, plays, recitals, etc. may be the cutest things you will ever see.I would say the only things, is that as working parents, trying to get involved, to get known by other parents, required a little effort, but once I showed my face once on a field trip or a volunteer event, they were very welcoming. And that could be just on my part. All the classes set up group chats, to stay in the know, of activities. I saw a previous post, and I think to counter their complaints, it is a really small school, and everyone basically starts together at Kindergarten and 1st grade, on up. Then they get an influx at the middle school level. So it just takes a few oppurtunities for you or your children to get to know everyone. Especially for some who start in the middle. I can't recommend TAS enough, and we didn't think we would love and miss Arkansas, but The Anthony School is a little gem in Little Rock.

We have had a wonderful experience at CAC. The teachers and the staff are very supportive and love our children! The community we have at this school is such a blessing to our family and not only is my child getting a wonderful education, but he is also learning Christian values as well.