New Directions Alternative High School Program

Just chiming in to say these glowing reviews are still relevant. Glebe really is a great school- with experienced, dedicated teachers, a very active PTA, and incredibly devoted administration. The student body is very diverse, but the school seems to excel in fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates differences while also creating a close-knit, family- like environment. We're a lucky community to have it.

The school district closed McKinley elementary school in 2021. The building it was in now houses Arlington Traditional School, a different Arlington public elementary school. There are no McKinley teachers here, and no students. GreatSchools should remove this listing. It’s confusing to people. How can it have “above average test scores” as of September 2023, if McKinley has been closed since 2021?

This is one of the most engaged and active community learning environments you can imagine. We have multiple children attending the school and the staff has been fully engaged, very proactive in communication, and the kids feel excited to go to school. The school hosts multicultural night, STEAM night, and seasonal festivals that really tie the community in with the school. There is a large concentration of parents who have high expectations and clearly have the resources to make sure that the kids get what they need. Nothing is perfect but this school is incredible.

While I have often been the beneficiary of online reviews, I rarely write them myself. However, in this case, I feel it is necessary. To provide an impactful and informative review, I have aimed for a balanced assessment of my experience with ATS.Pros•The school maintains a rigorous academic environment that pushes students to excel.•They provide many opportunities that other districts may not, such as swimming and trips to the Kennedy Center.•The school hosts numerous events to foster a sense of community.•For the majority of my child’s time at the school, we encountered teachers who were experienced, empathetic, supportive, and had experience with students from diverse communities.•The school has resources to support students with diverse academic needs.Cons•The school's rigorous academic environment can be stressful for some students.•The school can create a challenging environment for minority students, as some peers may have limited exposure to children from other cultures.•The curriculum often reflects minorities from a "place of lack," which can, unfortunately, perpetuate racial stereotypes.•Unconscious cultural biases are present among some faculty members and the principal.•Instances of racial slurs have occurred within the student body.•Minority students are sent to the principal’s office for minor incidents, and their unique cultural needs are not considered.•The administrators lean more towards protecting their staff than the students.•Some inexperienced teachers lack the self-awareness and emotional intelligence necessary to maintain the psychological safety of all students.What I Learned•Just because a school excels academically does not mean it is a cultural fit for every student.•Regular check-ins with your child are important, as they help you better understand their daily school experiences—especially if your child is a minority student.•Advocating for your child is essential to maintaining a safe and secure environment for them.•Attending school events is important for making your presence known and personally assessing the school environment.•Trusting your gut as a parent is extremely important. •If you objectively feel a teacher is not a good fit for your child, push to have them switch classrooms—even if it’s not presented as an option.

This has to be the absolute worst school my child has ever attended. The facility is outdated and old. There are many young and inexperienced teachers. The quality of education your child will get will be poor. If I could go back in time I would do everything to have my child to attend a different school. Luckily the principal who did nothing to stop bullying is leaving.

A Staff PerspectiveAs a member of the support staff at Saint Ann Catholic School, I’ve had the unique privilege of witnessing the heart of this school in action—not from the front of a classroom, but from the hallways, lunchroom, and office. What has stood out to me time and time again is the incredible dedication, compassion, and spiritual guidance our teachers provide to each and every student.The teachers at Saint Ann go beyond simply educating—they truly minister to the hearts of the children. They know their students deeply, not just by name, but by spirit. I often see them gently guiding a child through a tough day, taking the time to pray with them, or simply listening with genuine care. That level of love and attention is not something you find everywhere. Whether it’s through daily prayers, faith-filled lessons, or acts of kindness, they create an atmosphere where students not only grow academically but also spiritually and emotionally.As someone who works behind the scenes, I can confidently say that Saint Ann Catholic School is a special place because of the teachers. They pour their hearts into this vocation, and it’s clear in the way the students respond—with respect, joy, and trust.

Our children have thrived at Discovery for the past several years. While one needed more social-emotional/behavioral supports and the other needed more academic support, we have been so impressed with the caliber of resources and time the school has to help every student. All the teachers are so skilled, intelligent, and connect with the students- at pickup I see students running up to their old teachers, excited to say hi. The facilities are top notch, beautiful, spacious rooms with tons of natural light and calming corners/reading nooks in every classroom. It really feels like a neighborhood school with the academic rigor of a private college prep school. Great place to learn and be involved as a parent.