173 surveys were returned, with the following breakdown:
49 parents of kindergarten students
29 parents of first graders
20 parents of second graders
35 parents of third graders
20 parents or fourth graders
20 parents of fifth graders
This represents around 55% of our student population.
39 parents have been involved at ARCS for up to one year
38 between 1 and 2 years
70 between 3 to 5 years
27 between 6 to 8 years.
ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION
Most parents were very satisfied with their child's teaching team. Of those who had an opinion, 85% scored their child's teachers at a 4 or 5. For Assistant Teachers, those who scored a 4 or 5 were 57%; however, almost 30% registered a NA or unsure. In rating the teacher's education plans, again, an overwhelming majority-73%-gave the plan a 4 or 5.
In the breakdowns of individual subjects, again, the majority of respondents rated their child's education progress as a 4 or 5. The highest rated classes in satisfaction were Science and PE, and the lowest rated classes were Math and Spanish. Character development also rated highly (76% rated it a 4 or 5), as did EC Services (87% of those with an opinion rated it a 4 or 5).
When questioned about their child's academic achievement at ARCS, again most scored a 4 or 5. The highest rated assessment was that their child was receiving a balanced education-77% of those who responded felt the education was well balanced. The lowest rated response was that their child was working to their academic potential-65% rated this a 4 or 5. Most parents felt that child was adequately prepared for standardized testing-58% rated this a 4 or 5-however 14% were unsure or felt this was not applicable.
When asked about educational transitions at ARCS, answers show that most parents are involved in this. A majority - 77% - attended a tour before their child was enrolled at ARCS, 85% met with their child's teacher before school started, 64% attened curriculum night, and 89% attended Open House. 83% felt that their child had a satisfactory transition into the next class. However, only 47% attend RAP meetings.
Parents do feel that parent-teacher communication is good; however, the results indicate that this area can be improved. When asked if teacher communicated often, 50% rated this a 1, 2, or 3 (50% rated it a 4 or 5). When asked if teachers communicated openly, 36% rated it a 1, 2, or 3 (65% rated it a 4 or 5). Parents did not feel that conferences were offered enough -52% rated this a 1, 2, or 3. 7% had no opinion and 46% rated this a 4 or 5. Also, parents did not feel that they were notified quickly if the child experienced difficulty. 13% had no opinion, 46% rated this a 1, 2, or 3, and 46% rated this a 4 or 5.
Most tellingly, when asked if their child was happy at ARCS, 58% said that their child was extremely happy here and rated it a 5. 32% rated it a 4, and only 10% rated it a 1, 2, or 3.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Parents were overwhelmingly pleased with the neatness of the school. 79% rated the neatness of the office, hallways and bathrooms a 4 or 5. 89% rated their child's classroom a 4 or 5. 84% rated the school grounds a 4 or 5.
Parents also feel that their child is safe at ARCS. 85% gave a 4 or 5 to classroom safety, 77% on school grounds, 81% in pick-up/drop-off, and 65% on field trips.
When asked if they felt the physical school facility was adequate, again, most parents were positive. 66% gave a 4 or 5 to classroom adequacy, 67% gave a 4 or 5 to the support areas, 66% gave a 4 or 5 to the art area (12% had no opinion on this), and 56% gave a 4 or 5 to the outdoor play area.
When rating school climate, parents were pleased. 70% rated classroom orderliness a 4 or 5, 63% rated peer respect a 4 or 5, and 70% rated adult respect a 4 or 5. However, when it came to discipline, parents were not as clearly pleased. 61% rated the clarity of the discipline policy a 4 or 5, and 10% rated this a 1. When asked about consistency or enforcement, 54% rated it a 4 or 5, 13% rated it a 1, and 12% had no opinion.
Survey results show that parents feel school resources are available and used well. 79% rated use of technology a 4 or 5, 70% rated use of educational materials a 4 or 5, 64% rated classroom supplies a 4 or 5, 48% rated field trips a 4 or 5 (8% had no opinion), 71% rated classroom furnishings a 4 or 5.
When asked if they felt ARCS is managed effectively, 61% rated this a 4 or 5. When asked if the team leader was available for meetings, only 51% rated this a 4 or 5, but 17% had no opinion. When asked if administrators were available for meetings, 59% rated this a 4 or 5, and 15% had no opinion.
The role and function of the ARCS Board of Directors was not as clear to parents who responded to this survey. 45% gave a 4 or 5 to understanding the function of the Board (13% had no opinion). 43% gave a 4 or 5 to rating if the Board members are effective in supporting the school (but 30% had no opinion as to this). Only 39% of respondents gave a 4 or 5 to whether they knew how to contact Board members (22% had no opinion). Only 21% rated a 4 or 5 to whether they felt Board members were aware of parent concerns (but an overwhelming 43% had no opinion on this), and only 22% rated a 4 or 5 to whether Board members were aware of daily issues at school (and 42% had no opinion).
Overall satisfaction about ARCS is easier to see in these results. 87% would recommend ARCS to a friend, which was 144 of those who answered that question. Only 8 said they would not, and 13 did not know.
