Joseph Arnold Elementary School

Posted: March 21, 2026

My 3 kids have had the most amazing experience at Arnold. The TK program had just begun and it was extremely well organized with experienced teachers and a well defined curriculum. One of my children had some behavioral issues but the teacher and principal were extremely helpful in having my child work with the school therapist (who is on site) everyday. They really focus on the whole child. The PTA was also amazing. Those parents go above and beyond for organizing amazing activities!!

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

It seems that a small group of 5th-grade teachers currently hold significant influence over many school decisions. Unfortunately, their approach appears quite traditional and resistant to new ideas or methods that better meet the needs of today’s students. They tend to favor working only with “ideal” or high-performing students, which is concerning.

Several younger and innovative teachers who previously worked at the school have shared that they left because this group dominates the culture and resists change, even shaping the overall vision and direction of the grade level. As a result, this “5th-grade lobby” has become an obstacle to growth, creativity, and the adoption of modern, student-centered practices.

Posted: September 30, 2025

The first few years at this school were wonderful under the previous principal, but things have gone downhill since then. The teachers are harsh with the students, and the overall atmosphere feels dominated by yelling, punishment, and constant threats. Instead of encouragement, the most common message kids hear is, “You’re bad—you don’t deserve any activities.”
There are no field trips, no fun activities, and rarely a kind word. Students are often scolded without explanation, even for simple requests like using the restroom, where they’re yelled at before getting permission.

This approach damages children’s mental health, undermines their confidence, and stifles their personalities. At this school, it feels like you have to be perfect just to be treated with kindness.

Posted: September 30, 2025

Posted: September 30, 2025

Posted: September 30, 2025

Posted: September 30, 2025

Posted: September 30, 2025

Posted: September 30, 2025

Posted: February 10, 2023

Posted: February 10, 2023

Posted: February 10, 2023

Posted: February 10, 2023

Posted: February 10, 2023

Posted: February 10, 2023

Posted: February 10, 2023

Posted: February 10, 2023

I have one child currently attending Arnold and another two on the way. The teachers are experienced and have been great to work with as they send out frequent updates on my child's educational progress and schedule meetings with parents.

I respect the variety of homework and projects assigned and can see steady improvement in my child's math and reading. My child has made several new friends this year (fairly diverse class) and the teacher has been effective at moderating conflicts and encouraging personal responsibility and social skills.

Parking too close to the school parking lot can be a pain given the traffic jam but I do live close enough to walk my kid to school and most parents have learned to park a bit further away. The workers (volunteers?) do a good job of making sure it's safe to cross the street for parents and kids who walk to and from school through the residential neighborhood nearby.

Overall very pleased with Arnold.

Posted: May 9, 2022

This place is great if you want your child to go to school in an artificial wind tunnel. Make sure your child is at least 100lbs or they will fly away. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from potential debris.

Posted: May 9, 2022

Posted: February 13, 2019

Posted: February 13, 2019

Posted: February 13, 2019

Posted: February 13, 2019

Posted: February 13, 2019

Posted: February 13, 2019

Over all its been good 2.5 years at Arnold for us.

Posted: February 13, 2019

Posted: October 20, 2013

Great school! Sent all my 4 kids here and they all got really great teachers! Wish there was more parent involvement. It seems about 50 or so parents do everything there. It would be great if we had more volunteers.

Posted: September 30, 2013

This school is all about punishments from day one...they treat children like factory made products who should all behave alike..no patience..they scream negative about your child in front of all the parents...and treats a 5 year old as teenager branding them good or bad..horrible ..good if you want your kid to get demotivated and become stressed and start thinking that they are good at nothing from the word Go...irreparable damage to small minds..teachers should take training on handling kids from parents..AWFUL...

Posted: August 21, 2013

This is our fourth year at Arnold school and so far we are very pleased with quality of teachers here. Principle Tasker and counselor Michelle Kaliper have been superb in providing open dialogue for our girls and their services has been exemplary. We are very pleased with their efforts.

Posted: October 10, 2012

This school is all about Green Ligh/ Blue Light /Pink Light and Red Lights. I feel as if teachers get paid extra for giving all these lights to kids rather than being an influencer and being a role model for the kids. Teachers need to learn a basic thing that when you point a finger at a kid, there are 3 finger pointing towards you. Punishing and humiliating kids is the solo motto followed here. Your kid was not listening, she was talking to much, kid was not following the rules so we gave her yellow/red light. Now my question is what light should a parent give to the teacher who is not able teach the students how to behave ? This model of mental punishments is from 1960s. This is 2012. Please learn something new to discipline kids and try some influencing techniques.

Posted: September 13, 2012

Our recent experience with this school has been very disappointing & disheartening. When my husband & I dropped off our 4 year old son to his assigned Kindergarten teacher, she didn't acknowledge any of the parents. She was not friendly, welcoming, or warm nor did she at least introduce herself. Right off the bat, I knew that this teacher was not the right teacher. A few days after school started, my son was not himself. He usually is very bubbly &happy, but since he started attending her class, he was not himself. We were then called by the school & reported that our son was hitting the teacher & was "very upset". Our son has never lashed out like this before. At his previous preschool, he's never had this type of behavior. In fact, our son is known to be social, friendly, affectionate, & loving. My husband & I have come to the conclusion is that this teacher does not know how to deal with children my son's age & so he's acting out because of his experience. Teachers, especially elementary school teachers, should not be allowed to teach if they are not patient & who don't know how to effectively communicate with children. Their principal also was not very helpful or understanding

Posted: May 1, 2010

Posted: August 22, 2008