Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Grades K - 5
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.

1101 Janneys Lane
Alexandria, Virginia 22302
Phone: 703-461-4190
Fax: 703-370-2719
Map + Directions

Principal:
Deborah Thompson

Assistant Principal:
Melva Holloman

Administrative Intern:
Penny Hairston

Web Page:
www.acps.k12.va.us/macarthur/

Introduction

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School was built in 1943 by the federal government to accommodate the children of the Naval Torpedo Plant workers who resided in Chinquapin Village. Several major renovations to the building have taken place since then, the last one in 2008. Today, MacArthur enjoys a reputation for a strong academic program, a talented faculty and a dedicated PTA. MacArthur is fully accredited by the State of Virginia.

Academic Curriculum

Douglas MacArthur's academic program includes reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. The school also offers:

  • Art instruction with a certified art teacher once a week
  • Global Art on a Timeline
  • Habits of Mind and Character Counts
  • Instruction in family life education at levels appropriate to age
  • Instrumental music, band and orchestra, beginning in fourth grade
  • LD Resource with inclusion
  • Physical education classes by a certified P.E. teacher twice a week
  • Speech, OT, PT
  • Visiting science teacher
  • Vocal music instruction with a certified music teacher once a week
  • Weekly library visits

Special Academic Programs

  • Colonial Fair - grade 4
  • Daily Morning News/TV Studio
  • Eight mobile laptop carts serve classrooms
  • English Language Learners (ELL) program
  • Special Education: resource and inclusion
  • Talented and Gifted (TAG) program
  • Two Reading Specialists

School Faculty

Number of Licensed Staff: 49
With post-graduate degrees: 61%

Awards and Honors

  • Sandra Slaven: Washington Post's Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award, 2011
  • Dr. Beverly Vick: Excellence in Education, 2009
  • Arthur Harris: Excellence in Education, 2006
  • Elvinese Smith Wyche, Washington Post's Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award, 2006
  • Deborah Thompson, Washington Post's Distinguished Educational Leadership Award, 2005
  • Cathy Chamberlain: Harry Burke Special Education Award, 2005

Demographics

Enrollment (as of 9/2012): 693 students

  • African American: 20%
  • Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian: 5%
  • Hispanic: 18%
  • White: 54%
  • Unspecified: 3%

Before- and After-school Programs

  • 5th Grade Drama Club
  • After-school Academic Support, grades K-2
  • American Girls Literature Circles
  • Boy's Club
  • Campagna Center
  • Chess Club
  • Environmental Club
  • General's (homework) Club
  • Girls on the Run (fitness program for girls)
  • Languages: French and Spanish
  • Recreation Center

Other Student Programs

  • Buddies Club
  • Chorus
  • Safety Patrols
  • Student Council Association (SCA)
  • Student produced media production (MAC-TV)
  • Recycling All-stars Club
  • Third Grade Recorder Group
  • Tutoring

Student Support

Our School Support Team (SST) is made up of the principal, assistant principal, psychologist, social worker, nurse and guidance counselor. They work together to help students and their families. SST provides an array of testing, counseling and other support services.

Meal Program

Alexandria students may receive free or reduced priced meals if their family income meets eligibility requirements. For more information on our meal programs, visit the School Nutrition Services section of our website.

Volunteers

Parents and community volunteers play a key role in the education of children at MacArthur. Volunteers tutor students, arrange special events and chaperone field trips. The PTA provides both financial support and person-power to support the school.

Special Events

  • Family Disco Night
  • Family Thanksgiving Feast
  • Hispanic Parent Group
  • Ice Cream Social in June
  • Kindergarten Open House in March
  • Math Curriculum Nights
  • Multi-cultural Night
  • Poetry Slam
  • Reflections Contest
  • Step Up Day
  • Summer Reading Incentive
  • Super Dads Pancake Breakfast
  • Walk for the Homeless
  • Winter and Spring concerts

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School is fully accredited and meets Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). To learn more, review the Virginia School Report Card (PDF) on the Virginia Department of Education Web site or review recent Test Scores.