John Allen School

We have had a wonderful experience at Allen. This year we have 1 in K and 1 in 2nd so we are several months into our 3rd year at Allen. Both children like the school and have made great progress in their reading through their Title 1 tutor. (So thankful.) Our 2nd grader has multiple food allergies and the school has been wonderful at working together to make sure that he is safe and included, though we do work together to make sure that happens and that it is not a factor for any disruptions. I am sad to see Mrs. Beal (principal) leave this year but everyone is so wonderful there that I'm hopeful things will remain great regardless of who the next principal is. So far we love the school so much that we don't even want to move anywhere that would be too far for us to drive to Allen. :-)

We love Allen School. Our first grader is having a wonderful experience so far. The K/1 teachers are all kind and enthusiastic. The art teacher (mentioned negatively in another review) is very process based rather than product based, so although our son doesn't bring home outstanding creations, he transformed from an art hater to an art lover within weeks of starting Kindergarten. We think she's a miracle worker. Overall, there is a real community feel here and we are very happy at Allen.

Allen is a good school situated in a middle class neighborhood. There is not much bullying here. Kids here do have their hard times as in any other school. There are many lower income families who bring children here for better education. Nothing much remarkable stands out. Bringing the status to focus school has helped bring the quality of education up. Teachers are making visible effort to help students progress. They have a new gym teacher who has brought change to PT which kids like. Art teacher is mediocre. If you want your kids to bring home something fantastic then look somewhere else. Media is good. New principal still needs to make a big impact. PTO is a closed group who don't like change. You can attend meetings, may be say things, but ultimately it is 4 or 5 people who will decide everything.

My twins are now entering 1st grade. We moved back into the Ann Arbor district specifically for the kids to attend Kindergarten at this school. We have so far been delighted with our experience. Great level of communication between teachers and parents. Responsive and caring attitude to the needs of my children as individuals. Involved parents, well-adjusted kids. We love the diversity of cultures and the open and friendly atmosphere overall. Test scores here are higher than some other area schools with higher "Great school scores," despite many students coming in with English as a second language. We are very happy to be a part of this school and I recommend it!