Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy in Bentonville

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	10/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2024 Arkansas Teaching & Learning Assessment System (ATLAS), EOG data from Arkansas Department of Education, and using 2024 Arkansas Teaching & Learning Assessment System (ATLAS), EOC data from Arkansas Department of Education.
Student Growth	9/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2023 Student growth data from Arkansas Department of Education.

Posted: March 6, 2024

My family loves the structure this school provides. My kids are thriving, learning, and growing. We are very happy with the education they are being provided. We have a very gifted child, as well as a child who has a learning disability. And we feel like both of their needs are being met.

Posted: September 27, 2021

Hello everyone, I would like to tell you that this school is not a very great choice. Despite saying that they are a very classical school; the school mainly focuses on History and English which is important but I think there are more jobs revolving around Mathematics and Science. First off I would like to point out that this school has a terrible sports system as the basketball court is literally dirty and usually stepped on by every grade K-12 and they do not have a football team nor soccer. The recess field is horrible as there is only 2 basketball goals and a soccer goal that you can literally throw and a little mulch area which you can play in when you are in 2nd grade. As for the overall cleanliness and hygiene. I would rank this school -1000000/10 because there are literal feces on the ground and pee all over the floor EVERYWHERE!! One time I entered the bathroom and I saw pee from start to sink to toilet it was insanity. It drove me nuts that the school also didnt replace broken stalls that couldnt lock the bathrooms which meant less privacy and embarrassing moments. Now, for the important part; the curriculum. As I pointed that they arent very primary in Math and Science, they also dont have the best advanced classes. You cannot take Pre-AP classes in 7th grade which is a thing I did when I left that school (friends told me) and you could possibly skip 8th grade math and move into Algebra I but I know nobody that was eligible to do that despite being smart. Which then leads me to the staff and administration, they have a horrible staff consisting of like 5 APs and 1 Headmaster. I would usually get into trouble for the dumbest things like not having my shirt tucked in or not having a belt or wearing a hoodie while in class because that all was unprofessional and a very nice teacher was fired for not wearing a tie? Does that even make sense? He was a great teacher although I didnt have him. The teachers are very rude and a teacher was very sexist in a class getting me in trouble because GIRLS WERE PASSING NOTES AROUND! Lastly, I would like to point the unnecessary usage of a character card. What was the point of that? It helps in no way possible and you can get it literally for not having a shirt tucked in? Also, I get the use of uniforms , thus I will not complain amongst that but why cant we wear a hoodie in class or indoors in general? What if we are cold and we dont want to spend $50 on a dumb jacket that doesnt help. 0/10

Posted: September 27, 2021

Posted: February 27, 2020

This was the 4th school we tried with my son, who has special needs. He's been there for two years and he is a different child. Before, he was the "problem child" who would have meltdowns instead of doing his work. Now he striving, excited to learn and proud of his test scores. Angels work at this school.

Posted: February 27, 2020

My son had depression, social issues and more stemming from autism but his teachers have gone ABOVE and BEYOND to ensure that he is successful not only in the classroom but with peers and his personal goals as well. I could not be more impressed.

Posted: February 27, 2020

My son came to this school with depression, ADHD, ODD, and SPD. He had frequent meltdowns and no motivation to strive for academics. That was two years ago. His SPED teacher, Ms. Sassman, an absolute angel, worked diligently to pull the top resources from the state to make sure he was assessed properly and it turns out, he was rediagnosed with autism. She helped bring together a WONDERFUL team of therapists and assistants to put together an IEP that worked for him. I could not be any more satisfied with what this school has done for my child. They believed in him when others gave up. I have so much pride in what my son has accomplished this year. He is striving to excel in all of his subjects and has become very responsible and self-aware. He is THRIVING.

Posted: February 27, 2020

The best school we've attended. By fourth grade, we had tried 3 in this area and nothing will ever come close to the quality of care and education they have provided for my child.

Posted: April 17, 2019

The turnover rate for teachers, students and administration is high. Classical education is a wonderful method, but this school does not follow the same levels of respect and virtue they claim.

Posted: April 17, 2019

Posted: June 12, 2018

The work is not time consuming if you pay attention in class. The teachers make sure to address all concerns and the homework always provides a better understanding to what you learned in class. Especially in High school!

Posted: June 12, 2018

The schools motto helps encourage and influence the schools and students character. Their motto is Honor, Respect< Service, Excellence, and Perseverance!

Posted: June 12, 2018

Perfect! I loved it. My experience at this school and with this school has greatly influenced my life and made a lasting and positive impact!

Posted: September 26, 2017

This school has exceeded by expectations. It has a great mission statement, teachers clearly devote time and effort to their students to help build character, confidence and well educated children. Not just academically but as a whole. We came from an outstanding private school outside of London, UK and my son has continued to blossom, if anything, I feel he has grown more confidence in himself and in his academic abilities since being at NWACA.

Posted: July 28, 2017

I an so thankful for this school. My son has attended for 1st and 2nd grade. He has had amazing teachers. Yes, the curriculum is intense. Yes, the expectations are high. It is a choice and commitment from the whole family. I would much rather have my child learn how to keep an agenda planner, do homework and be accountable at 7 or 8 than 13 when the stakes are higher.

Posted: December 9, 2016

My daughter has homework nightly, not much, but enough that I can check to see how she is doing and help her if needed with some one-on-one coaching in "mommy speak" ;)

Posted: December 9, 2016

My daughter is challenged and the difference in her enthusiasm for going to school and learning, and talking about what she does in school, is night and day from where it was. I am so happy that her name finally moved to the top of the list. We have been trying for over 2 years. She is learning some of the same things that my fifth grader is in district school and she is only in second grade! She loves recess even though there is no playground and comes home doing science experiments and talking about Charles Dickens and Greek mythology and The Constitution and is doing multiplication and division and reading nightly...they do so much more here and we are so greatful for the school and teachers.

Posted: December 9, 2016

Posted: February 3, 2016

Terrible school. Verbally abusive teachers and staff. A very high percentage of teachers do not have state teaching degrees. The PTO has mishandled donations from parents. This charter school may be "free" but the cost of uniforms is ridiculous . The turnover rate for teachers, students and administration is high. Classical education is a wonderful method, but this school does not follow the same levels of respect and virtue they claim.

Posted: January 21, 2016

-a student

I just wanted to say that a lot of the negative reviews on here are complete LIES. We do not walk around "like zombies, no smiling faces" lunches are not silent. The computer lab has computers (not many, but this school receives barely any funding.) Yes, most of the classrooms have no windows, and the upper grades have no recess, except on Fridays if you have no zeroes and have turned in all assignments. However, that motivates us to get better grades and do all of our assignments. Plus, the classes are so interesting you don't really need a window to stare out of. Some students are in tutoring, but that's only because they transferred from a school with lower standards. Yes, the school is in an old office building across from a juvenile detention center. However, this building was never meant to be permanent and hopefully Classical will move to another location. The building may seem weird at first, but after a little while, it feels like a normal school (except a thousand times better)

I love this school so much. I'm sorry to say it is likely that my parents are going to force me to go to Haas next year. The only complaints I have are that the school lunches supposedly suck (I've followed the other students' advice and never tried one) and there aren't many clubs, sports, etc. Also, there was one issue where one of my friends was treated kind of rudely by one of my teachers. However, the teacher apologized, promised not to do it again, and the issue is resolved. Considering it's only existed for a few years, Classical is freaking amazing.

Posted: October 5, 2015

My son has attended this school since Kindergarten and is now in second grade. His teachers do have high expectations of him and he rises to those expectations. They are a young school and lack the bells and whistles of conventional schools, but the academic standards make up for the lack of things like play ground equipment. He has to use his imagination instead...he and his friends have a great time during the two recesses each day. He has no shortage of social skills, in school and out.
This is not a school for parents unwilling to be actively involved within the school and at home working with their children. Yes, there are a high number of students in tutoring because they came from schools with lower standards. The school doesn't bring the curiculum down to the student but rather tries to bring the student up.

Posted: July 8, 2015

Quality of the education and the teachers are committed to excellence! 4 stars because the school does not yet have all high school grades and is still developing in organized music and sports. Great progress for such a young charter.

Posted: July 8, 2015

Very qualified to teach their topics, strongly challenge their students and care deeply about their students quality of education.

Posted: December 8, 2014

This school has an extremely high turnover rate, my daughter is constantly upset because her friends are transferring back to the schools they came from. If you are considering this school do not take your tour outside of school hours, go while school is in session, it might save you from making the same mistake we did. The elementary school students walk around like zombies, no talking, no smiling faces, silent children in a school that weighs them down. Parents are threatened with field trips being cancelled because not enough parents volunteer to drive, we are constantly being asked for money to pay for classroom resources and the receptionist tells parents what she perceives them to be doing wrong with their children. Overall it is very unwelcoming and they seem to have lost sight of what they were trying to achieve. Socialization is a very important part of childhood education and this school does not do enough in this area. My daughter has become introverted due to lack of socialization in school and due to the mass amounts of homework given she no longer has time to play with friends after school. We are leaving, childhood should be enjoyed not spent trying to be an adult.

Posted: November 14, 2014

For lower grades this school was fine for my kids but, this year for the middle school grades the teachers are insane. They have an all or nothing policy (the kids answer all question or get a 0 in the book) however they didn't let the kids know that till the end of the semester. OOPs. Teachers lost test before putting grades in the books. Oops! No recess for older kids. Silent lunches. Great for social skills. 4 days for a 6th graded to a two person presentation with all the bells and whistles. Almost every kid is failing and in tutoring. They have nutty high expectations with of the older kids with teacher who don't care about helping the kids learn. The turn over is proof. Kids hate it. Parents hate it. I have had multiple parents tell me the math teacher has shamed their kids for asking questions. Biggest mistake an waste of time and money every. Your kid can do well in any school if they want.This school is garbage.

Posted: November 12, 2014

Classical education, void of imagination. If your child is creative or social this is not the school for you. We were really happy with the school during the first year but this year there have been too many negative changes. I'm tired of getting nasty notes from the teacher because my second grader does the unthinkable and talks at lunch. The kids in the younger grades hardly have any time to socialize and the teachers do nothing but complain about all of our undisciplined children. These are kids, not mini adults! The lack of socialization is taking its toll and my child now has issues socializing with other kids outside of school. I do feel that my child is getting a good education but it isn't worth the cost of losing their true self. Education is important but it alone is useless without the ability to communicate.

Posted: September 27, 2014

Can't say enough wonderful things about this school. The teachers and Headmaster are so very dedicated and hard working. I often receive emails and updates on weekends and during evening hours. The curriculum is challenging and expectations are really high but the learning environment is very positive and encouraging. They're doing their best to raise not only an educated group of kids but kind, hardworking and responsible ones. We feel so blessed to have our children a part of something so great.

Posted: August 5, 2014

No, this school does not have all the bells and whistles of other nearby schools. No playground equipment, not a big library, etc. What did you expect? It is a BRAND NEW CHARTER SCHOOL! But what this school does have is caring teachers and a headmaster who goes above and beyond what he is supposed to do. It has teachers who actually get to know their students and who take a personal interest in their success. It has a headmaster who will take an hour and a half of his day to hear a Parent's concerns about their child and then help them come up with a plan to address and remedy those concerns. My son is very happy here. He is more academically challenged than he has ever been and adores his teachers. We enrolled him in this school to get a good education. We are so pleased with the education he received, and the teachers, staff, and headmaster, that we are moving our other two children there this fall. Keep up the great work, NWACA!

Posted: August 1, 2014

I can't say enough good things about this school. Both of my girls blossomed here. The school really challenged my kids and they can't wait to go back. The staff was amazing any issues we had were addressed immediately and action was taken. It is a new school, yes there are bumps and issues but over all a great school. When my 7 year old is talking about the Trojan war and why it started and my 10 year old is scoring in the 99% on the Benchmarks you know the school is doing something right.

Posted: July 31, 2014

A lot of things improved in that first year. But definitely, the school need a headmaster more committed to the school and not a party promoter, He was also not very approachable and wouldn t demonstrate sensitivity to staff in one-on-one situations or even parents. The parents appear to not like him, he is rude and is in the wrong place . His assistant do the entire work, he is just the " hi five" guy that holds the headmaster title.

Posted: July 20, 2014

My son received a quality education here last year and will be returning in the fall. At his old school, he always came home bored, but the challenges and expectations set at NWACA really inspired him to be a better student and gave him a sense of excitement. His teacher was amazing, and I was continually impressed by the level of involvement shown by the whole staff. Sure, the building doesn't look like what we imagine a school should look like. Several amenities were lacking the first few months of operation, while a few others, such as playground equipment, never came into being. However, the charter had only been approved several months before the doors opened. All in all it was an impressive effort to get everything running smoothly. NWACA also partnered with several local businesses and organizations to offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including music lessons, dance, and fencing. More activities are on the way this year. As a side note, my son never really lamented the lack of playground equipment. After some initial disappointment, he became too busy playing with balls, frisbees, and the big trees at the edge of the field.

Posted: July 1, 2014

I'm giving 4 stars because of school building,school lunch & playground issues. Education wise this school gets 5 stars.

Posted: June 30, 2014

This is a great school the teachers are great, they care about each student, if you have any concerns they listen to you. It is true they don't have the funding, (my son didn't mind playing by the tree) as regular schools but the curriculum is a rigorous one, but it's a good one, my kindergartner reads at a 2nd grade level, mind you he didn't read at the beginning of the school year. I love the small classrooms the office staff is great, it's just a wonderful school all around. I have nothing bad to say about this school, we plan on staying till my son graduates. I recommend it to all the parents I know.

Posted: June 29, 2014

Everything the April 1 star rated comment states is true. This school is located in a large office building across the street from a juvenile detention center. Most classrooms don't even have windows. I simply can not think of anything nice to say about this school and my child spent almost an entire school year there. The staff is very punitive. The front desk staff is rude. I can quote one receptionist as saying "I wish the parents that called weren't so stupid sometimes". She said that to my face, I was just standing there waiting for my child. My child's teacher was allowed to neglect my child educationally. Through discussions with the headmaster, she was never found to be at fault for anything but he didn't even take the time to look into issues, just made his mind up on the spot. He determined that my 7 year old was manipulating the situation and that I did not discipline him. How he came to this conclusion I don't know, he never asked about our home life. I think it was just easier for him blame the kid. It was so bad, I pulled my kid out with only 19 days left to go. I'm begging you to stay away. I wish I could name names. I wouldn't even rate 1 star if I didn't have to.

Posted: May 19, 2014

This is a classical charter school in its first year of operation. Granted, they lack some of the bells and whistles of some of the other better funded public schools. However, what they lack in "equipment" they more than make up for in an enriched and invigorating learning environment. My 5th grade student has read 6 classics this year, as well as presented in a Renaissance fair and a Science fair. She is surrounded by motivated students, such as herself. There is a lot of work involved at this school. But, my daughter has never learned more in one year. She has also made wonderful friends, who will likely graduate with her as there is not a need to keep changing schools. This is an exceptional learning institution.

Posted: May 19, 2014

Charter schools have the obvious advantage of being filled by kids who have parents who are caring and involved. All things else being equal, this is great. They also tend to be smaller, so those students who are the type who would fall between the cracks will find it harder to do. This makes them ideal for special education students, among other groups. The downside is that the opportunity for students to be exposed to a wide variety of class and extracurricular options is severely limited relative to a larger school setting. This lack of exposure matters more as a student progresses past elementary school. It seems to me, then, that charter schools like this one should appeal to parents concerned with a fear of their children failing in a larger school setting while the larger school setting should be desirable for those who want their children to be exposed to a wide variety of options (thus allowing themselves to find their own interests and niche).

Posted: April 15, 2014

This school should not be open. They are so underfunded the classrooms don't have text books (the library doesn't either, the science lab has no equipment other than tables, the computer lab has no computers... The list goes on and on! They don't even have a playground for recess - they are using an empty field behind the building.

Posted: March 16, 2014

First, if your child cannot handle more homework than a traditional school, or if as a parent you just don't want your child to have any homework on a regular basis, this is not the school for you. With that in mind, our 10 year old son has never learned more in any of his years at traditional schools. Furthermore, he does not complain about the increased workload. This is a great school with great teachers and increased disipline over previous schools which is very welcome in this day and age. Uniforms are great so every kid is on a level playing field. Great hands on learning with projects brought home, field trips and classroom participation. We are looking forward to watching this school progress over the next few years as this is the first year in NW Arkansas. We are also excited that our child will get to make "long term" friends as he will not have to keep changing schools between now and high school graduation.

Posted: February 27, 2014

We were a bit apprehensive sending both our kids to this brand new school but couldn't be more pleased with our decision! This school has an excellent classical curriculum including Latin. We are so impressed by the way they have moved our kids up according to their ability and not held back with the rest of the class. They are also participating in Spelling bee and Mathcounts, and are in the process of including Geography bee and Quiz Bowl and maybe even Science Bowl. But they aren't just an academically rigorous school, they have basketball, running and are also starting tennis. We are so excited to be part of this school that is all set to take over the highest ranking schools in Arkansas! The Principal Mr Petersen is an outstanding person and is extremely in tune with the needs of the school and the student and very eager to see the school succeed. He is open to suggestions and input from parents and is very accommodating! The teachers are excellent and all highly educated,well trained and full of energy and motivation. Couldn't t recommend this school highly enough. It is going to add a grade every year all the way to high school which is terrific!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	unknown	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Bentonville	AR		0.8 mi
2	Valley View Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Farmington	AR		23.9 mi

Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy

Bentonville, AR 72716

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Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy

Bentonville, AR 72716

School Ratings

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