Any kids starting kindergarten at Reagan Elementary or new Classical Academy? (Rogers: 2013, schools)

[Penguin_ie]

I have twins that turn 5 next month and so will start kindergarten next academic year (August 2013). We live near Reagan Elementary, it would be walking distance, which would be nice. But the new Classical Academy charter school planned for somewhere in Bentonville sounds good too. Would love to talk to other parents planning on sending their kindergarteners to either place, or those who have young kids at Reagan and have experience of what it is like.

[OurGreatEscape]

Thank goodness I no longer have a kindergartener

I suggest you call Reagan and ask for a tour. Ask if they have any upcoming school events that you and your children could attend.

From my experience, the closer my children's schools were to our home, the more time I spent volunteering there. We were within walking distance to our elementary. I loved walking. It gaves us time to clear our minds and get prepared for the day. And get some exercise and fresh air.

On a side note- do you want your twins to be in the same class or would you prefer they separate? I'd definitely ask each school how accommodating they can be.

[Penguin_ie]

Well, what I didn't mention is that my twin boy has ASD and even though the Classical Academy has stated they will accomodate differently abled students, his needs are such that we do not feel they can do so (almost non verbal, not potty trained etc). For now, we have decided to apply for the Classical Academy for our girl (they will have their lottery before Rogers district even has open enrollment), and wait where the district suggests our boy is placed. We really like the Classical Academy, but because it is out on airport road, if the boy is placed in a self-contained room far away, say in Lowell, we may need to move her due to transport issues.