Douglas Macarthur Elementary School

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, located at 1101 Janneys Lane in Alexandria, Virginia, is part of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). Under the leadership of Principal Penny Hairston, the school emphasizes inclusive, safe, and joyful learning through its Responsive Classroom approach and a mission to eliminate race, class, gender, and ethnicity as predictors of success. Douglas MacArthur serves students in kindergarten through grade 5, with a diverse student body and approximately 672 enrolled.

It offers core academic instruction in reading, mathematics, science, and social studies, integrated with support services like special education, English Learner (EL) programs, technology, counseling, and literacy interventions.The faculty includes licensed staff many holding advanced degrees. Families are engaged through PTA, events, volunteer opportunities, and regular communication.

As of early 2025, registration for the 2025–26 school year is open, inviting families to enroll children to secure placement.

The school’s quality profile notes that Chapter 132, Virginia’s revised accreditation model, will apply starting Fall 2025, altering how performance and accountability are measured.

1. Which support and specialized programs are available?

Ans. MacArthur provides EL (English Learner) services, special education support, counseling, literacy interventions, and operates under a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). It also follows the Responsive Classroom model to build social-emotional skills alongside academics.

2. How does the school measure academic performance and accountability?

Ans. The Virginia School Quality Profile shows data on student achievement by subgroup (reading, math, EL, etc.).With the upcoming Chapter 132 model, new accreditation metrics are expected to reflect more nuanced performance indicators.

3. How is family and community engagement structured at MacArthur?

Ans. The school hosts events such as family feasts, pancake breakfasts, concerts, and open houses.It maintains regular communication via newsletters, volunteer channels, and a PTA partnership.