ARANA-AR is a name of one of the zones in eastern part of Barangay Calantac, Alcala, Cagayan.It was aptly named by the Barangay Captain, Atilano Cabanada Duruin. Arana-ar means the first beginning rays of the sun just after dawn. Every morning, Arana-ar is seen jutting from among and between mountains. Its name signifies the wonderful and bountiful blessings of God strewn over the Earth.

True, because Arana-ar is indeed a blessing and at the same time, an opportunity for many children and parents from the said area/zone and neighboring areas.

Barangay Calantac then has only one elementary school serving many school children from its 7 zones. According to Mrs. Luz Aresta Gonzales, who was then the Grade V Adviser and In-Charge of Calantac Elementary School, based on the findings and observations, the school was beset by so many problems. She had found out the following:

a. 98% of drop-outs came from Zone 6 and Zone 7

b. 95% of the absences of pupils came from the aforementioned areas

c. 90% of the moderately and severely below normal came from these areas

          To treat these problems, Mrs. Gonzales coordinated with the Barangay Officials, Non-Government Organization, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. On February 2, 1991, there was an Inter-Agency Assembly held at Calantac Elementary School where Regional, Provincial and Municipal agencies were present to solve the difficulties of the Barangay about the said problem. A feeding program is conducted for the below normal children. In education and health, there was a consensus of the group that to solve the school problems, a school should be built to cater  Zone 6 and Zone 7 school children. The presence of a small school in the foothills will solve the absences, drop-outs, and the low achievement level of the school.

April 28, 1991, marked the creation of Arana-ar Primary School, now an Elementary School offering from Kindergarten to Grade VI. It was created through the collaborative efforts of Mrs. Luz A. Gonzales, Barangay Capt. Atilano C. Duruin, members of the Barangay Council, the Municipal Mayor and the Municipal Council, the Schools Division Superintendent through the recommendation of the Public Schools District Supervisor, Dr. Salvacion S. Catral.

On August 11, 1991, the opening of Arana-ar Primary School was formally launched. The Public Schools District Supervisor Salvacion S. Catral appointed Ms. Jocelyn O. Torres to be the first teacher of Grade 1, School Year 1991-1992. Mrs. Magdalena B. Duruin was assigned in place of Ms. Torres to teach Grade 1 from 1992-onward. Mrs. Babie Ramos was the Grade 2 Adviser. Other pioneer teachers were Ms. Jocelyn Cinco, Mr. Demetrio P. Orpilla, Mrs. Maryjane D. Mandac, Mrs. Grettie Sumabat, Mrs. Veronica C. Beltran, Ms. Lilibeth J. Acacio, Mrs. Marilou C. Flores, Ms. Marela  Bautista, and Mrs. Elenita K. Bueno. The Teacher-In-Charge was, Mrs. Luz A. Gonzales, followed by Mrs. Magdalena B. Duruin, Ms. Lilibeth Acacio, Mrs. Veronica C. Beltran, now a Principal II at Alcala East Central School, next was Mrs. Marilou Flores followed by Mrs. Precita Bragado, a full-pledged Head Teacher and to date Mr. Arnaldo B. Orpilla.

    To date, Arana-ar Elementary School had 18th Closing Exercises. The 1st Graduation Rites was held last March 2004. From a 2-room building made of bamboo and cogon, now has 6 classroom buildings, 1 PTA building that serves as an administrative building, 1 E-room, 1 HE building, and a gymnasium. It now has 9 regular permanent teachers.