Washington Mill Elementary School

This was an awesome school there's no where else I would have wanted to for elementary school!

I heard many complaints about how the needs of normal or above-average children are neglected at WMES in favor of the needs of more learning-challenged children. My experience was slightly different. My child's first-grade teacher at WMES made sure that the learning needs of the children at a slightly advanced level were addressed. For example, she provided advanced reading assignments to the children who could read better. She assigned research papers to children who could tacke that task and who could write at the appropriate level. I was astounded by the volume of writing my daughter's class has produced at first grade. Also, this same teacher set up a first-grade garden where the first graders learned about the science of plants.It was one of the the highlights of my daughter's year.I am keeping my child at WMES as both she and I am immensely pleased by her first grade experience. I am hoping that this first-grade teacher is the norm rather than the exception in this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been going to WMES since 2008. He has been diagnosed as ADHD and has always had a few minor learning delays. These factors have in no way impeded his learning. There was rough patch in terms of the first year but every year since the second year has been an absolute blessing. He has had teachers from 2nd and 3rd grade that have allowed him to not only be who he is but have used those traits to help him achieve his fullest potential. I commend the parents that are always out front volunteering and providing support throughout the school year. Although the principle tends to micromanage a bit, her dedication and obvious love for her students shines through. My son loves the schools as well as his teachers. That in and of itself is one of the factors that aides in my decision for him to remain at WMES. I could not be more pleased and will continue to do my part in each school year that my son attends. Yeah to my son's upcoming 4th Grade Year! Go Washington Mill Elementary School!
--Submitted by a parent

Abandon hope all ye who enter here! This should be a great neighborhood school - except for the fact that the principal is a micro-managing control freak. All she cares about are her freaking SOL scores. If it isn't on the SOL, they don't teach it here. A case in point: Ask her about why they don't have traditional spelling tests at WMES, two words, "spell check". No kidding. I have it in writing. When I shared her comments about spelling and spell check with the superintendent I never, NEVER, got a response. Unfortunately, the principal is close to retirement and has a reputation for being bullet-proof. If we can swing it, we will join the exodus of neighborhood parents who are sending their children to other schools.
--Submitted by a parent

Bravo to staff, parents and students for the dynamic success ths year. This school is looking at the strengths and weaknesses of all kids and as a parent it is comforting to know my child will get challenged at every level. teachers really care about kids here, before, during and after school!!
--Submitted by a parent

Very Happy in K-1 but safety concerns, poor achievement and poor leadership have forced us to change schools after Grade 3. There is little accountability within the administration. When I questioned the Principal on failing the SOL in 2007,2008, 2009 she said "I could care less about VDOE (Virginia Dept. of Education)". The final straw was my son coming home with poop in his pants a second time after being harassed in the bathroom. When I voiced safety concerns on this my sons teacher told me to put him in private school, directed me to the principal and told me "This will not end well for you or your son."
--Submitted by a parent

Good teachers with a nice way of teaching and focussed and devoted for children
--Submitted by a parent

Safety and well being of Children is first and they do a great job. However, at school functions, be prepared for a DJ, disco ball, and some song selections than are not necessarily age appropriate for elementary school children. Parent volunteers are cautiously accepted, but not in the classroom except on school party days. The kindergarten team is exceptional!!! The passion of the existing administration is for disadvantaged and ESOL children, which is fantastic. However, we would have liked a stronger challenge for children who aren't 'disadvantaged.'
--Submitted by a parent

Great school. The academics are excellent and the principal always goes the extra mile for the kids to ensure their safety and to motivate them.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this our 1st year was great. Dr Howard and her reach far beyonfd the call of duty.
--Submitted by a parent