Lane Elementary School

Moved here the middle of my son's 5th grade year. The teachers, students, and administration welcomed us into the Lane family. We are very excited about 6th grade so far. The communication between the school and the parents is more than I have seen at any of the other 4 schools my son has attended.
--Submitted by a parent

Very bad school. Full of bullies. My daughter was constantly bullied in Ms. Ortiz class. I got to know about it a month ago. My daughter is now 19 but it affected her at the time. She was quite depressed, did not have friends and her grades were not that good because of this. I never got a warning or a concern from the school, I assumed that her ups and downs were part of her moving to the USA, being in a different environment. Obviously, they were more worried of their jobs and hiding the problem so their bad reputation was not obvious. If you care about your child, go somewhere else. That is what I did.
--Submitted by a parent

Great staff, involved administration, plenty of chances for parent involvement, good communication between parents and staff
--Submitted by a parent

This school embraces it's diversity with a well attended International Night each year. There are also a lot of military children at this school which is a plus and minus. It's a plus if you are a military family. It can be a negative if you are not a military family because you have to say good bye to close friends every 2-4 years. Academics are geared to the SOLs. This is not unique in Fairfax County. This school also uses the Interactive Notebook as a teaching tool. From what I've seen this isn't unique in Fairfax County either. Unfortunately, the Interactive Notebook isn't very interactive with cutting, pasting and filling in blanks. I suppose it could be used as a resource to back up lessons but it appears it is used as the primary way to teach toward the SOL goals. Although "communication" is part of the school's motto, it has slipped considerably this academic year. Weekly e-mails are inconsistent at best and not timely. The school also fails to take advantage of Fairfax County's media outreach (Media Tips) to emphasize positives (a successful International Night for example). The loss of an excellent Assistant Principal is definitely felt this year.
--Submitted by a parent

All three of my children have attended Lane. It is a wonderful school and I can't say enough about the teachers and staff. They are always respectful and extremely helpful. They have some of the most dedicated teachers I have seen. And my youngest has benefitef from the multi-age program, having the same incredible teacher, Mrs. Nicole Groneweg for both first and second grades. The G & T program has given my kids the extra challenge they needed. The SACC program there along with the SACC Staff are wonderful. Whatever needs you have for your children, you can find help, support and understanding by their staff. (I only wish we had moved here sooner!)
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest attended Lane last year. I was very nervous after a horrible public school experience in Texas. My daughter really enjoyed the flexible math and spelling they used and now attends a full time gifted program. My middle child attends kindergarten at Lane now and my only wish is that they had more gifted opportunities for the kinders. They are not permitted to send the kinders to the GT teacher or to other classrooms for reading, etc. Her teacher has been wonderful at providing extra activities. I am very happy with the new principle. He is very excited, jokes with the kids, and the kids really like him and respect him. This is a very good school.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids have attended Lane this year and I was surprised to see that great schools only rates it at a 4. The academics are strong. Teachers are professional. School is very clean and nice-looking. Great communication. Brand new Principle, Mr. Nocco as of Feb 2009. He is great and very friendly... an improvement on the sometimes 'emotionally distant' previous principle. Office staff is professional and ensures a safe community by electronic and video surveillance of entrances. Great PTA! Lastly, the cultural diversity is AWESOME! My kids seem to be on a 'world' campus. Great experience for them. Absolutely no rasicm or religious discrimination by one race over another. Its fantastic.
--Submitted by a parent

Transfered here from a private school and have been very impressed. Solid academics, great principle, and diverse, well-behaved student body.
--Submitted by a parent

Lane has been a wonderful experience for our son. The teachers are very in tune with each child, there's always lots of communication via homework folders and e-mail, and Mrs. Montgomery couldn't be a better principal.
--Submitted by a parent

Great principal. Wonderful and caring teachers. Communication with parents is good. It is a large elementary school but I feel my children are treated as individuals and all needs met.
--Submitted by a parent