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GreatSchools Rating

John Adams Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 824 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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6 reviews of this school


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Posted July 4, 2012

We've had a hit or miss experience at John Adams. One child was in a classroom with some involved parents and great teachers who gave her challenging work even before she was formally classified as gifted later in the year. My other child had teachers who meant well but weren't able to focus on teaching to students of high ability, no involved parents, and students he didn't click with. The school focuses on serving a challenging population--the majority of students are low-income with parents with limited educational backgrounds, including many recent immigrants. The better students don't get much attention, and have a tendency to get overlooked in classes geared towards getting struggling students to meet SOL proficiency standards. The Spanish immersion program--which gets little institutional support--seems to be the escape valve for the brightest students and most involved parents. There is a small group of involved parents who make heroic efforts to support the school via PTA, scouts, etc., but my sense is that many families at the school are either struggling just to put food on the table or so new to the country as to be unfamiliar with these sorts of activities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 28, 2012

My daughter is in first grade, and this is her second year at John Adams. I have nothing but good things to say about the school and everyone I've dealt with, from the classroom teachers we've had to the nurse, social worker, and special area teachers. Despite it being a large school I always see the school personnel calling students by their names which shows that they are committed to the kids and the school. Parents complain about the Spanish Immersion program consistently, but I took the time to learn about it ahead of time to make the right decision for my child, which turned out to be a regular ed classroom. I am an educator, have been for 14 years, and as it is in EVERY school, you as a parent have to advocate for your child. It does start at home! If you send your child to school ill prepared, you will struggle right along with your child. Parents need to stop blaming the school and everyone else and take a look at what "product" they are sending out in the world.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 28, 2008

My son has Asperger's Syndrome and is getting exactly what he needs in his K-1 classroom at John Adams. We have seen tremendous improvement in his speech, writing, and social skills. We love his teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 17, 2005

My advise to parents with a learning disabled child is to run! this is not the school, nor the school district for you. When the ignorant state 'it starts at home...', It is the uneducated statement of someone who does not have a child with a learning disability. We know what we have to go through. The no child left behind act is a joke in the alexandria city school system.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 8, 2005

Despite John Adams did not meet the no child left behind requirements does not mean its not a good school. Education begins at home. It's up to the parents to make sure their child is getting the education that they need. I feel the teachers can only do so much and then the parents need to step up to the plate and take responsibility in making sure their child is getting the education they need. I have a son you attends John Adams Dual Language Program and I am very pleased with program and the teachers he has had for the two years he has been in the program.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 20, 2005

Despite what testing scores would indicate, John Adams is actually a very good school. I have two daughters in the Spanish Immersion program which is really wonderful. Thanks to the great teachers at John Adams, this school gives a good education. More extracurricular activities would be a bonus (there are few), but being a suburban area, there are many rec departments around that can supplement.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 86% in 2012.

113 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
67%

2008

 
 
71%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 87% in 2012.

112 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
90%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
47%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
74%

2008

 
 
85%
Science

The state average for Science was 90% in 2012.

114 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
84%

2008

 
 
86%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 88% in 2012.

86 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
88%

2008

 
 
82%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 84% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 70% in 2012.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
78%

2008

 
 
87%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 89% in 2012.

98 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
88%

2008

 
 
78%
English: Writing

The state average for English: Writing was 87% in 2012.

101 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
84%

2008

 
 
77%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 89% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

88 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
41%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
77%

2008

 
 
76%
Science

The state average for Science was 88% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
77%

2008

 
 
72%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

All Students68%
Female students80%
Male students58%
Black students60%
Asian students82%
Hispanic69%
White students62%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged64%
Not economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disabilities44%
Students without disabilities72%
Limited English proficient students58%
Proficient in English81%
Not migrant68%

History and Social Science

All Students72%
Female students78%
Male students67%
Black students70%
Asian students91%
Hispanic61%
White students85%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disabilities50%
Students without disabilities76%
Limited English proficient students64%
Proficient in English83%
Not migrant72%

Math

All Students47%
Female students50%
Male students44%
Black students38%
Asian students73%
Hispanic49%
White students38%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged43%
Not economically disadvantaged56%
Students with disabilities31%
Students without disabilities49%
Limited English proficient students39%
Proficient in English58%
Not migrant47%

Science

All Students73%
Female students82%
Male students64%
Black students70%
Asian students92%
Hispanic69%
White students69%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilities44%
Students without disabilities78%
Limited English proficient students67%
Proficient in English81%
Not migrant73%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. Data is not reported when there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

All Students81%
Female students85%
Male students78%
Black students96%
Asian students100%
Hispanic61%
White students82%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged77%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities54%
Students without disabilities86%
Limited English proficient students68%
Proficient in English95%
Not migrant81%

History and Social Science

All Studentsn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Not migrantn/a

Math

All Students60%
Female students53%
Male students67%
Black students61%
Asian students80%
Hispanic48%
White students65%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged56%
Not economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilities38%
Students without disabilities64%
Limited English proficient students51%
Proficient in English69%
Not migrant60%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. Data is not reported when there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

All Students72%
Female students80%
Male students65%
Black students74%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic68%
White students91%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilities36%
Students without disabilities77%
Limited English proficient students77%
Proficient in English69%
Not migrant72%

English: Writing

All Students72%
Female students77%
Male students67%
Black students82%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic55%
American Indian studentsn/a
White students82%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged68%
Not economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilities27%
Students without disabilities78%
Limited English proficient students65%
Proficient in English78%
Not migrant72%

History and Social Science

All Studentsn/a
Male studentsn/a
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Not migrantn/a

Math

All Students41%
Female students43%
Male students39%
Black students45%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic27%
White students50%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged43%
Not economically disadvantaged37%
Students with disabilities18%
Students without disabilities44%
Limited English proficient students41%
Proficient in English40%
Not migrant41%

Science

All Students59%
Female students61%
Male students56%
Black students67%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic45%
White students55%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged52%
Not economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilities18%
Students without disabilities64%
Limited English proficient students52%
Proficient in English64%
Not migrant59%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. Data is not reported when there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".
  • In 2007-2008, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".

About the tests


Virginia school accreditation ratings reflect student achievement on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests and other assessments in English, history/social science, math and science. The 2009-2010 ratings are based on passing rates on tests taken during the 2008-2009 school year or on overall achievement during the three most recent years. Schools are identified as either Fully Accredited, Accredited with Warning, Conditionally Accredited or Accreditation Denied.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 43% 26%
Hispanic 30% 9%
White 16% 57%
Asian/Pacific Islander 11% 6%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 55%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 12N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

5651 Rayburn Ave
Alexandria, VA 22311
Website: Click here
Phone: (703) 824-6970

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