Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy

Kudos to the PTA for doing the work and submitting the application for the Character Counts award and winning. Because of the high quality of work represented in your State and National Schools of Character application, the Virginia state selection panel has chosen Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy as the 2012 Virginia School of Character. CEP s objective is for all schools to reach the achievable goal of becoming an NSOC. The award really has nothing to do with what happens in school on a daily basis. In fact, the principal is considered by many parents to be a bully. LCTA PTA is undoubtedly second to none but they alone can not change the teachers who are teaching and the principal who dictates. Despite all of it's awards (by application) Great Schools rates LCTA a 5?
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at LCTA, and I have to say that my experience has been very different than the two comments below. I've found the teachers and administration to be very responsive and proactive about bullying and any sort of aggression---in four years at LCTA, neither of my children has ever witnessed so much as a single fight. Over the course of our years at LCTA, we've had 8 different teachers, and have had a good experience with all of them--I believe my children are receiving an excellent education from teachers who truly care about them and their development. LCTA also benefits from the Core Knowledge curriculum and the Character Counts program. In fact, LCTA is a finalist for a national Character Counts award. The Core Knowledge program is giving the children a foundation for critical thinking, something that is lacking at most public schools. I feel very lucky to be able to send my kids to a school where they are happy socially and thriving academically.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree. If you have a verbal girl with no academic challenges, this is the place for you. If you have a boy, check the test scores. Even in the stereotypical areas that boys are usually strong in (math and science) the scores are lower than girls. If you have a boy who is not quick on the draw academically, I wouldn't risk it. If you have a boy who has energy? Forget it. My kids too had bad experiences at LC. The teachers seem one dimensional and not interested in students who don't fit their teaching style. When you have jaded teachers who dislike the administration all the cheer leading becomes pointless.The current principal is riding on the coat tails of the previous principal who turned this school around. Do your son a favor and find a school where teachers look at the whole child, work with his strengths and are happy in their chosen profession. Do your kids a favor move into an elementary school in Alexandria/Fairfax County or go private. Stats tell the truth if you know what to look for. Don't be fooled by the smaller than average class sizes and uniforms or the huge head of the principal. Look at Great Schools rating for all ACPS schools.
--Submitted by a parent

My two children have had negative experiences at Lyles-Crouch. It can be a very rough environment and the administration is largely non-responsive when there is serious bullying and aggressive contact. The teachers don't seem very happy and spend a lot of energy on classroom management. The parents are certainly very active and do a great deal for the school. I could not recommend this school if you want your child to be in a nurturing environment with teachers who are focused on the whole child.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the core education approach. I also love that the school is a uniformed school. The school also has a ton of after school activities including, my daughter's favorite, chess. I also love the playground and the veggie garden.
--Submitted by a parent

I have one child at LCTA. The principal is excellent and because of her leadership, the curriculum is first-rate (Core Knowledge). My child's teachers have challenged her intellectually and show her love as well. Parental involvement is high and due to their (our) hard work, there are lots of extracurricular activities for the children to choose from. A wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son started kindergarten at Lyles Crouch this year. He loves it and we love it and my younger son can't wait to start. Anytime I have gone to the school I have seen happy children engaged in organized activities. I see the principal every morning as the children come in to the school and she greets them all by name. My son's teacher is kind and has a great line of communication with parents. I couldn't be happier.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved our kids from a very good local private school because of the great sense of community at this school. Parents, faculty, and administrators are engaged and share a common vision. We initially sent our kids to private school because 8 years ago the school was aturnaround project--improving but with some distance to cover. We went on a tour last year and were so impressed by the culture, resources, faculty and parent/community involvement that we made the switch. It was not made without trepidation--we also loved the schol they were in--but we have no regrets...and a little more cash.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a gem of a school! I continue to marvel at the level of community support from families that attend the school to individuals that devote their time to tutor students to businesses that partner with the school to provide extracurricular activities. I find the PTA very friendly and open to new members and their ideas. I admire all that they have accomplished in the past few years. My children love their teachers and feel safe at school - which is so important to me because happy children are enthusiastic learners. I also love the character development emphasis. The students have monthly community service projects and learn about good character traits which helps to reinforce what I am trying to instill at home. I could go on and on... Ultimately, we feel very lucky to have such a sweet place for our children to learn and grow.
--Submitted by a parent

Lyles-Crouch is a fantastic neighborhood public school and my two children are thriving - principal's honor roll students. The after-school programs are fantastic but depend on parents to continue, which may be the source of a previous gripe about volunteer time. The most successful schools are those with high parent participation and we want the best for our kids, so we help out in whatever way we can. Lyles-Crouch offers parents many opportunities, big and small, to do just that. The school is tied for smallest of the cities' elementary schools and does not have on-site programs for children with extreme learning difficulties, but does quite well with kids with lower levels of learning issues. All students in the diverse population are nurtured and valued by the faculty and staff and our fantastic principal knows all the students' names, families and personal issues. She is a gem and we are lucky.
--Submitted by a parent