Canterbury Woods Elementary School

This is our second year at CWES. We are very impressed. We came from another local Elementary school and the difference is night and day. Not only does Canterbury have Cued Speech, Kennedy Center CETA Program, Advanced Academic Program but they continually go above and beyond to add new programs to benefit the kids. For example all the teachers are required to study and practice Responsive Classroom. Most teachers take advantage of after school teacher training programs. The school strives for improvement all the time and is often picked for pilot programs - they were a year ahead of other Fairfax schools converting to online SOL testing and the new letter grade system. They seek out parent involvement (not a standard among all schools). The PTA is highly successful and sponsors great events and raises money responsibly (this year they eliminated their biggest fundraiser because they had too much money carried over from the previous year). Parental participation is outstanding. This is an exceptional school that is always asking 'how can we be better...'
--Submitted by a parent

Not sure what a previous reviewer said about rude office staff. They are the friendliest group I've ever met. If they want to see rude staff, swing by Frost middle school. That reviewer will be in for a 'rude' awakening. This is a top tiered school and deservedly so. We bought our home in this area for that very reason. GT program is awesome and the school is consistently ranked very high. Again deservedly so. They have a partnership with the Kennedy Center's CETA program, almost all of the teacher enroll in after school continual enrichment and learning programs on their own time. Incredible school and great Principal who encourages both student and staff to do better and strive for higher goals. PTA is incredible and do so much for the school and kids. We are very happy.
--Submitted by a parent

Office people are really rude. And PTA are already set up with friends. My kid was treated as criminal by other kids and punished so hard by the teacher. If you are not in GT class, no homework and teacher really does not care about the student. Really rally a bad school.
--Submitted by a parent

We just love this school! Our child just finished the second year at this school and the transition has been wonderful. The school counselors (including Ms. Dodds) are wonderful and supportive, and the teachers are high energy and striving to do their very best for each student. The strings program is very, very well run. The SACC teachers do a fabulous job with the program as well, with the older students grouped together separately from the younger students. There is a strong PTA with many after-school activities, including Girls on the Run, Odyssey of the Mind, chess club, scouting programs, and foreign language classes.
--Submitted by a parent

CWES is a good school but there are some issues to be aware of. They practice "mass punishment" for the crimes of the few, i.e., if a few kids are acting up, the entire class gets in trouble (or section in the cafeteria) and has to suffer the consequences. This is not based on one teacher but is a common practice among multiple teachers and staff at the school. Some of the teachers are not fans of the principal--she seems a bit hands off in my experience of going through IEP mtgs (she never said a word) and lets her assistant handle other big issues of mass interest to parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Canterbury Woods. It's tucked in a private setting, safe and secure feeling. All the teachers are wonderful, hands on, and great resources. They are really "with it" and are great advocated for the students. Diverse programs with friendly staff and quality children. I can't wait for the large-scale renovations, which completes in 2014. Very exciting!
--Submitted by a parent

FABULOUS school! The principal is wonderful and knows how to advocate for the school. The teachers are fabulous -- they even had Pajama Days when the students were having Standards of Learning testing this spring. The PTA is very involved and supports the students for field trips, after school activities, and a Laps for Laptops program. The school has an upcoming renovation scheduled and the entire community was welcomed to see the blueprints and plans. FIVE STARS!
--Submitted by a parent

I agree w/the previous comments! I wish the actual building were newer and larger, however the curriculum and the teachers and the staff are excellent and my son absolutely loves it there!
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school. Especially love the art and band teachers. Great program for the deaf and hard of hearing. Caring teachers who go above and beyond.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school. We come from private and the program here is just as challenging, and it has a great diversity of after and before school programs. The teachers are wonderful, and the kids are top notch! :)
--Submitted by a parent