Abingdon Elementary School

My son had a fantastic first year at Abingdon in the 3rd grade. The teachers are very supportive and involved and the principal is absolutely one of the best I've ever met. The school has a very good sense of supportive culture and community with multiple community events during the year, a fantastic arts program, and classes you won't get at any other elementary school (my son adored his architecture class!). I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started kindergarten at Abingdon this year and we couldn't be more pleased. We love Fairlington and are very happy that Abingdon has exceeded our expectations - the small class sizes and the diversity of the subjects for kindergarten (architecture and science) is impressive and keeps our daughter engaged and excited to be in school. We appreciate that the children are challenged to learn and grown, and there are so many opportunities for parent and community involvement throughout the year.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been consistently impressed by the principal, teachers, and staff at this school. This is my daughter's second year at Abingdon, and we are so pleased with our choice to have her attend this school instead of private school. She has really blossomed with the help of the teachers and aftercare staff. The PTA is run by an extremely dedicated group of parents, and I have always felt welcome at meetings even though my volunteer time is quite limited. It definitely has the community school vibe.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school with a varied program that keeps the kids on their toes and, most importantly, from getting bored. Imagine, the kids aren't bored in school and are actually learning that learning is fun! The principal is a constant presence at all school functions and is on a first-name basis with the kids; she loves the kids and has infected the teachers with the same attitude.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. The GIFT program is exceptional. My daughter has been a student here for 4 years and is so happy. I love the diversity, teaching staff and nuturing atmosphere of the school. Truly a gem!
—Submitted by a parent

Both my kids go to Abingdon Elementary in Arlington VA. While every school in Arlington is great, Abingdon is fantastic. The teachers are wonderful, highly experienced, and enthusiastic about their jobs. The Principal and her staff are doing a fantastic job. And, the kids are all happy. If this sounds to good to be true, you need to look into their Project Gift. My kids do claymation movies, tabelaus, learn architecture all in order to excite them and motivate them while they are actually studying social studies, math and science. Its a fantastic school and we could not be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

Abingdon is an extraordinary school. My children are thriving in reading, science, communications and the arts thanks to their loving, dedicated and talented teachers. Abingdon is the best kept secret in Arlington led by an exceptional Principal of the Year. Abindon has provided our family with the greatest gift - children who love to learn and are achieving academic success.
—Submitted by a parent

Abingdon has an intangible quality that's difficult to put into words. Kids are proud to go there. Teachers are proud to teach there. It feels safe and enriching and happy. Besides receiving an excellent education, my child is truly cared for, and that means everything!
—Submitted by a parent

When I talked to my friends, family and co-workers about the classes and programs at Abingdon - they are surprised that it is a public school! Most can't get past that a child in kindergarten has science and architecture classes (which are my daughter's two favorite)! Although we enjoy living in the Fairlington community, it is Abingdon that is keeping us here. We are absolutely in love with Abingdon.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two sons at Abingdon--one in first grade and the other in third grade. We love everything about Abingdon, from the reading, writing, math, science, and social studies in the regular classrooms to all the 'specials'--architecture, art, music, PE, science, and 21st century communications--which provide students with extra instruction outside the regular classroom setting. The school also has an excellent library (including special 'library nights') and a morning news program 'Cardinal News Network.' After school activities such as African drumming and science are an additional treat for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is nearing the end of her first year at Abingdon and we could not be more pleased. We feel her kindergarten experience has been superb. Her teachers were excellent and she has flourished academically in the nurturing environment at Abingdon.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent!Small number of students per class, the teachers are great, and diverse in population. The staff knows each of the students and cares for them. I'm really greatful my daughter went to Abingdon.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to a private school for academic instruction for pre- k. She did not look forward to going to school. Abingdon has embraced my daughter. She wakes up every morningexcited about going to school. Mrs. Napeloene and her team are terrific! the staff at abingdon show that they care. First of all the staff cares about each other. The way that they speak to each other shows as a model for the students. They make the parents and the community feel welcomed. This is a fabulous school.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Abingdon! It has been a perfect fit for our child. We are so impressed with the principal (voted Arlington County Principal of the Year for 2006-2007 school year), staff and programs. The extra 'Wheel' classes in Architecture, Communications and Science Lab aren't found in any other elementary school in the US -- and the teachers who lead these courses are passionate about teaching their subject area to children. The teaching and resource staff thrive under the leadership of Principal Joanne Uyeda. She is supportive of the children, families, PTA, after-school activities, etc. There's something going on at Abingdon at least once a week -- always an opportunity to meet with teachers and view student work. Abingdon is an incredible school that embraces diversity and teaches students that 'A Peaceful World Starts Here' (Abingdon's slogan).
—Submitted by a parent

As my son enters 5th grade, I reflect upon my son's last 4 years at this school and am grateful that my husband & I selected Abingdon. This school has that 'small town' school intimacy hat comes with low student/ teacher ratios. There have always been stimulating classrooms. Project G.I.F.T has offered unique learning opportunities violin, clamation, architecture, communication not offered elsewhere. In his 5 years at Abingdon, his academic performance has never been compromised, instead, he continues to be challenged to perform to his highest potential.
—Submitted by a parent

I really love this school. It has a close family environment. It's curriculum has so much to offer and I am happy to have my children at this school. The children love this school and would not want to attend any place else.
—Submitted by Heather, a parent

My son has attended Abingdon for two years. He started in Kindergarten. I am an active volunteer in the PTA and know first hand about Abingdon's dedicated Principal, teachers, and staff. I encourage interested parents to set up a time to meet Principal Uyeda and visit the school. Learn for yourself about Abingdon's Project GIFT (extra classroom instruction through classes in architecture, journalism, violin, etc.); differentiated instruction for students at all levels; teachers who come early, stay late, and actively participate in the PTA; and much more more.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent schoool. Hard working, dedicated and energetic staff and administration working to build literacy in quite an international setting. Fabulous library and lots of extra programs including innovative scheduling, strong arts, and extra curriculars.
—Submitted by a parent