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GreatSchools Rating

Francis Scott Key Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 597 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
No new ratings

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Parent involvement

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8 reviews of this school


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Posted February 2, 2011

Excellent School! Key School has knowledgeable and teachers dedicated to academic excellence, who are committed to help English and Spanish-speaking children learn the curriculum in both languages. The school is well managed and run by a superb Principal, who has advanced studies and understanding of child pedagogy, as well as innate leadership skills. The school provides additional support to children whose performance is above or below the academic norm. Overall, I have seen positive academic and linguistic results: Many happy, thriving and academically accomplished children who speak, read and write in both English and Spanish by 4th grade. Children who love the library and speak highly of their teachers. Parents who in general appreciate the responsiveness of teachers. Teachers who are prepared to give all the needed support to children. An academic and social community that works well together. As a parent, I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2010

Bilingual, and great relations with the community...


Posted November 19, 2008

The academics are not up to par. I'm contemplating taking my daughter out of the school as I don't think the academics are as rigorous as they ought to be. The teachers are okay. It seems to be a hit or miss, which is dissapointing. Not as great as I thought.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 17, 2007

Even if the students were not learning to be bilingual, Key would be an excellent school. The academics are top notch and the school is wonderful for working parents. There are numerous activities (chess club, homework club, sports, and more) and the school offers an extended day program (after school care) that is well organized and fun. My son enjoys the after school program so much that he does not want me to pick him up early. In addition to all of this, all students learn to be bilingual -- English speakers learn Spanish and vice-a-versa. The fact that the entire school is bilingual is helpful in comparison to schools with smaller immersion programs. The immersion aspect can be more challenging for non-bilingual parents (try helping with science reports in Spanish), but it is well worth it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 6, 2006

Escuela Key is an excellent opportunity for non-spanish speaking families to send their children to learn spanish. By the end of fifth grade, the children are fluent in spanish. It can be challenging at times to wade through homework and projects in a foreign language, but it is well worth it. Also, the Montessori program is excellent and starts at age three. I had planned to put my son in private school, but he is now 10 years old and has been at Key since he was 3. He speaks fluent Spanish and can also write it. All of his math and science has been in Spanish since kindergarten. I would highly recommend Key. The level of parent involvement is very high. The extracurricular activities are numerous (chess club, extra Spanish, art, mad science, chorus, soccer, you name it). There exists a great support system within Key.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 14, 2005

Try Ms. Kathy for Montessori - particularly strong and nuturing - private school quality in a public school. Her students always excell!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 24, 2005

This school has a montessori pre-school program. The program was really well done. The class was quite large, but the classroom space was very well designed. We were very happy with the involvement of the teachers. This is a good program with a reasonable amount of parent involvement, particularly at the older ages.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 10, 2003

Escuela Key is a Spanish Immersion School. All students take math, science and Spanish in Spanish and English, geography & history in English. By 5th grade, students can communicate effectively in two languages, a real boost in obtaining future jobs in the global economy.
—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.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
88%
History and Social Science

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

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
97%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

88 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
95%
Science

The state average for Science was 90% in 2012.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
92%
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.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
88%

2008

 
 
92%
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.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
75%

2008

 
 
84%
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.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
93%
English: Writing

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

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
85%
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.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
94%
Science

The state average for Science was 88% in 2012.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
90%

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

All Students79%
Female students79%
Male students78%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic66%
White students97%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged50%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities67%
Students without disabilities81%
Limited English proficient students54%
Proficient in English94%
Not migrant79%

History and Social Science

All Students83%
Female students77%
Male students89%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic75%
White students97%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged61%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilities86%
Students without disabilities83%
Limited English proficient students64%
Proficient in English96%
Not migrant83%

Math

All Students67%
Female students71%
Male students63%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic43%
White students94%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged38%
Not economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilities29%
Students without disabilities74%
Limited English proficient students38%
Proficient in English85%
Not migrant67%

Science

All Students90%
Female students86%
Male students93%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic81%
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged74%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Students with disabilities64%
Students without disabilities95%
Limited English proficient students78%
Proficient in English98%
Not migrant90%
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 Students89%
Female students92%
Male students86%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic79%
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged73%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilities55%
Students without disabilities94%
Limited English proficient students76%
Proficient in English98%
Not migrant89%

History and Social Science

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

Math

All Students87%
Female students91%
Male students81%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic77%
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged68%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities40%
Students without disabilities92%
Limited English proficient students72%
Proficient in English96%
Not migrant87%
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 Students87%
Female students91%
Male students82%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic79%
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged74%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disabilities73%
Students without disabilities90%
Limited English proficient students76%
Proficient in English98%
Not migrant87%

English: Writing

All Students89%
Female students91%
Male students87%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic87%
American Indian studentsn/a
White students93%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged83%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities67%
Students without disabilities94%
Limited English proficient students86%
Proficient in English93%
Not migrant89%

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 Students81%
Female students76%
Male students87%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic70%
White students97%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged66%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities47%
Students without disabilities89%
Limited English proficient students67%
Proficient in English95%
Not migrant81%

Science

All Students82%
Female students87%
Male students77%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic72%
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged63%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disabilities60%
Students without disabilities87%
Limited English proficient students69%
Proficient in English95%
Not migrant82%
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
Hispanic 47% 9%
White 45% 57%
Black 5% 26%
Asian/Pacific Islander 3% 6%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 35%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Colegio del Ano (2012)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Math club

Arts & music

School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Textile design
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Poetry
Media arts
  • Computer animation
  • Graphics
  • Video / Film production

Language learning

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Foreign languages
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered
  • Spanish
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
Clubs
  • Girls on the run

Gifted & talented

Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 9:00 am
School end time
  • 3:40 pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school: starts at 7:00 a.m.
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Dr.. Marjorie Myers
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
Age at which early childhood or Pre-K program begins
  • 3 years old
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Montessori
  • Spanish Immersion
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Foreign languages
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • Spanish
Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Spanish

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Remediation
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • School shares bus/van with other schools
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Squash
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Soccer

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Textile design
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Poetry
Media arts
  • Computer animation
  • Graphics
  • Video / Film production

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Chess club
  • Girl scouts
  • Girls on the run
  • Homework help/study buddy club
  • Math club
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Monitor the playground
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Present special topics during curricular units
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Tutor
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
More from this school
  • Key School celebrated 25 years of Immersion this year. We are a model for the nation on two-way immersion.
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

This school accepts applications on a

rolling basis

 
Apply now
 

What are your chances?


10 out of 10students were accepted for the 2012-2013 school year.


Students accepted for the 2012-2013 school year
100
Applications received for the 2012-2013 school year
100

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Gunston MS
Wakefield SHS
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2300 Key Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201
Website: Click here
Phone: (703) 228-4210

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