Oakridge Elementary School

Oakridge Elementary School should be rated as the worst public school with a poor leadership from the principal!
—Submitted by a parent

2011-2012 As a US Military family, this was my daughter's 6th school building in 4 school districts for 5th grade and my son's 4th school building in 3 school districts for 3d grade. We LOVED Oakridge!!! Excellent education and very welcoming to the military. Dr. Wright is a wonderful principal and very involved with the students! The teachers and staff are excellent! Mr. Nelson(5) and Mrs. Treadwell(3) were exceptional teachers who cared about each of their students and met their needs individually. They are very welcoming to parents helping out and volunteering. It is truly an International School with over 50 countries from around the world represented--a lot are children from International Military familiies whose parents are going to the National Defense University for the year. We were very sad to only get to spend one year at this school due to a move. Submitted by a parent
—Submitted by a parent

2011-2012 As a US Military family, this was my daughter's 6th school building in 4 school districts for 5th grade and my son's 4th school building in 3 school districts for 3d grade. We LOVED Oakridge!!! Excellent education and very welcoming to the military. Dr. Wright is a wonderful teacher and very involved with the students! The teachers and staff are excellent! Mr. Nelson(5) and Mrs. Treadwell(3) were exceptional teachers who cared about each of their students and met their needs individually. They are very welcoming to parents helping out and volunteering. It is truly an International School with over 50 countries from around the world represented--a lot are children from International Military familiies whose parents are going to the National Defense University for the year. We were very sad to only get to spend one year at this school due to a move.
—Submitted by a parent

The 2010-11 school year was the 1st year that we had a child at Oakridge Elementary. The school administration is really nice and professional. Everyone seems to really love and respect Dr. Wright, School Principal. My child was in Ms. Lawrence's 1st grade class -- the communication between teacher and parent was outstanding. We had a great experience at Oakridge -- the class instruction was excellent, the field trips were fun, the school functions were great. The before and after school care was great. I would recommend this school to anyone. We're sad that we move out of state.
—Submitted by a parent

As a staff member at Oakridge, I couldn't be more pleased with all facets of the school. The administration is unbelievably supportive; I always feel heard and respected as a professional. Everyone at Oakridge works extremely hard--long hours and lots of planning and collaboration--you would be hard pressed to find a more committed group. Additionally, the teachers are highly skilled; their talents are endless. I have worked at a number of other schools, and the teachers at those schools can't compare to the teachers at Oakridge. The student population is diverse (although less so each year, which is admittedly disappointing), which is wonderful. A small group of parents is highly involved--the PTA has never turned down a request for support. All in all, Oakridge is a wonderful place to be!
—Submitted by a teacher

I am very happy with the school, staff and parent teacher relations. The teachers are very eager to get parents inpute. The PTA is one of the best I have ever seen. I know not all parents can help but I think if they could they would. The funds we have raised each year for the school are outstanding. The teachers make the extra effort to help each child. New teachers are learning from mentors how to deal with the different ways each child learns. The field trips are great and well worth the cost. Ton's of afterschool activities to choose from. Extended day right here at the school. My daughter scored well above grade level in all her end of grade test last year. I feel this was because she had a fantastic teacher. We love this school best ever attended.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm very impressed by the professionalism of the staff and administration. We have moved a lot and attended many schools. Only a small, expensive private school has compared to this school in making us feel welcome, professionalism, safety, organization and communication. On all these counts, this school is remarkable. The school has an International theme which is lovely and true in that there is exceptional diversity here. Sadly, this school lacks any language options which would be appropriate for an International school. Nice clubs and field trips. The only disappointments we've experienced here are the shortcomings of Arlington County: a lack of quality opportunites for gifted children and the Investigations math curriculum. The only gifted services are pull-out enrichment which is completely insufficent for a child who is bright, curious and hardworking. They do the best they can with 'Investigations' but it has still caused regression in skills and confidence
—Submitted by a parent

We have had a very positive experience here at Oakridge. Coming in the middle of the academic year, things were different from what we were accustomed to. After getting a better lay of the land by sitting down and talking with the teachers and the principal, my children and I have loved it here! The teachers and staff are very warm and caring, but no nonsense when you want them to be. I became very involved in the school and am impressed by the level of commitment shown by so many parents and community volunteers. The ONLY shortcoming that I see is the fact that there is a core group of folks who seem to volunteer for everything. Greater parental involvement would make things that much better.
—Submitted by a parent

My boys attend Oakridge and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. My oldest son was struggling with his reading as soon as I said anything, they had him tested and had him working one on one with a reading teacher everyday! I love this school and my kids are so happy.
—Submitted by a parent

Two out of the three teachers we've had at Oakridge have been FANTASTIC! The level of commitment to sound teaching practices is top-notch. Parents are encouraged to become and stay involved. Great neighborhood school!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Oakridge and it could not be better!! Her teachers have all been great and the level of work she is doing in first grade is so much higher than my firends children in private schools. Terrific school, terrifc kids terrific staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Oakridge is a great neighborhood school. The teachers are wonderful and there are many excellent programs for the children to participate in. Oakridge has a diverse student body, allowing children to learn about and meet children and families from all over the world. My child went to a private school for two years and is really doing well at Oakridge.
—Submitted by a parent

All three of my children attended Oakridge. We have been very pleased with this excellent school. The teachers are wonderful; the afterschool enrichment activities add a lot of value. The school has a definite international flavor, which is an added bonus given our location near DC. Students come from all over. One father said Oakridge was better than the private international school his son attended in Korea. Overall, great little school!
—Submitted by a parent

I am so happy that my son attend to Oakridge Elementary School for 3 years because they have professional teachers and principals. I'm agree with previous review about internationality of this school.I'm trying my best to live in this area as long as I can, so my son can go to Oakridge School.Thanks to all my son teachers from the past and his 1st grade teacher Mr. Parker for their Great job.
—Submitted by Lada Mnatsakanova, a parent

This is a wonderful school, with exemplary teachers. This school has several international families due to its location close to DC as well as US government families on detail to the area. The teachers are friendly, involved, understanding, encouraging, and communicative with the parents. There is a lot of parental involvement, many activities for the childen and parents to participate in. This school is the way it should be. I would highly recommend this school to detailers. I have two sons, one who attended the 1st grade and one the 2nd. Special thanks to both Ms. Grace and Mr. Skinner, outstanding teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the 2nd grade. I'm very impressed with the school. The teachers are highly skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child. They follow through all students learning progress. The school has a lot of activites, so the teachers, students and parents can interact.
—Submitted by a parent

Oakridge is a gem of a school. It close location to the District seems to have resulted in numerous embassy families. It has become a international school with students from all over the world. A great surprise for us. Very close knit.
—Submitted by a parent