White Oaks Elementary School

We arrived mid-year and are deeply disappointed in the education, or lack of, my child has received since starting at White Oaks. The front office people are friendly, but overworked. The principal is willing to see you on appointment, but is not visible otherwise. My child's 3rd grade general education teacher is terrible, I consider this a waste of an academic year since arriving in her class. She has no control of the children in the classroom, little to no communication with the parents, does not send graded homework home without complaining to the work, does not use the daily agenda per the school's requirements, and barely uses electronic Blackboard to post upcoming assignments & tests. My child has gone from an excellent student in another school district to a student of mediocrity in less than one school year. So much for the great school in Fairfax County...
—Submitted by a parent

After being in this school and having two children here for two years, I have a few comments. The outgoing leadership has suffered from image problems stemming from low visibility amongst the students and faculty as well as failing to demand effective and research-based instructional strategies from all teachers in all classrooms. There is about to be a change at this school. There are a lot of good people working in this building and there are even some who are great. If your child is in the AAP or gifted program, he or she will surely have a terrific experience. If your child needs a well written IEP and academic support in the classroom, the experience will be outstanding. If your child needs a strong, Fairfax County, elementary school education, I suggest you find a neighborhood school that doesn t host this AAP program because in this school AAP seems to be favored. There is a disproportionate number of gifted students in Fairfax County and they are being bussed into this and other elementary schools. Review the school s test scores and think about that. There are two separate academic programs here. How will your child adapt to this environment?
—Submitted by a parent

My Son is in his first year at White Oaks 'Gifted and Talented' program. I am extremely happy with this school. My son loves the school and he is very happy there. The teachers are extremely good, from English, to Math, to Science to Social Studies to Music.... Lots of encouragement for students. I am so lucky to have my son getting accepted in this school, and I would like to thank White Oaks for all their support to my son, and for this excellent program they offer.
—Submitted by a parent

The school seems to have a good group of teachers (although classes seem large) - communication could be much better from the administration. We have been at the school for almost two years and have never seen the Principal at any school event. PTA and parents seem to be involved.
—Submitted by a parent

White Oaks Elementary is an exceptional school with wonderful staff and individualized learning. Parents are encouraged to get involved, there are lots of family activities run by the PTA, and the sense of community is evident. Each child is encouraged to achieve their best and the teachers set the bar high so that each child can shine. The teachers make time for students and parents. Overall, my kids thrive in the environment White Oaks creates for advanced learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with experienced and caring staff. Great for all learning styles and special needs children.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent, well-rounded school. Fantastic music program and strong academics. White Oaks is the "Gifted & Talented" magnet school for Fairfax County and attracts the best teachers. Great PTA. White Oaks was a wonderful experience for our daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and support staff are the best. The parents are encouraged to be a part of their childrens school life and are always so helpful and supportive. The teachers are the most qualified in not only the academic area of early childhood education but are also extremelely talented in the emotional aspect of educating our children. We love it there and can't imagine going anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very happy with White Oaks. Our daughter is currently a second grader and has attended this school since kindergarten. She has loved it! The teachers are very good. I have never had a problem discussing any concerns with them. I have also found the front staff to be very friendly and helpful. Overall I think White Oaks is one of the best elementary schools in this area.
—Submitted by a parent

White Oaks is a great school where teachers work hard to bring the best in a child. teachers work hard to encourage and build a sense of confidence that is required for a positive growth of children. Mrs Guzik and Mrs Black are the excellent source of encouragement and motivation to my girls.
—Submitted by a parent

Two of my three kids go to White Oaks and I couldn't be happier about it! (My third child is still preschool-aged.) Just look at those third-grade test scores from 2006! They are proof of the wonderful education the kids receive at White Oaks! The teachers there are very encouraging and communicate well with parents about areas in which their child needs improvement. Mrs. Schwalber had my son reading within his first week of 1st grade last year which was simply amazing! Parent involvement is high and the teachers/PTA find more and more ways to keep us involved-allowing such enriching activities as one-on-one reading with the students. Also, principles of respect and discipline are passed on while keeping the environment a fun one to learn in! I'm so proud to say my kids are Eagles!
—Submitted by Kelly, a parent

I have 3 children that attend White Oaks. I have been very impressed with the teachers and the staff. There are many extracurricular activities, and an outstanding PTA. I never want to move because the school is so great!
—Submitted by Vanessa, a parent

This school is one of several here in Northern VA that offer the GT curriculum and I must confess that this, our first year in the program, was profoundly disappointing. the Principle s refusal to communicate with us in spite of a flood of complaints was tantamount to negligence.
—Submitted by Gary Harding, a parent

Fantastic school! One of the best if not THE best elementary school in Fairfax Co. The teachers are of the highest quality. The curriculum is outstanding, awesome technology, superior library, art and music programs. Loads of parental involvement, strong and active PTA. Most important, students are taught math & reading to their abilities, but this is not a traditional 'tracking' system. The students are evaluated, then placed in groups where they can be taught at the appropriate level. Students are moved around in the groups as their skills demand. The teachers of each grade level work as a team and pull in specialists for the groupings to ensure that each student is getting the instruction that he/she needs.
—Submitted by a parent

With a child in the GT center here, we've liked the school overall. We actually found that her sibling in 1st grade had a wonderful teacher, Mrs. Schwalber, who really helped her blossom academically. The reviews posted cite how wonderful Mr. Tozzi was; thought readers should know that he's moved on and there is a new principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children in this school. One is in the GT Center. This school is outstanding! The principal (Mr. Tozzi), teachers, and PTA are phenomianl and all work together to make the school environment top notch for ALL students. I highly recommend this school as I don't think that there is another in this area that is better. The teachers for each grade level work together in team teaching and curriculum to give each student what they need to succeed - they teach to each child's ability. They also seem to know how to place each child with the teacher who will most benefit that individual child. I have nothing but great things to say about this school!
—Submitted by a parent

I've had 2 children in this school from k-6th, and have loved it. They have gotten excellent educations, the school has strived to balance disciplined learning with fun so that the kids enjoy being there, but accomplish what they need to. The teachers and current principal (Mr. Tozzi) are second to none! Great guidance counselors, cafeteria staff and parents as well - I can't say enough good things about it.