London Towne Elementary School

London Towne has excellent teachers, Strong Principal and leadership, Friendly office staff they are very patient and friendly even with the most difficult and angry parent I was at the main office when one of the moms enter storming in to the office yelling and screaming her head out the lades knew how to handle that difficult situation. I'm glad that I'm not working in at school because I don't have the patient to deal with difficult parents.
—Submitted by a parent

They are not enough friendly staff in office and it seems the old age staff does not have patient to listen to parents or visitors. They need to replace with young people.

London Towne seems like an overall good school with an overall friendly student, staff and parent population, excellent kid-centric academic and extracurricular activities. However, very poor communication skills demonstrated by a lead admin. The main factor underlying my concern is that when a legitimate, time sensitive concern related to the emotional well being of my child was communicated in a democratic and solution oriented manner, there was an automatically defensive and almost angry response. Rather than aknowleging the reason for the call and responding to hopes for improvement in my child's behavioral developement as well as hopes for mutual understanding between my 5 year old and her teacher, lead staff attempted to blame and later deflect with 'it has been a very difficult week for us as educators'. As a parent, I can only hope there will be change for the better, but given this horrible experience, I am concerned.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just graduated from 6th grade at LT and was in the Spanish Immersion Program. She loved the school and made many great friends. The school has a small town feeling about it. Her teacher for both 5th and 6th grade was Sr Acuna. He was by far her favorite teacher. Not only did he challenge her academically, but taught the children valuable life lessons. We hope to have another Sr Acuna type teacher in the future!
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school I graduated in the year 2008-09. I have to say those 7 years have been amazing I have a lot of fond memories of LT. Being in Spanish Immersion I was really close to my classmates. Sometimes LT wasn't the best at teaching. I had a little difficulty on my science sol 8th grade year due to the lack of science teaching at London Towne ( I still managed to receive a 528 a pass advanced) Sure some of the teachers aren't the best but there're really some exceptional teachers Sr. Acuana for intense he was my 6th grade teacher was amazing I learned so much more from his class then just academics ( I was in compacted math that year) Sr. Acuana who I consider the treasure of LT gave us life lessons,kindness and actually cared for his students. We would always have a good time in that class. GT program is great! It prepared me so much for my honor classes. PE with Mr. Birdge is amazing a lot of parents have kids who complain about PE but those kids don't attend LT where every student looks forward to gym class. On the last day of LT career I was in tears. I love LT so much that every chance I get I try to volunteer there. Go Lions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have had children at this school for the past 7 yrs. When we first transferred (reluctantly) in from a private Christian school, we were guarded, having heard nightmare stories about public shools. At that time, we were very impressed. The past 2 years have made us move back to the guarded category, although, frankly, we are done at LTES this year. I have seen recent evidence pointing toward teacher burnout, and administration inability to respond effectively to concerns. This school is headed for trouble.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I have noticed low expectations in the academic area as well. I have plans of bringing this to the attention of the principal who in my opinion is not that engaging... but I'll try nonetheless.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the low expectations, especially in the behavior area. My son had to deal with a lot of days where he came home with headaches because the class was out of control. WHen a 5th grader complains about his peers' behavior, there is a problem!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a retired teacher (Loudon County) but have lived in the neighborhood of London Towne for many years. I am very involved in the community here. While the teachers seem nice enough, I have become concerned with how many parents are expressing to me that some teachers and administrators have low expectations for the students. As a previous president once said, "Soft bigotry of low expectations". So, I would tell parents to be aware of what their child is learning and what academic expectations are being set for their child. Thank you for allowing me to share this.

I went to this school, and now my child attends. Its been a fairly organized school, with good teachers and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters schools. She is in the first grade and she enjoys it. She loves her teacher a lot/ She still talks about her kindergarten teacher and she loves going to school
—Submitted by a parent

I love London Towne Elementary School! My daughter is a 2nd grader and has thrived beautifully at school. London Towne has experienced, compassionate and caring teachers and a very hardworking administrative staff. Our community is very exicited that we have a new principal, Ms. Ryberg, who will bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience. Our humble little school is now in its 40th year of educating the children of our 'Towne' of Centreville, VA. Our children are receiving a quality education in a safe, diverse and fun environment. And the before- and after-school program ('SACC') is fantastic. We love London Towne ES -- Go Lions!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I m very happy with this school my daugther is in preschool program with Miss lisa and mis shannon I appreciate all their hard work, it s meant so much to me , my daughter when she first start last year she couldnt talk oe comminicate with me now she talking expressing her self , and telling me a short briefing about what she is doing at the school . I will never forget that before I have to guess wheteher she is sick or not , a month ago she told me mom I have a pain on my ears , I took her to the doctor , and defenetly she had ear infection , it could be somthing simple and usual but for me it is very important. Thank you miss Lisa , Miss shannon for the good work that you have done with my daughter .
—Submitted by a parent

London Towne is an example of real-world diversity-I can't think of a better place for my child to grow and be educated. Teachers are dedicated. All the administration is great, in particular Assistant Principal Sigrid Ryberg deals very well with the children and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's first year at this school and I am not impressed so far. I have tried to engage the principal on a couple of issues and he has failed to engage both times.
—Submitted by a parent

we're new to the school this year, but very impressed with the school and our child loves it.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, we are satisfied with London Towne ES. With only a few exceptions Principal Camarda has put together an outstanding and diverse staff of teachers and in our 6 years experience there has been little turnover if it were not for their thankless efforts the scores would be even lower. LT continues to have one of the lowest student-teacher ratios of any Fairfax County School. Security at the school is good. We are particularly happy with the band/strings programs at the school the instructors are incredible. Parents are welcome at the school. You get out of the school what you put into it since we are involved we have little to complain about.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school genuinely care about the education of my child. The atmosphere is clean and there are great progrms available to encourage music, art, fitness, and foreign language.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in kindergarten. Every step of the process getting the school year started has been 100% positive. She is my first to attend elementary school and I didn't know anything! Principal Carmada is an excellent leader. All of the staff and teachers are experienced and instilled a lot of confidence in me. The full-day program is an excellent fit for us. My daughter has plenty of energy to get through the day and then some. She loves the routine, the variety, and I am happy to see her come home at the end of the day with news of something new she learned. The school is also very easy to communicate with, whether by phone or by notices in her backpack. I can't wait for the many school events to start so we can become more involved. (I consulted this board too before we enrolled!) =)
—Submitted by a parent

My son goes to Kindergarden and he has a beautiful teacher in everyway the way she takes care of my son and the other kids is just wonderful. Hope my son will have more teachers like her though-out the time he has left to go to school
—Submitted by Tatiana Aguilar, a parent