Union Mill Elementary School

School is VERY large and only has one part-time GT teacher. The PTA is a click of SAHM. Since Mrs Shadis left the school has gone downhill. The houses around the school are all older and close together.
--Submitted by a parent

A fine elementary school, but what genius on the PTA approved the "bear paw" car magnet that's really a cat paw? Bears have five toes and non-retractable claws.

Union Mill Elementary is a wonderful school, located in an great neighborhood. As a parent I really love the extra-curricular opportunities the school offers, such as Mad Science. Also feel fortunate to have an excellent Principal at the school in Ms. Shadis. All in all its a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel the same for second grader. My little student is given spelling words but never tested. The work so is so minimal, that I am forced to supplement the education with my own "work". I am hoping that third grade will be more challenging, but seeing that no new concepts were learned, I am a little afraid that it will be too challenging! Also, the testing procedures are disappointing. The students are pulled from class and "tested" for their reading assessment and for the gifted program in the POD where all the other classes are walking in and out of class. These test are used to determine third grade placement and the testing is compromised because the students don't even have a quiet testing area. It is ridiculous that they put so much emphasis on a test that is so poorly given. Very disappointing!
--Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed by the very low workload I am seeing with my second grader. He is an average student being minimally challenged. Can imagine parents of more academically advanced students are quite frustrated. In the fifth month of school very few new skills have been developed since first grade. Concerning.
--Submitted by a parent

Union Mill is a great school. I feel very fortunate to have a child going there. The leadership, teachers, the programs, all of this make for an exceptional school. We've attended a couple other schools in the county and none compare to U.M. Lisa Lachick
--Submitted by Lisa Lachick, a parent

Union Mill is a great community school. Nestled in the middle of the Little Rocky Run community, it feels like a small town atmosphere with the quality education of Fairfax County. My sons' teachers have been exceptional and they have a very low staff turnover rate, which I think says a lot about the principal, parents and students.
--Submitted by Charmaine Mitchell, a parent