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GreatSchools Rating

Halley Elementary School

Public | PK-6 | 744 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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Parent involvement

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15 reviews of this school


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Posted January 17, 2013

We love this school. Our children have attended Halley for more than two years now and we really think highly of the teachers, staff and students. The school has a fantastic PTO, a strong curriculum, friendly staff and plenty of opportunities for advanced academic study. We feel very lucky to have our children at this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 16, 2013

We moved here from Colorado Springs, I was disappointed with the school my kids attended there and it was rated a 7. What I have quickly learned is schools in this area are at a different level than the rest of the country. A 6 here has got to be a 9 back in CO. I love Halley! My daughter is being challenged and she has such an amazing third grade teacher that inspires her to be in the advanced classes. I have seen my daughter come home proud to be moved up into advanced math and Language Arts. I am impressed with how organized the school is and how parent friendly it is. My first grader loves school too and his teacher is very good. Very surprised this school rates a 6. I have yet to meet a parent unhappy with this school. They look at each child and place them accordingly. Whether they are advanced or not. Very happy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 24, 2012

This is school is wonderful and has extremely high school spirit especially when considering surrounding schools. The school rating is a bit skewed if you compare against nearby schools such as Silverbrook elemetary. Halley's ratings for Math are extremely high, more so that surrounding schools, yet Reading is somewhat lower. This is due to the higher diversity and children whom speak more than one language. It is an extremely well rounded school and am extremely happy with it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 18, 2011

My daughter attended Kindergarten at Halley during the 2010-2011 school year. We loved the school, the teachers and the family feel that the school has. I think the prinicipal is doing an excellent job and the teacher my daughter had in Kindergarten was terrific. We couldn't be more pleased.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 4, 2011

I am surprised theat this school does not have a higer rating. Two of my children attend this school and I could not be happier. They have been at the school about 3 years now. The teachers are great along with most of the staff. The counselor is questionable, seems to see things through rose colored glasses and the school nurse needs to review her policy about notifying parents of lice outbreaks. Other than that I am very pleased especially with the encouragement of parent envolvment. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 10, 2010

For a school that takes pride in having a Bully-Nots program, they are very hypocritical about bullying. My son went there for 2 years and it were the most brutal years of his life. For those 2 years, my son didn't have friends and was constantly bullied and labeled names by his peers. He was showing all the signs of being bullied but the staff chose to ignore those signs. When he talked to the counselor, they would always find a way to make my son look like the bad guy. The same was true when he would tell the teacher if someone was bullying him. The tables turned however when he started standing up for himself and they were labeling him as the instigator not the victim. Overall, if I knew he would have gone through all this, I would have payed extra money to be in another boundary.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 20, 2009

I love the small class rooms and the teachers truly love their jobs. We're a military family and move almost every year. It is always so dissapointing to move into a new school with disgruntled and grumpy teachers. There are true professionals at Halley who love their jobs!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 8, 2009

We have no words to describe how greatful we are for Halley School, programs for kids with special needs and the entire staff. Our son has speach delay issues and thank you to the great support provided the fairfax country programs for children with special needs and the wonderful work of Halley staff our son has make a such a progress and we are able to communicate with him. The first time my son called me Mom and I knew he really knew what the word meant, was one of the greatest moments of my life. Thank you Hallaey for the Wonderful work you do for all our kids and for us!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2009

There is no way I could ever put in writing how wonderful this school is. From Mrs. Funk to every teacher and specialist, the atmosphere is dynamic and exciting. Their counselors are god-sends, the teachers are a team and the kids love going to school. I have 2 students at Halley and we, as a family could not be happier!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2009

We absolutely love Halley! I have a kindergartner and a 1st grader and am so proud that we will be attending again next year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 11, 2008

Everyone from Janet Funk to each teacher provides an environment that encourages learning, respect and high standards of performance. I feel blessed to have each of them in my child's life.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 22, 2008

I am surprised to see this school receive such a low rating. This will be our third year at Halley, and we could not be more pleased. Our son entered Halley in 3rd grade, and we hope that we will be in the area long enough for him to finish 6th. The teachers are outstanding, and the environment is very welcoming and friendly. There are many opportunities for parent involvement, and there is fantastic leadership in the administration. We can't wait for the open house 'advertisement' in August, in which the entire staff board school buses and drive around to meet students in the various neighborhoods Halley serves. We are looking forward to another great year at Halley!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 25, 2008

We just love Halley. Our son went there for 2 years and we had to move away. The school allows a lot of parent involvement - not just PTA, but parents can attend morning program and eat lunch with their children everyday! Beautiful, clean building too. Friendly teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 23, 2007

My son has attended Halley for 3 years. We moved into the school during the middle of his Kindergarten year from overseas. The school administrators were fabulous about transitioning my son smoothly and easily. This school has fantastic leadership and teachers. The extra activities like the amazing Morning Program which originated here and is being spread to many other schools as well as a strong non bullying program makes this school just over and above. I know before I started being involved with this school they had lower test scores, but I know the school is doing great on tests now. Just a wonderful wonderful school with tons of parental involvement. I am very sad to be moving from the area and leaving the school behind.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 7, 2005

Halley Elementary is an extraordinary school, where the staff and parents work to ensure that all kids have an equal opportunity to succeed. When offered the option of changing schools, we declined without reservation, even though the new school would have been a gifted/talented opportunity for our child.
—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.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
84%

2008

 
 
88%
History and Social Science

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

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
95%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
90%
Science

The state average for Science was 90% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
88%

2008

 
 
89%
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.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
88%
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.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
84%

2008

 
 
82%
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.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
84%
English: Writing

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

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
81%

2008

 
 
84%
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.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
88%

2008

 
 
81%
Science

The state average for Science was 88% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
85%

2008

 
 
79%
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.

111 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
90%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 86% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2012.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
88%

2008

 
 
75%
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 Students87%
Female students84%
Male students91%
Black students69%
Asian students93%
Hispanic87%
White students94%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged65%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities91%
Limited English proficient students80%
Proficient in English88%
Not migrant87%

History and Social Science

All Students88%
Female students85%
Male students91%
Black students63%
Asian students100%
Hispanic93%
White students94%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities92%
Limited English proficient students92%
Proficient in English87%
Not migrant88%

Math

All Students70%
Female students60%
Male students85%
Black students50%
Asian students86%
Hispanic67%
White students81%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged30%
Not economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities76%
Limited English proficient students53%
Proficient in English74%
Not migrant70%

Science

All Students89%
Female students85%
Male students94%
Black students69%
Asian students100%
Hispanic93%
White students94%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged76%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities92%
Limited English proficient students92%
Proficient in English88%
Not migrant89%
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 students90%
Male students84%
Black students79%
Asian students86%
Hispanic90%
White students88%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged75%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities68%
Students without disabilities91%
Limited English proficient students84%
Proficient in English88%
Not migrant87%

History and Social Science

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

Math

All Students65%
Female students73%
Male students59%
Black students52%
Asian students76%
Hispanic58%
White students76%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged53%
Not economically disadvantaged72%
Students with disabilities21%
Students without disabilities76%
Limited English proficient students59%
Proficient in English69%
Not migrant65%
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 Students97%
Female students95%
Male students100%
Black students95%
Asian students91%
Hispanic100%
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Students with disabilities93%
Students without disabilities97%
Limited English proficient students96%
Proficient in English97%
Not migrant97%

English: Writing

All Students91%
Female students97%
Male students81%
Black students75%
Asian students100%
Hispanic93%
American Indian studentsn/a
White students94%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities53%
Students without disabilities98%
Limited English proficient students91%
Proficient in English90%
Not migrant91%

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 Students75%
Female students81%
Male students63%
Black students50%
Asian students82%
Hispanic83%
White students83%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged73%
Not economically disadvantaged76%
Students with disabilities36%
Students without disabilities85%
Limited English proficient students81%
Proficient in English72%
Not migrant75%

Science

All Students87%
Female students86%
Male students89%
Black students63%
Asian students86%
Hispanic100%
White students94%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged83%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilities53%
Students without disabilities94%
Limited English proficient students78%
Proficient in English90%
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 Students94%
Female students98%
Male students88%
Black students93%
Asian students91%
Hispanic100%
White students98%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilities87%
Students without disabilities95%
Limited English proficient students88%
Proficient in English95%
Not migrant94%

History and Social Science

All Studentsn/a
Male studentsn/a
Black studentsn/a
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Not migrantn/a

Math

All Students74%
Female students87%
Male students59%
Black students63%
Asian students65%
Hispanic82%
White students84%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged59%
Not economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilities48%
Students without disabilities81%
Limited English proficient students58%
Proficient in English78%
Not migrant74%
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
White 47% 57%
Asian/Pacific Islander 18% 6%
Black 18% 26%
Hispanic 17% 9%
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 23%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

8850 Cross Chase Circle
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Phone: (703) 551-5700

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