Laurel Ridge Elementary School

We are military and moved to the area three years ago. Our two kids LOVED Laurel Ridge, and we have been thrilled with the quality of the education there. There are lots of enrichment activities offered, and the teachers really seem to care
--Submitted by a parent

I love LRES. Teachers are great. Principal is super great. School is clean. I pulled my kids out of private school 4 years ago and joined LRES. They love their school. Nothing to complain! Thanks.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a long time Laurel Ridge parent. All 4 of my children went were there for K-6. I think this website is a great way to take cheap shots at teachers and administrators at any school not just LR. My experience at LR from the admin, front office, teachers, counselors etc. has been nothing but positive. It's too bad for adminstrators and teachers that there is not a website called "Great Parents.Org" so they could anonymously post their personal experiences working with parents. THAT would be interesting reading!!
--Submitted by a parent

I don t like LRES s approach to reading and writing. Phonics takes a back seat to site words, which are memorized after school on flash cards the school sends home. There is no gradual modeling of good writing; instead, children are very soon (early in K) encouraged to write entire paragraphs that are rarely corrected. My child brought home reems of written gibberish, and by year s end she had certain spellings engrained in her mind as correct because that s how she always spelled those words, and no one told her otherwise. Consequences for misbehavior seemed inconsistent, and self-esteem seemed to be encouraged above self-discipline (such that my child actually seemed less willing to accept correction than before entering LRES). She was bullied and spit on by an older child, and I was not informed by a school official (I learned it from her). Her teacher was enthusiastic, parental involvement seems welcome.
--Submitted by a parent

Our six years at LRE with 2 children, 3 years apart, have been overall very good. We have had good experiences with all but one teacher, who is no longer teaching there. Of the two counselors, one is far better than the other & one learns this quickly from experience. The few times that we have had a concern that was better addressed by staff other than teachers or counselors, we have found one of the assistant principals to be very prompt, receptive and helpful. The front office seemed to have made more of an effort this past year in making people feel welcome. However, there is always room for improvement. Parents are very involved as volunteers, particularly during K - 3rd grades. In closing, parents who have children at LRE and another elementary school at the same time, always tell me that LRE is much better.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two children in the school and we are very pleased with the faculty leadership, teacher professionalism, and the wonderful family-orientated activities sponsored by the PTA.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter in Kindergarten and our experience has been incredible. Her teacher and aid are wonderful and do an incredible job at providing individual attention. This school has many parent volunteers ( I am one) and I always feel welcome. The overall rating should be much higher!
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in her 2nd year at Laurel Ridge and we could not be happier! Last year she was just starting Kindergarten and new to Fairfax County schools. Her teacher was the best I've seen and all staff including the Office staff was very friendly and professional! Thank You to all Laurel Ridge employees for making my daughters first year in a public school a great one!
--Submitted by a parent

My son just finished his firsy year at Laurel Ridge. The teacher/student ration is definately too high, but we were otherwise very happy with his teachers and the level of instruction. As other parents have noted, the front office staff is NOT very welcoming - the woman who 'greets' you when you first walk in practically grunts at you and makes clear that she would rather not be disturbed.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is just finishing kindergarten at Laurel Ridge and has had a wonderful experience. His teacher is fantastic and he loves going to school every day. My only complaint is that the office staff could be friendlier and more helpful... when I've called the school at times they have seemed to be annoyed and I'd like to see improvement in that area.
--Submitted by a parent