Robinson Secondary

We are a military family with our move to Fairfax being our ninth. I researched many schools and found Robinson to be the best fit. To be honest, the size scared me, but the school is set up like a bunch of mini schools. Middle schoolers are kept separate from high schoolers. The principal, administration and staff work together to run a tight ship. The principal has an open door policy not only to parents but to students as well. Bullying is dealt with harshly. Most importantly, Robinson offers AP and IB courses. My son has taken several IB courses which are very rigorous and require college-level work. They will definitely prove their worth when he starts college this fall. Robinson's teachers are the cream of the crop. Many teachers apply for jobs and only the best are hired. I know of two teachers who have doctorates one of which is from Yale. In addition, there are a lot of athletics, clubs and programs for students to be become involved. Robinson was recently ranked number 88 of the top 100 schools in the U.S. On the down side, athletics are very competitive. If you have a baseball or football player. You may want to look at smaller schools.
--Submitted by a parent

Robinson has one of the only full IB diploma programs in the county. The quality of academics is outstanding. The drama department is first rate winning best musical at the Cappies in 2009 for the Metro DC area. It has all the opportunities of a large school, but is divided into subschools to create small learning communities.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I are very pleased with our decision to enroll our 2 children at Robinson. The level of involvement by teachers, parents, and kids is very high. Before I retired from the military, we looked at lots of schools in the Northern VA area before deciding on Robinson. Objectively, the test scores (state and SAT) are very high. Subjectively, the school feels comfortable yet challenging. My kids have attended schools in VA, AR, SC, and Los Angeles. This is hands down the best school of them all.
--Submitted by a parent

Both our kids attended and graduated from Robinson. We were very impressed with the involvement of the administration in the day to day lives of the students, and how every activity seems to be supported from the top down. My kids were heavily involved with drama and music, and we were impressed with the quality of the instruction and direction in those departments. You don't have to be academically gifted or athletically talented to have a great high school experience here.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a Robinson Alumni who had a child attend Robinson for 2 years. I was so extremely disappointed in the way the administration handles situations at the school. They have a very severe bullying problem at the school that no one can seem to get a handle on. I have since moved my child to another school where they are very happy and have no problems
--Submitted by a parent

A truly superb school! Our children received the finest education that a public school could offer. Caring teachers and staff, they work hard to bring out the best in all students. A large school - yes; but organized into sub-schools so that individual attention can be given. Also, as a large school, it has many, many opportunities and activities. A high graduation rate, its top students go on to the top colleges and universities. My children were in the IB program and it is fantastic. Robinson is a wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

Robinson offers SOO many different choices for electives. There is something for everyone-no matter what interests they have. As a military family with lots of moves under our belt, we have chosen for our kids to stay at this school upon retirement.
--Submitted by a parent

Robinson was the main reason we decided to buy our house. The academic opportunities are wonderful. I have recommended Robinson to friends moving to the DC area.
--Submitted by a parent

The atmosphere and wide variety of not only athletic opportunities but academic ones encourage every child to reach for their potential.
--Submitted by a parent

I hope this student writing on Dec 3rd 2009 has talked to his or her parent or counselor. Please talk to someone. The school is big...some teachers may not be a fit with certain students...but overall its a good and positive place. Please reach out.
--Submitted by a parent