Congressional Schools of Virginia

I have two children at CSOV and have been thrilled since day one! Year after year we have been impressed with the teachers at the school -- their creativity , passion for teaching, and ability to teach to the individual child. The foundation of the school has been strengthened signficantly this year with the addition of three Directors and a new Head of School. The teachers are empowered and supported by the innovation of the school administration which plays out quietly in the backdrop, but has elevated the school and the day to day experience for our children. We are so fortunate to have our children at Congressional and cannot wait to see the new advancements that the administration and faculty come up with over the course of the next few years. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for an accelerated curriculum that has depth and richness, not just pace of moving through the curriculum. Congressional offers students with opportunities to thrive and explore in small classes with exceptional teachers and peers!
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids switched from public school to Congressional in Fall 2011. It has been a very positive change for our family. Congressional has a tremendous teaching staff that is both very challenging and caring. There is a strong emphasis on academics that takes place in a nurturing environment. We are very happy that we made the change and can't see our children going anywhere else. The new Executive Director of the school who started in April 2012 and the new positions of Lower School Director and MIddle School Director are a very good fit for the school and the leadership team are moving the school forward in a very positive direction.
—Submitted by a parent

My child went to Congressional for both lower and middle school. It was a great experience, both academically and socially. Most of the teachers are the cream of the crop, and the atmosphere is warm and caring.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child is also in the Bright Beginnings program, and I can't speak highly enough about the program. Depending on the age of the child the ratios are anywhere form 1:3 to 1:4 which are within or above the required ratios. The program is fantastic, the teachers loving and caring, and our child is clearly thriving. Yes, they close for Christmas and snow days (as do all schools) However, when you are paying tutition for the. year at any school, they do not pro rate the tuition for snow days, holidays, teacher work days (which ar far fewer than public schools). This is true of any of the private schools in the area. Our child is in one of the top, if not the top program in the area, and we are grateful for every day she spends there.
—Submitted by a parent

When we first came to the school we could not have been happier. Over time though, it became clear that the Bright Beginnings program was simply an attempt to increase enrollment at the expense of children, parents and teachers. Though most of the teachers are wonderful and kind, the administration leaves a lot to be desired in their ability to recognize the issues and address them. CSOV has to decide if they are a school or a daycare (which closes for 1.5 weeks at Christmas and for 8+faculty days and various and sundry days of snow, lack of power, etc. all of which you pay for) and make changes accordingly. The hope resides with the new Executive Directior. I hope for the sake of the school, the teachers and families that she is successful in addressing the issues that have continued to plague the school.
—Submitted by a parent

CSOV continues to go above and beyond in how they manage our children's food allergies. Our children have a history of being severely allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, seafood, shellfish and sesame. Congressional has met us with full support and understanding every step of the way. From meeting with us regularly to establish a safe inclusive environment for our children, to installing hand washing sinks in the cafeteria to help facilitate hand washing to avoid any possible exposures. The nurses at CSOV are very knowledgeable regarding the proper management of children with food allergies and the teachers are so understanding, caring and accommodating they really make our children feel included and welcome. We would highly recommend CSOV for the wonderful enriching well-rounded education that our children receive but would also highly recommend it to those who have food allergy concerns as well. This school has shown us countless times that they not only understand how to manage a child with food allergies but they continue to amaze us on how they strive to strike a balance between safety and inclusion in our children's school environment.
—Submitted by a parent

A great education and learning experience for our son, who has been at Congressional for 6 years.. Great teachers, campus, and parent community... All in all, Congressional is a great school especially with the emphasis on an advanced curriculum, the care and attention students receive... Our esperience has been very positive with Math, Science, foreign language and arts.. The soccer program needs a little bit of improvement..
—Submitted by a parent

High quality teaching/learning environment focused on stretch goals for reading, writing and math. Balance of emphasis is on the child and pace at which s/he develops and learns, rather than on getting through the curriculum. Objective is to prepare children for a new, globally-integrated world. Teachers are very dedicated, facilities are good. Sports program is weak, especially soccer for both boys and girls. Students graduate into best schools in the area. Will need more fund raising through greater parent involvement if school is to improve sports and extracurricular offerings. Great value for money as fees are lower than most of the competition.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had our 2 kids at Congressional for several years but have become increasingly unhappy. The administration appears unwilling or uninterested in addressing parent and teacher concerns. As a result, both 2nd grade teachers decided to leave at the end of this year (and one did not have another job lined up when she announced she was leaving). The school suffers from declining enrollment in the upper grades (9 kids/class in 7th grade), and tries to bolster the reported enrollment by including the 50 or so kids in the infant and toddler program in reported enrollment numbers. The decline is sad because there are some wonderful teachers and devoted parents.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved our rising third grade daughter here from a private school much closer to our home last year, and we couldn't be happier. Not only was she made to feel welcome from her first day of second grade, but she really blossomed academically, socially, and athletically. CSOV provides a very well-rounded education, with class sizes that are neither too big nor too small. Teachers are excellent and well-qualified, parents are super-involved, and the administration has been responsive when issues have cropped up. Should this continue to be the case, I foresee our daughter graduating from here in the eighth grade and continuing to a challenging high school and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

Sadly, this is not the school it once was. I'm not sure whether it's that the administration doesn't care or if it simply isn't able to run a top-notch school, but I've seen a big decline in my child's education over the last 3 years (ever since the new Head of School came on board). It's truly a shame, since this was once such a sparkling academic and social community. Parents and teachers still work closely together to make things work, but I'm not sure how long that can continue.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had three children at Congressional and highly recommend it. The academics are solid and the staff is wonderful. They truly get to know the students and each child's learning style. The school's program is the best prep for high school that a child can get.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 2nd year at CSOV and we couldn't be happier. The campus is beautiful, offering advantages that are hard to find 'inside the beltway' - horses! a pool! There are continuing improvements being made to the 40 acre campus. The teachers and staff are caring and dedicated. The accelerated curriculum is also an asset if you want your child to be challenged in all the right ways.
—Submitted by a parent

We are a new family at Congressional and only 2 months into the year. So far we have been extremely satisfied with every aspect of the school - rigor and breadth of curriculum, ability to provide attention to individual students/needs, communication from teachers and administrators, quality of facilities. We have found the student body to be very kind and welcoming. We highly recommend Congressional to families looking for a challenging academic program and nurturing environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teaching, innovative programs, community minded outreach, new vision.

This school is an excellent school where your children will be in a safe and advanced enviorment. If you want your children to go to a great High School send them here and it will happen.
—Submitted by a parent

The School Leadership changed during the 2007/2008 year and has made a significant and positive difference. This is our child's third year at Congressional and we are extremely pleased with her progress intellectually, physically and emotionally. Academically it ranks very well. A lot of thought goes into curriculum development. For a private school it has a very positive family atmospere.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children are at school here and love it. The school is extra-ordinarily well rounded. Academically it is superb and the social atmosphere is one that creates a sense of family.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to CSOV from 2004-2006 and i loved it! The teachers were just brilliant, and my fellow students were awesome! It was a big change from schools in the UK, but if i had to choose i'd definitely choose CSOV!
—Submitted by a student

The teachers are good, but unfortunately are under the control of the Head of school (who also calls herself the CEO). It has a lot of potential, but it won't be shown with the current administration.
—Submitted by a parent