Pine Spring Elementary School

Wow, I just can't believe the "4" rating that Greatschools gives Pine Spring! Just 2 years ago it was a "7" and things have only improved there and in the surrounding communities. What did change was a tougher state-wide math test, and across the board every VA elementary school will appear to have worsened in Math because of the new criteria. The teachers at this school are awesome, and the PTA holds many fun activities for the kids throughout the year. The SACC program is enriching and there are several before and after school activities for the kids. The school building itself is clean and in very good repair, and a place of learning in which the kids can be proud. The school lunches are definitely above average, nutrition-wise, and the new Principal, Mr. Peri, has met and exceeded the high expectations of the parents. I really urge Greatschools to look deeper than just the one-year decline in the Math scores due to the tougher state criteria.
—Submitted by a parent

Well, I'm a student at Pine spring, sixth grade. I don't really know how to give an unbiased review, so I'll just make a list, so you can decide the pros and cons. - Variety of unique foreign students ( Asians, Koreans, Americans, Indians (came from india), Spanish, Phillipeno, Portirican, etc...) If you're from a different country, you can't feel left out! - Excellent STAFF members, the janitor seems to be on duty 24/7 so nice! The sixth grade teachers prepare you for middle school amazingly. The other special teachers try to make learning easier using their own creative ideas and try to communicate. - Early/Extra time, early release Mondays, yay! But, they seem to add extra time on other week days. So sad... - Academic Programs, not really challenging, and the teachers usually hold off on continuing for a few minutes or a day or so until everyone understands the subject. It helps greatly in helping someone's education, but on the other hand, it halts the other students' progress. Most teachers. - Socializing, normally the school staff encourages socializing, but, just be careful not to let your child too much freedom at home. I still get migraines at the bus, remember tone!

I've had 3 children go through this school, so I've been a parent here since 1999. I have been extremely pleased by so many hard working teachers, unbelievable principals, and just an all-around wonderful school climate and community. The pta puts on a lot of really nice events, including my favorite - International Night, which really showcases what a rich and diverse community attends Pine Spring. My oldest is at TJ now and I know he was very well prepared at Pine Spring.
—Submitted by Patty L, a parent

Wonderful teachers! I loved that my son got to go to an all day kindergarten. Another great thing is that they don't have early releases unlike other schools. This is great for working parents who would have to get off work early to pick up the children. Pine Spring has been great to my son and daughter. :)
—Submitted by a parent

The school's principal, Mrs. Bradley, is a gifted leader. She sets the tone. She is confident in her very competent staff and trusts them and delegates to them; they in turn feel trusted and supported by her. She not only earns her staff's trust and loyalty, she earns the parents' trust and loyalty. She is very involved, but is not a micromanager! Communication with parents is excellent, they are made to feel they are a vital and important part of the school. It's a team approach all around. It's a very diverse school, which is a real plus, and everybody pulls together. Fairfax County Public Schools has a real gem in Pine Spring!
—Submitted by a parent

I second everything written here about Pine Spring! It truly is a community, and my son knows and talks to students of all different ages. He sees someone that he knows from school almost everywhere we go. I'm am regularly impressed with what he is learning. The school has full-day Kindergarten and does not have early release on Mondays. There are extra 'specialist' teachers that support all of the classroom teachers. Some of the specialists are paid for by the teachers themselves, who have sacrificed a pay increase to be able to have the extra support for the students. Although a very diverse school with many students for whom English is not their first language, this only impacts the school in a positive way and every student is challenged to succeed at the highest level. The school has excellent communication with parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a really great school. We admited our daughter last year and we found the kindergarten teacher Ms. Pistell was very good. I was worried whether the first grade teacher would be as good as her. But Ms. Dowling, the first grade teacher turned out to as great as ever. Now, we are moving and daughter feels sad and she keeps saying she won't cry. The teachers are good, learning methodology is good, approach is good, vast topics are covered and encourages child to read more and more.
—Submitted by a parent

Because of Pine Spring Elementary School, I did not want to move from the area even the mortgage is so high. My son loves his school and the teachers. What amazed me that my son who is in kindergarten knows many teachers with there names, and what classes they teach. My son's school care alot about the different culture, and religions. They respect the human being and they have there ways to make the children love school with their activities provided. The first day of my son in school, there was a child crying she did not know a word in English the teachers gave so much attention to help her. It was an pizza party, the same girl stopped by me in the cafeteria speaking English to my son, unbelievable. My son said do you remember her mom, this my friend she speaks two languages now, spanish and english.
—Submitted by a parent

First reason that I love this school is the enthusiasm of teacher especially first grade. They are using network to build better connection with parent and promote parent's participation in every aspect. They came up with various idea so that the first grader can reach their educaitonal goal. The Principal awarded Millwarki award in terms of sacrifice to this school and harmonious work with other teachers. The student in this school seems to be happy and love their school and their teacher. The reading program and every special Program which promote reading and comprehension is quite satistactory and the Music team in this school is high quality with renowned teacher. Everytime they held a concert it's quite amazing to seed those lower grader to participate so successfully. Every year my daughter seems to get to know how to be cooperative and be a socilaized.
—Submitted by Agnes, a parent

Pine Spring is the best kept secret in Fairfax County. Nestled in a wooded area between Lee Highway and Rte. 50 just inside the Beltway, this charming school offers motivated teachers, a dedicated principal, varied curriculum, and a student body that runs the gamut of humanity. The art and music programs are outstanding, headed by teachers whose output proves they love what they do. Parental involvement is encouraged, and families are invited to really become part of the school. The PTA and volunteer programs thrive. The curriculum is strong and covers a wide range of abilities. Children work hard and play hard, and are made to feel that Pine Spring is 'their' school. Special events include Scholastic book sale, 'Green Eggs & Ham Day,' International Night, and after-school clubs and activities. Visit the school and you'll wish you could do your childhood education all over again.
—Submitted by a parent

Pine Spring is a wonderful school for all the kids. My kids love this school. We want to move but they love this school so much that they start to cry when I mention to them that we are going to move.
—Submitted by a parent