Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School

I really like the new principal, but have some concerns. The school brought in a number of new teachers this year. So many of them act as if they don't want to be in the classroom. Given the rigorous academics, why wouldn't the school hire upbeat and motivating instructors? Seriously. I don't understand the choices. Also, as a parent who has dealt with my kids being bullied (not at MEH), I think the school needs a more clear and logical framework for determining when and who should be suspended. It seems that in their zeal to create tighter behavior standards for the kids, common sense and fairness get sacrificed. MEH is a wonderful school, but not without some problems.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently attend George Mason High School, and i attended MEH. I hated MEH with a passion, but I'll try to be objective here. MEH has great educational standards. My middle-school self was always learning new things and had to work for her grades. Like all the Falls Church schools it's competitive. I had some great teachers in sixth grade, a mix in seventh grade, and horrible teachers in fifth grade- I'm honestly sorry they're still employed there. My Spanish teacher was great, but on of the others is supposed to be horrible. From what I've heard and from my own experience, most students hate going there. It's academics might be great but it's a horrible place to attend. I was miserable for my entire three years. When I went there, the school had a huge bullying problem, which admin completely ignored; if you tried getting help with it, they wouldn't. I know from experience. I see they now have an online bullying- reporting form on their website, and if you get bullied, report it. Maybe the new principal is more helpful. Please send your middle schoolers somewhere private if you want your older kids at the high school. I wish I'd been able to go somewhere else for those years.

Falls Church City schools are amazing with the exception of this terrible school. Mount Daniel wonderful, TJ was also very good - teaching is strong in both, and the environment warm and supportive. MEH is like something out of another school district - it's not a "Falls Church" school in any respect. My daughter's teacher this year was terrible - constantly insulting the students and complaining about his job - she didn't learn very much and wasn't happy (nor was anyone else from what I could tell) and the leadership is abysmal - the environment is so different from the other schools in the system, it's really shocking. With the money this school system has (thanks to the sky-high property taxes), they can afford the best - hiring mediocre educators who could work anywhere else is simply inexcusable.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with an earlier posting. This school has so much potential but the Principal lacks any qualities of a leader. If you go to the principal with an issue she does not know how to handle it and there was never any follow up with things that were suggested at meetings. Special education is hit or miss because there are only two that know what they are doing. All the parents know the good one and the rest -- well good luck. And your child will not be ready for high school. Maybe after this principal leaves things will get better. Let's hope.
—Submitted by a parent

For all of you kids who sent a bad review, well you are wrong! The teachers are very nice now. they give lots of high school experience. All the studies are upgraded to a very high level now. Everybody who goes to this school will succeed in their lives by a high chance.

I am in high school now, and I can tell you, looking back, that I absolutely hated this school. I had only one or two teachers my whole school career there that I felt were supportive and helpful. For the most part, they treated everyone in the school at an elementary school level and never let us gain experiences that would prepare us for the high school. When I moved to the high school in eighth grade, it was a terrible experience; I had none of the skills necessary to move forward. My parents and I had problems with some of the teachers and how they were grouping students in the higher levels, which we brought up to the principal. They did not respond to these complaints at all.

I could not be more impressed with the nurturing and talented teachers at Mary Ellen Henderson; however, the principal's inexperience and lack of judgement in crucial areas considerably hampers the learning environment for students transitioning from elementary to middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so pleased with this school. My 5th grade daughter has went from struggling and hating math to being in the top group with an A + grade. I think this is thanks to the wonderful teachers she has. She is so happy at this school. I was also worried at the begining of the year that she was too young to be going to middle school but it has been a great experience for her. Also, as a parent I have found that there are many opportunities for parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

MEHMS is an amazing school with strong leadership, terrific teachers, wonderful extracurricular opportunities and a high level of parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

My 7th grade son and I just moved into the Falls Church community in January, and we could not be happier with MEH. He has made many friends quickly. The teachers and parents are welcoming to new students. The curriculum is varied and challenging, but not too difficult. The teachers communicate well with parents and are willing to go the extra mile to help students. We love it here and highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is attending the school, he is very happy, he has become more independent, the group 5-7 is a very nice grouping. I will not change the school, excellent teachers supporting administration and a very warm and friendly enviorement.
—Submitted by a parent

My student will be finishing 7th grade and has attended all 3 years at this school. We had some trepidation with the 5-7 setup at first, but it worked out fine. My student has become more independant and responsible with homework, has earned very good grades (an improvement from elementary school) and had a great time. The setup is very nurturing and the individual grades are housed on separate floors, in separate 'pods'. We've had some wonderful teachers and some not-so-wonderful teachers but I would expect that anywhere. The front office staff is friendly and accomodating. We had some issues with bullying on the bus and it was addressed immediately. In response to previous posts, if you don't want your child to attend an activity at the rec center, simply don't send them! It has nothing to do with the school's performance!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the parents posting on March 15th, that the 5th grade is a realy problem. 10-year-olds are just too young for middle schooll and the Administration is NOT delivering what they promised at the beginning of the school year, that they will operate this grade like elementary school until the students are adjusted. There are many excellent teachers, but without a strong administration, the talents of the strong teachers are not fully blooming.
—Submitted by a parent

MaryEllen Henderson Middle School is a wonderful school environment where our younger middle school students have an opportunity to grow and develop more independence while still in a safe encouraging atmosphere. I love the small size and sense of community. Our SOL and other testing scores are outstanding, but they are not the emphasis of the education. Extra curricular activities are abundantly available and the staff is incredibly supportive of all student endeavors. I have two children attending MEHMS, and I couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

MEH is a awesome school! It is suituated in a beautiful city and the building which was built in 2005 is very modern featuring its own tv crew that tell the announcements to other students over the tv. My current teachers are encouraging but also provide me with great support. The counsolors are also very good at what they do, meaning they to are also very supportive of me.
—Submitted by a student

MEH is a beautiful facility. The concept of 5-7 has not been successful on many levels primarily because the focus has been on the 'elementary' part vs. the 'middle' part. The children don't transition well to the HS at grade 8. And, the instruction is by no means 'excellent'. I think there are many good teachers there but the overall plan and focus of the administration does not reach out for quality and excellence. And, the integration of parents is welcomed by the teachers at a 1-1 level but not from administration or counselors nor is it welcomed as a 'concept' for school improvement. This school has great potential....someone just needs to seize the moment and bring it to life.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attend this school. I don't like the fact that middle school begins at fifth grade. The younger kids are exposed to too much at such a young age. I am also not impressed with the school administrators. The principal has shown continued inexperience when dealing with bad teachers. Thereby making the students suffer.
—Submitted by a parent

MEH has been wonderful for our family. Teachers and guidance counselors are supportive, and we like the combination of youthful enthusiasm with experience and professionalism. We witness organization (those 'rutines' offer structure), focus, discipline, and fantastic instruction. Much better than previous schools.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are generally extraordinary with a couple stark exceptions. The administrators are distant, inconsistent, and do not communicate well with parents on discipline issues. Significant problems appear to be ignored and small issues are blown out of proportion.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Mary Ellen Henderson last year and LOVED it! The teachers were young, enthusiastic and wholly dedicated to each student's academic growth. I watched in amazement as my daughter evolved from a C student to a B+ student and was thrilled when her math scores on the SOLs soared and reading skills improved dramatically. MEH is the 'gold standard' for middle schools. Parents, keep small annoyances in perspective. You've got it made.
—Submitted by a parent