Mountain View Elementary School

Agree with a previous post, if your child has special needs and does not fit into a certain "box", this is not the school (or county for that matter) for your child. Very disappointed with our entire experience in PWC and their views on how children with special needs should be educated-moved from the county for better opportunities and a more child focused education. PWC is concerned with test scores, funding and social status-not children. If you have special needs, check THOROUGHLY into how they plan to place your child even though they claim to try to integrate everyone mainstream.
—Submitted by a parent

we've had our kids here for 6 years and couldn't be happier, amazing staff, wonderful principal, and they've gotten past the over-crowding of a few years ago thanks to the construction of nearby schools. The PTO holds numerous events as well. For us the best thing about this school is how much effort they put into getting parents involved, there are tons of opportunities to volunteer.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had 2 children go through this school and have been very happy with the attentiveness shown by the teachers. We are a military family and move often, so finding good teachers is always my goal. MountainView has been very good at communication & teaching students not only academics, but "life lessons" too. They have made it very easy for me to be involved in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I wished they could take my 4year old ! there is NO P-K just K to 5th grade. Kids seem happy to go to school. some teacher are trully wonderful ! A great staff ! lots of fun in there... and no ESOL class !!! there are around 25-30 kids bilinguals from around the world who do not have access to ESOL program within this school. kids of the program have to go to another school in another neighborhood. Sad ! but very good school !
—Submitted by a parent

If you child doesn't just fit into the standard mold, this school is not for you. We pulled our kids and are homeschooling and are very happy we did..
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing, great teachers who care about each and every student. With a beautiful school and a great principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Mountain View has been a wonderful 'third' home for my two grandchildren, with great teachers and a really kid-friendly atmosphere. They wake up ready to go to school everyday, happy to participate and engage in its activities, while learning and thriving!

What a wonderful school with an exceptional staff and administration. This school also receives a lot support from the parents. Everyone is excited about educating the kids at this school!
—Submitted by a parent

If you are a parent and you have time to volunteer, MVES will let you! I love it!
—Submitted by a parent

We can compare this elementary school and district, to a very well funded, highly parent involved district. I believe this school and district to be the best in commutable area, but compared to national standards, this school suffers from lack of local financial availability and lack of local parent focus on public school education. This is not a judgement as to why that is, as this area is very hard working. My child received no individual attention as she needed, could not take the 'extra curricular' class as it was lottery based (for a class that, nationally, is standard, not extra), and has 27 students in her overcrowded, much substituted class. Admin is busy with policy focus. No doubt this school works hard, but with local deficiencies, I find my child's education substandard and deficient. I am very grateful for the good that is there, tho.
—Submitted by a parent

The previous post has said it all. One thing was not quite true - Prince William County has always been half-day kindergarten, and for the past 3 years has been phazing in full-day. It was never an issue of overcrowding at Mountain View. It was that way everywhere. Next year, the whole school system will be full-day. But...the school will still be overcrowded, with 4 trailers. Most schools are in the same predicament, though - not just at Mountain View.
—Submitted by a teacher

The problem with Mountain View is the rapid growth of the area. The public school system is struggling to keep up. The classes are over-crowded, and they even had to make kindergarten half-a-day to make room for all of the students (that changes to full days next school year). On the upside, there is a lot of parental involvement and the teachers have been excellent. I think the whole Prince Wm. school system will have to go through some growing pains before it's the system we want.
—Submitted by a parent

I have worked in two elementary schools in PWCS, and I chose to come BACK to the school because I enjoyed working there so much! I am saddened to read some of the parent comments on this board because I know how hard everyone works at MVES...I truly have not worked with a more dedicated staff! We have seen some changes with a new administration, but although change is sometimes difficult, it is also good to 'shake things up.' I feel that most teachers are supportive of the administration, and the administration is supportive in return. All who are involved at MVES (students, parents, teachers, and staff) are life long learners. Quality learning takes time and patience! I would like to see parents who have concerns about the school become involved in becoming part of a solution. We all need to work together for the good of the students!
—Submitted by a teacher

You will have a fight on your hands if your child has any special needs. The principal is new and is completely unknowledgeable about IDEA and Section 504. These kids are seen as nothing more than a burden on the school system. 25% of the children at this very wealthy school cannot even read on grade level. This is shameful. The one saving grace -- The teachers. All of the teachers we have had have been outstanding. They do not support the administration either. Keep that in mind.
—Submitted by a parent

I totally disagree with the other reviewers. We are a military family who has experienced many different schools. Our third child attends Mountain View. We moved into this district because of the wonderful test scores. Mountain View is one of the most disappointing schools we've ever attended. The minimum needs are met, but there's no excitement. Take a peek at Alvey instead.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent who sits on the Advisory Council of this outstanding school. The academic achievement of all the students in this school is paramount. Truly, no child is left behind, here. There are specialty teachers on site in the fields of special education, mathematics, reading, music, art and PE. There is a fantastic gifted program. The school site is lovely and rural with views of Bull Run Mt. and lush green fields for recess romps! The counseling staff is absolutely awesome! The principal and administrative staff are forward thinking and kind. One thing to consider...the housing in this area is booming. We have undergone new zoning and overcrowding in this school for the past three years. This is likely to continue for another three years before it stabilizes. Everyone wants to have there kids go to this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding! We moved here because of the awesome school. My son is gifted while my daughter is learning disabled so I have gotten to see a variety of aspects of the quality education both have received. I am an educator myself and must say that this school is tops.
—Submitted by a parent

We were so pleased that we bought a house in the Mountain View area. Overall, my kids had a good experience there although they were transferred the next year. The principal is a super leader.
—Submitted by a parent